India in particular has shown a rising trend in travel to South Korea because of the effective combination of the old and new in the country. A perfect balance of culture and modernity has put South Korea forward as one of the favourite travel destinations for Indians. However, it is not just a popular tourist destination, South Korea is also known to have one the strongest economy in the world attracting potential professionals seeking employment in the country.
However, before travelling to South Korea, candidates need to obtain an important document – the South Korean Visa. The process of obtaining a visa may come across as challenging but in this blog, we will explore everything there is to know from the different visa types to the South Korea Visa Fees for Indians and the actual application procedure. Let’s get started!
What is a South Korean Visa?
A South Korean visa is an official sticker or stamp attached to the passport of the candidate that permits them to legally enter, work, study, transit or reside in South Korea for a short or long duration of time depending on the type of visa.
In the absence of a valid visa, candidates will not be allowed to enter South Korea. And since every visa category is different, one must stick to doing what their visa permits, for example, you cannot study in a South Korean university if you have entered the country on a tourist visa.
Why Do You Need a South Korea Visa?
A visa is a permit which gives a foreigner the right to enter, reside or pass through a foreign country. Similarly, Indians require a South Korean visa to enter the country for any reason at all. Here are some of the common reasons why you to apply for a South Korean visa;
- Tourism – If an Indian tourist wishes to enjoy a wide variety of attractions from the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene landscapes of Jeju Island, then they will need a South Korean tourist visa.
- Higher Education – Students looking to secure admission to South Korean universities will need to obtain a valid student visa.
- Employment Opportunities – South Korea has one of the biggest economies in the world, attracting talent globally. Professionals need to have the right employment visa to work in South Korea.
- Transit – if you are travelling through South Korea to an onward destination, you will require a legal transit visa.
- Business – Starting a new business or expanding a pre-existing business into South Korea also demands the business to have proper paperwork and owners and shareholders to have the right visa to conduct business in the country.
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Different Types of South Korean Visas
South Korea has many types of visas to fit different purposes of a traveller’s visit to the country. The visas are categorised based on the specific needs and duration of the visit. These are some of the most popular and most sought-after South Kirean visas;
- Tourist Visa (C-3-9) – It is suitable for those tourists visiting the Republic of Korea for leisure and tourism for a period not exceeding thirty days. This is a short-term visa best suited for exploration.
- Student Visa (D-2) – This type of visa is for students enrolling in South Korean educational institutions, such as universities or specialised training programs. The duration of these visas is generally as long as the course lasts.
- Business Visa (C-3-4) – This visa is given to people going on business trips, conferences or any other professional commitments in South Korea. This is another short-term visa perfectly suited for business activities.
- Work Visa (E-7) – It is designed for foreigners searching for employment opportunities in South Korea. This comprises teaching posts, research positions and any other professional positions requiring technical skills.
- Transit Visa (B-2) – This visa is for individuals who may be passing through South Korea on their way to another country. It permits them to have a temporary stay.
- Family or Dependent Visa (F-series) – For relatives or close associates of the Republic of Korea nationals or international residents in the country. This visa allows individuals to bring their close family members to South Korea.
Every kind of visa has its own conditions of eligibility together with requirements on how to apply. In essence, having the right perception of the right category makes it easier for one to access South Korea’s territory.
South Korean Visa Fee Structure
The cost of South Korean visas differs depending on the type of visa, duration of stay and number of entries allowed. Here is a detailed breakdown of the fee structure;
| Visa Type | Normal Visa Fee | Express Visa Fee | Normal + Express Fee |
| Short-term Single Entry(Up to 90 days) | Approx. 3200INR | Approx. 2,400 INR | Approx. 5,600 INR |
| Long-term Single Entry(More than 90 days) | Approx. 4,800INR | Approx. 2,400 INR | Approx. 7,200 INR |
| Double Entry(Stay up to 30 days for each visit, 6months validity of Visa from the date of issuance) | Approx. 5,600INR | Approx. 3,200 INR | Approx. 8,800 INR |
| Multiple Entry(Stay up to 90 days with multiple visits) | Approx. 7,200INR | Approx. 3,200 INR | Approx. 10,400 INR |
Note – The above-stated fees are an estimate and the actual fees may vary. It is always advisable to check the correct fee according to the embassy of South Korea or any authorised visa centre.
