South Korea sticker visa is a physical visa stamped in the passport issued by the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea. It is required for Indian passport holders who are not eligible for visa exemption or K-ETA entry (based on current eligibility rules). The visa is mainly issued for tourism, business visits, family visits, conferences, and short-term stays.
Applicants must apply through the designated visa application center by submitting documents, completing the application form, and attending biometrics or interview if required. After approval, the visa is stamped in the passport.
The visa generally allows a stay of up to 90 days (short-term visit visa), but the validity period, number of entries (single or multiple), and stay duration depend on the applicant profile and embassy decision.
Even with an approved visa, final entry into South Korea is subject to immigration clearance at the port of entry.
Fees
Category
Visa type
Entry
Validity
Processing
Embassy
Service
GST
Total
90 Days
Tourist Visa
Single Entry
90 Days
8-30 Days
Rs. 4,780
Rs. 5,715
Rs. 1,029
Rs. 11,524
Embassy and service fees are included in the total. Anything the consulate adds after filing is passed on at cost, with the receipt.
Documents you will need
01
Documents required for South Korea Visa application
Original passport and old passports, if any.
The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return in India, with a minimum of two blank pages.
Confirmed return air tickets (as per travel dates, with names of all travellers).
Visa application form, duly filled by the applicant in block letters using blue or black ballpoint pen.
Recent passport-size colour photographs taken against a white background with matte-finish without specs and sunglasses (size 35 mm x 45 mm and 60% - 80% face close-up) (Note: Photograph should not be more than 6 months old, scanned/stapled and should not be used in any of the previous visas.)
Covering letter mentioning details of travel, details of the traveller, purpose of visit and duration of stay. The letter should be duly signed by authorized signatory with company stamp.
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years
Original bank statements reflecting transactions for the last 6 months, duly attested and signed by a bank official
Hotel confirmation details as per the travel dates.
Occupation / Employment proof.
Day-to day itinerary.
Additional documents required: If the applicant is employed:
Salary slips for the last 6 months.
Copy of Company ID card.
Salary account bank statements for the last 6 months, duly attested and signed by a bank official • Original NOC leave letter from the employer, duly signed by authorised signatory with company stamp (With employee designation, name, start date and end date on it).
If the applicant is a company owner or self-employed:
Certificate of registration of the company / Certificate of Incorporation (MOA / Proof of Proprietorship / Partnership deed, etc).
GST registration copy.
Income Tax Returns of the last 3 years (individual & company).
Covering letter on the company letterhead, duly signed and stamped.
If the applicant is Retired:
Pension statements for the last 3 months.
Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
If the applicant is a Minor traveler:
If accompanied by one of your parents, then an original NOC from the other parent and a copy of his/her passport (first and last page).
If travelling alone, then an original NOC by both parents and a copy of their passports (first and last page).
Rules & conditions
South Korea Visa Terms & Conditions
Visa approval is at the sole discretion of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Submission of application does not guarantee visa issuance
All fees are generally non-refundable once submitted
Applicants must provide genuine and verifiable documents
Embassy may request additional documents or interview
Visa validity, entries, and duration of stay are decided by authorities only
Visa must be used only for approved purpose (tourism/business/etc.)
Final entry is subject to immigration officer decision at arrival
Overstay or misuse may lead to penalties or future restrictions
Korean immigration authorities may change rules without prior notice
Important notes
Note:
The South Korea visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry with a stay duration of 30 to 90 days, depending on the consulate or Embassy.
Visa will be processed within 10 - 15 working days post document submission. However, visa approval time is at the discretion of the consulate
If the applicant's place of collection and dropping off documents is within Mumbai, an additional courier fee of Rs 700 will be applicable. If the applicant's place for dropping off documents is other than Mumbai, an additional courier fee of Rs 800 will be applicable on the South Korea tourist visa fees.
Visa requirement depends on eligibility (some travelers may qualify for K-ETA instead).
Strong financial proof and travel history improve approval chances.
Embassy may ask for additional documents or interview.
All details must match passport exactly.
Visa approval does not guarantee entry into Korea.
Avoid non-refundable bookings before approval.
Overstay may result in fines or future bans.
Rules and eligibility may change without prior notice.
Yes, Indian passport holders must have a valid visa to visit South Korea (or Seoul) for leisure, business, or family visits. You must apply for your visa in advance to ensure sufficient time for processing.
Even minors or children need to get a South Korea tourist visa, which requires additional documents from their parents.
02What are the South Korean visa requirements for Indians?
Here are the South Korea visa requirements for Indians:
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least 2 blank pages. Need a copy of the first and last page of the passport.
