South Korea Visa Guide

About South Korea

South Korea is one of the most promising countries in terms of economic growth in Asia. Its capital Seoul is counted among the world’s most developed cities. The nation is ripe with business opportunities, but is also famous for its tourist destinations. Moreover, the high standard of education in the country makes it an ideal place to pursue further studies. However, before you visit the beautiful country of South Korea, you should learn Hangul. You should also visit places such as Secret Garden, Seoul Tower, Famous Teddy Bear Museum and The Banpo Bridge.

Why is a South Korea Visa needed?

For having a tour through the country or for a study visit, an Indian will require a visa for fulfilling these purposes in South Korea.

South Korea Visa Eligibility

What might be your reason to visit will let you fall in the different category of visas that South Korean have:

DIPLOMACY/OFFICIAL STATUS:

This type of visa is issued to Indian Government officials who are visiting there for a specific assignment.

Diplomacy (A-1):

The foreign diplomatic mission or Staff of foreign Consulates can apply.

Documents Required for Diplomacy (A-1)

• Diplomatic Passport,
• Application for Visa Issuance,
• Documents to prove dispatch and incumbency of Coordination by related Country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Official Mission (A-2):

The people who are executing their duties for foreign government are eligible for this.

Documents Required for Official Mission (A-2)

• Official Passport,
• Application for Visa issuance,
• Document to prove one’s status of official duty.

Conventions/Agreements (A-3) :

People who are exempted from foreign registration can go for this.

Documents Required for Conventions/Agreements (A-3) :

• Passport,
• Application for Visa Issuance,
• Document to prove one’s state of dispatch or employment.

SHORT TERM (NON-PROFIT STAY VISA):

Temporary Journalism(C-1):

Those who wish to gather news material for a short period of time by foreign journalistic organisations which might be a newspaper, magazine or a broadcasting station.

Documents Required for Temporary Journalism(C-1) :

• Application Form,
• Two passport Size Photographs(4.5cm * 3.5cm),
• Original Passport(Minimum validity of six months),
• Certificate of Journalism,
• Letter for visit,
• ID card
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission).

Temporary Visit(C-3):

People who wish to visit the place for tourism, transit, meeting their relatives, conference, fair trading, religious ceremony, collect the academic datum, medical treatment. Those seeking to make purchase or trade business to acquire knowledge of operation on machinery or invited by the Korean Public/Private Organization (Must not be profitable).

Documents Required for Temporary Visit(C-3) :

• Application Form.
• Two passport size Photographs(4.5cm * 3.5cm),
• Valid Passport(Minimum Six months validity),

Tourist Visa (Up to 90 days)

South Korea Tourist Visa (Visiting Friend):

From India:

• Occupation Proof,
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Photocopy or scanned copy)
• Employment certificate or Alien Registration Card/Passport copy (If Korean).

South Korea Tourist Visa (Visiting Indian family):

From Korea:

• Alien Registration card copy.

From India:

• Relationship proof.

South Korea Tourist Visa (Sightseeing):

From India:

• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

South Korea Tourist Visa (To Attend Marriage):

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Scan copy or photocopy),
• Employment certificate or Alien Registration Card/Passport Copy(If Korean),
• Original/Photocopy of invitation card.

From India:

• Relationship proof(If required),
• Occupation proof or employment Certificate,
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

South Korea Tourist Visa (Medial):

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Scan copy or Photocopy),
• Registration certificate of hospital/ Employment certificate or Alien Registration card copy/Passport copy (If Korean).

From India:

• Certification of immigration education(as of November 1, 2009),
• Medical Treatment documentary evidence by a medical institution,
• Occupation proof
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

South Korea Tourist Visa (Visiting Korean Family):

From Korea:

• Invitation letter (Scan copy or Photocopy),
• Passport Copy of Inviter,
• Proper Relationship proof between inviter and invitee.

From India:

• Occupation proof,
• One year Tax Return personal (In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

General Temporary South Korea Work Visa (Up to 90 days)

South Korea Business Visa :

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Scan copy or photocopy),
• Business/Organization Registration Certificate.