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How to Pay South Korean Visa Fees?
Visa fees for South Korea can be paid through the following methods:
At the Embassy/Consulate – They can pay through cash or bank draft at the counter that has been assigned for the purpose.
Visa Application Centers – Several of the authorised visa application centres accept cash, debit cards or online transfer payments.
Online Payments – For e-visa applications, payments for the fees are accepted through secured online payment methods.
You should securely keep a copy of the payment receipt for future reference.
South Korea Visa Requirements
Candidates need to submit a whole lot of documents to meet all the requirements for a South Korean visa. Now the exact documents required may vary depending on the visa type, nonetheless, here are the common documents needed;
- Duly filled visa application form
- A valid passport with atleast 6 months validity beyond the intended date of stay.
- Recent passport-size photographs in colour and according to the specifications.
- Travel itinerary containing all the details of the tour including the return flight tickets.
- Income tax returns, bank statements or payslips as financial proof. Required to prove that you can financially support your stay in the country.
- In some cases, employment proof such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (if employed) or business registration proof (if self-employed) may be required.
- An accommodation proof such as hotel reservations is a must.
- If you are travelling for business or any other official work, an Invitation Letter is a mandatory requirement.
- Visa fee Receipt – It may be needed as proof of the visa application fee payment.
- Additional documents might be required depending on the visa type, such as admission letters for student visas or employment contracts for work visas.
How to Apply for a South Korea Visa
The visa application procedure is pretty straightforward including the basic steps. Here is a detailed guide;
- Identify your visa category – Choosing the right type of visa is very important if the application is to be approved successfully. Depending on the nature of your visit, which could be business, tourism, education, or work choose the best suited visa.
- Fill out the Application Form – the next step involves filling up the visa application form. Ensure all the information is accurate and updated according to your supporting documents.
- Gather the Documents – Compile all the supporting documents such as the passport, photographs, proof of financial viability, letters of invitation or any other document depending on the type of visa.
- Submit the Application – apply for the visa to any of the nearest South Korean Embassy or Consulate. You can also submit the application at any of the authorised visa application centres. Make sure all documents are well put in order to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Pay the Fee – After submission, make the visa fee payment according to the visa type as specified by the application centre.
- Track Your Application – Last but not least, monitor your application through the tracking facility and get the status of your visa.
- Collect your passport – Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamped on it.
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Processing Time for South Korea Visa
The time taken to process a visa for travel to South Korea ranges between 5 and 15 working days. However, this may not be set in stone because in some cases it may take longer due to type of visa applied for, periods of high workload for the issuing authorities or when there is additional paperwork to be completed. However, in general, it takes;
- Short-term visa – 5-10 working days
- Long-term visas – 10-15 working days depending on the visa.
Conclusion
Getting a visa to visit South Korea for an Indian is an easy task provided one does it the right way and has all their documents in order. It is very easy to waste time going around in circles and get confused but having accurate information on the South Korean visa fees and procedures will prove helpful.
Regardless of the purpose of travelling, be it tourism, business, or higher education, South Korea does not disappoint. Follow the procedure explained in this blog for a smooth visa application experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the South Korean visa fees refundable?
No, the visa application fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances.
- Can I pay the visa fee online?
E-visa fees can be paid online, for all other types of visas the fee must be paid in cash.
- Do multiple-entry visas cost more?
Yes, South Korean multiple-entry visas cost more as compared to single-entry visas.
- Can I pay the South Korea visa fee in INR?
Yes, it is possible to pay the South Korean visa fee in the Indian currency.