Photo: You will require a passport-sized photo that meets the South Korea visa photo requirements.
Flight Tickets: Please submit your return or onward flight ticket.
Hotel reservations: You must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.
Bank statements: Stamped and signed bank statements from the last six months to show proof of sufficient funds. A hard copy of the same is required to be submitted to the consulate.
No Objection Certificate - Stamped and signed hard copy of a no objection letter from your employer (if employed) or on your company letterhead (If self-employed)
Proof of funds and employment: The South Korean government checks whether you have funds to sustain your travel and stay in the country. To substantiate this, they request important documents, such as bank statements from the last six months, ITRs from the last three years, salary slips from the last 6 months (if employed), or equivalent documents.
If unable to submit any of the ITR, then a letter of explanation mentioning the reason must be submitted.
Sponsor's documents: If your trip is sponsored, you will generally need to submit salary slips, bank statements and the sponsor's IT Returns.
Invitation Letter: When applicable.
Cover letter: The cover letter shall briefly state the purpose of the visit. It must include the traveller's full name, date of birth, passport number, mobile number, purpose of visit and duration of stay. Atlys will help with cover letter during the process
Note: You must also submit documents confirming special circumstances in your visa application. For example, if invited, you will be asked to provide an invitation letter and a marriage certificate if your spouse's name is not updated on the passport.
03Do I need to submit my passport when applying for a South Korean visa?
Yes, you must submit your passport and supporting documents at the application centre when applying for a South Korean visa.
04How will I receive my South Korean visa?
After your visa is approved, you can print your visa grant notice from the authorised channel or the official South Korean website. After downloading the visa, make sure to print a copy to keep with you during your travels.
05What will my South Korean tourist visa look like?
The South Korean tourist visa gets issued electronically. It contains your personal details, the visa's validity, and entry conditions. This visa is connected to your passport number, allowing immigration officials to check your entry and stay easily. Be sure to keep a printed and digital copy with you while travelling.
Here is what a South Korean tourist visa looks like:
06Can Indians get a South Korean visa on arrival?
No, Indian passport holders can not apply for a visa upon arrival in South Korea; you must have a valid visa before travelling to the country.
07How long before my travel date should I apply for my South Korea visa?
You should apply for your South Korean visa at least one month before your travel date.
08Do I need to attend an interview during my application for a South Korean visa?
No, you are not required to attend an interview when applying for a South Korean visa as an Indian. However, the visa officer can request that you attend one during your application.
09Can I apply online for South Korea tourist visa and get e-visa?
No, Indians cannot apply online for an e-visa to South Korea. You must visit an application centre when applying for a tourist visa.
10Why is my South Korea visa not in my passport after approval?
South Korea stopped issuing physical visas in passports in July 2020. All visas are now part of the new visa grant notice system, which is a digital visa. After your visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant notice that you can download and print. This digital document serves as your official visa.
11Can I reapply for a South Korean visa after rejection?
Yes, you can reapply for a South Korean visa after a rejection. If your visa was rejected due to an error in your application, correcting the mistake and reapplying can lead to a successful outcome. However, if your visa was rejected due to security issues or because you are on a blacklist, reapplying will likely result in another rejectio
12What is the South Korea visa processing time for Indians?
The visa processing time for South Korea from Indians typically ranges between 20-25 days for the entire journey.
Fun fact: We determine your ETA the moment you enter your PIN code using our consulate detector tool. Simply enter your current PIN code in the 'Check Serviceability' section.
13What are the South Korea entry requirements for Indians?
Here are the South Korea entry requirements for Indians:
Valid Passport
Valid Visa
E-Arrival card (needs to be filled 3 days before the arrival)
Must not fall into the prohibited entry category: those who are classified as international terrorists, former illegal immigrants, or other such categories are forbidden from entering Korea.
14What is the South Korea visa fees for Indians?
The South Korea visa fees for Indians is ₹8,280 for a single entry (excluding service fees). The visa is valid up to 90 days.
15Do Indians need visa if I directly travelling to Jeju Island?
No, Indians do not need a visa if travelling directly to Jeju Island. For example, India to Jeju Island to India. If you need to transit through Korea, you will need to obtain a Korean tourist visa.
16How to track South Korea visa status for Indians?
17What is South Korea visa requirements for Indians with US visa?
No, Indians holding a Valid US/UK/Schengen visa are not exempt from the South Korean visa requirements, and there is no change in the requirements. You must apply for your tourist visa as usual in advance.
18Is a South Korea tourist visa difficult for Indians?
No, the South Korean tourist visa is not difficult for Indians, but travellers need to ensure that the right documents are submitted in accordance with the requirements.
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