From India:

• Employment Certificate/Occupation proof/Student Proof(Bonafide Certificate),
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

Seamen:

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Scan or photocopy),
• Business/Organization Registration Certificate,
• Guarantee Letter of seamen.

From India:

• Employment Certificate/Occupation proof/Complete CDC copy,
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

Sports/Art and Culture:

From Korea:

• Invitation letter(Scan copy of Photocopy),
• Business/Organization Registration Certificate.

From India:

• Achievement certificates,
• If the applicant is a student he/she can provide a bonafide certificate from their institute or else occupation proof or employment certificate,
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return can provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

Short term student Internship/Research:

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter(Scan copy or Photocopy),
• Business Registration certificate of the Korean organisation/Employment certificate/Passport copy (If Korean).

From India:

• Student Proof (Bonafide)/Occupation Proof/Employment Certificate,
• Guarantee letter from the sponsor along with their relationship proof,
• One year Tax Return personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission)

Note: In the case of a student under the age of 30 years, financial documents of their parents with relationship proof would work.

Marriage Migrants (F-6): This category is for those who wish to find their partner in Korea. A nut that might require you to fulfil all of the criteria mentioned here.

Documents Required:

• Application Form (Dully Filled by Applicant),
• Two passport size photographs(4.5cm*3.5cm),
• Valid passport (Minimum six months validity).

From Korean (All the documents should be issued within three months for the Korean Language):

• Invitation Letter,
• Inviter’s family Income statement(if necessary),
• Letter of Guarantee,
• Certificate of personal records,
• Certificate of kinship,
• Certificate of marriage,
• Resident registrations,
• Copy of Real Estate Lease Agreement.

Related To Financial Proof

• Certificate of Income amount (Issued by National Tax Service),
• Report on Credit Information,
  Bank Statement (If necessary),
• Receipt of Tax with seal/signature at the end of the letter,
• Employment Certificate (If necessary),
• Certificate of the carrier(in case of working in the past),
• Certificate for business registration (if necessary).

Inviter (Korean) needs to fill the forms

• Family Income Details,
• Personal details form,
• New

From India:

• Visa application form affixed one passport size photo,
• Passport (Six months minimum validity),
• A statement of a foreign spouse's marriage background,
• Indian marriage certificate.

SHORT TERM EMPLOYMENT VISA:

Short Term Employment (C-4): People seeking to make a profit by entertainment, music, play, sports, advertisement, fashion model, or for those seeking engagement in the field of research and technology, e-business.

Documents Required:

• Application form (Dully filled by the applicant),
• Two passport size photographs (4.5cm*3.5cm),
• Original Passport(Minimum validity of six months),

From Korea:

• Invitation letter,
• Business Registration Certificate.

From India:

• Dispatched/Transfer order,
• Employment contract,
• One year Tax Return personal (In the absence of Income Tax Return provide an explanatory note with six months bank statement till the date of submission).

LONG TERM SINGLE ENTRY VISA: Spouse or unmarried children under age of 20 years who have registered in Korea, seeking employment through the contract with public or Private Corporation, scientists seeking to make study in the institution can apply for this.

Documents Required:

• Application form(duly filled by the applicant),
• Two passport size photographs(4.5cm*3.5cm),
• Original Passport(Minimum six months validity),
• TB test reports valid for six months

Visa Issuance Number

From Korea:

• Visa Issuance number

From India:

• Applicants above five years of age need to provide a Certificate of health (Obligatory Enforcement for TB test) which should be issued by a designated hospital.

Dependent Visa

From Korea:

• Alien registration card copy of inviter
• Relationship proof with inviter

From India:

• An applicant above five years of age needs to provide a Certificate of health (Obligatory Enforcement for TB test) which needs to be issued by the designated hospital.

Study Abroad

From Korea:

• Copy of admission certificate,
• University’s Registration Certificate,
• Sponsorship letter (If any).

From India:

• Original or Notarized of all Academic Records,
• Personal Financial document: Notarized or original with six months of bank statement till the date of submission,
• Guarantee letter from the sponsor along with their relationship proof,
• Applicants above five years of age need to provide a Certificate of health (Obligatory Enforcement for TB test) which should be issued by a designated hospital,
• Student Proof (Bonafide Certificate).

Trade Management

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter,
• Business Registration Certificate,

From India:

• Contract copy between the applicant and a Korean company,
• Contract Company between Korean and Indian company
• One year Tax Return Personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return, please provide an explanatory note with six months of bank statement till the date of submission),
• An applicant above five years of age needs to provide a certificate of health (Obligatory Enforcement of TB test) which needs to be issued by the designated hospital.

Corporate/Foreign Investor

From Korea:

• Invitation Letter
• Business Registration certificate.

From India:

• Transfer order/Temporary duty order,
• Certificate of a registered foreign investment company or certificate of foreigner investment,
• Occupation proof,
• One year Tax Return Personal(In the absence of Income Tax Return, please provide an explanatory note with six months of bank statement till the date of submission),
• An applicant above five years of age needs to provide a certificate of health (Obligatory Enforcement of TB test) which needs to be issued by the designated hospital.

TRANSIT VISA: For the people who need to pass through South Korea not to stay there can apply for this category.

JEJU ISLAND VISA: You might not require a visa if you are only visiting Jeju Island, but you will have to go for a tourist visa if you want to visit other places in South Korea.

South Korea Visa Application Process

How to Apply for South Korea Visa:

The process to apply for South Korea visa online is an easy process if you are clear with your purpose of visit and the South Korea Visa requirements. You need to be specific about your visit because your visa will be the one explaining your whole purpose of visit.

For Group (more than nine applicants) will need a prior appointment.

Step 1: Complete your Application form and affix your photos (As per specifications).

Step 2: Attach the supporting documents required as per the Visa.

Step 3: Submit your documents to the appropriate Visa office for South Korea.

Step 4: Track your application process regularly.

Step 5: Collect your passport from the respective destination.

(Note: Documents required for passport collection over the counter:

• Authorisation letter from each applicant with applicant signature,
• Copy of Government ID,
• Original ICR slip.)

Where to Apply for South Korea Visa for Indians?

In order to apply for a South Korean visa, you need to pay a visit to the office and get your process started.

How to Book an Appointment?

For an appointment scheduled after submitting an Application for Visa services provide by VFS Global operated “India Visa Application Centre (IVAC)”. It is a mandatory part for the applicants, and if you are unable to attend the appointment time as scheduled, please cancel or re-schedule your appointment.

If you experience an issue with:

• Schedule Appointment
• Reschedule Appointment
• Cancel Appointment
• Reprint Appointment
• Visit here.

How to check Status of South Korea Visa?

Applicants can track the process of their South Korea Visa online here. However, be sure you have submitted all the details correctly.

Fees for Immigrant South Korea Visa

• Short Term Single Entry (less than 90 days): INR 2800.00
• Long Term Single Entry (more than 91 days): INR 4200.00
• Double Entry Visa: INR 4900
• For all Multiple Entry Visa: INR 6300

• Service charge for visa application is Rs. 975/person.
• Form filling charges would be Rs. 130/person (Inclusive of all taxes).
• Photocopy charge is Rs. 2
• Photo booth charges are Rs. 150 for six copies
• For Delhi courier charge is Rs. 270/person and for Kolkata two way courier charge is Rs. 545/person.
• All the above charges are to be paid in cash at the time of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions on South Korea Visa

Here is a list of commonly asked questions while applying for visa.

What kinds of medical coverage’s are provided?

The following medical expenses are covered:

Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

What is a deductible?

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

What Is Not Covered Under the Travel Insurance Plan?

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America India

What Is Covered Under Travel Insurance?

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online throughTravel Insurance cover onlineprocess.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases, Travel Insurancecovergreatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

Why do I need Travel insurance?

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.