How long can Indians stay in South Korea as a visitor?

Up to 90 days under the C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa. Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.

Can Indians work in South Korea on a visitor stay?

No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our South Korea visa guide for Indians.

🇰🇷 South Korea tourist visa for Indians 2026

Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against South Korea's official pages; see the source at the end.

Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to South Korea. Indian passport holders need a visa for South Korea: India is not on the visa-waiver list, so the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation cannot be used and its 2026 temporary exemption is irrelevant.

Quick facts

Visa: C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa
Maximum stay: up to 90 days
Government fee: about $40
Processing time: 2–4 weeks
Paid work: Not allowed
Business or conference: Covered

Where Indians apply

The C-3 short-term visit visa covers tourism (C-3-9), visiting family, business meetings, conferences and trade fairs (C-3-4) for up to 90 days per entry with no paid work; first-time applicants normally receive a single-entry visa valid three months from issue, while frequent travellers with a clean record can request multiple entry.

Fee and processing time

The official fee is USD 40 for single entry and USD 90 for multiple entry, collected in rupees (roughly INR 3,400 single) plus a VFS service charge of about INR 1,100; the fee is not refunded if refused. Korean missions quote about 7 to 10 business days for tourist visas but Indian centres commonly run 10 to 15 working days, so allow two to four weeks and up to six in peak season.

That is about $40 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.

Travelling for business or a conference?

Korean host invitation with business registration certificate plus an Indian employer letter; apply as C-3-4.

Documents and steps

Check your passport has six months validity and blank pagesSix months validity and two blank pages; old passports with prior visas strengthen the file.
Complete the Korean visa application form with a 35 x 45 mm photoMOJ application form marked C-3-9 or C-3-4 with one 35 x 45 mm white-background photo.
Print six months of bank statements and your last ITRSix months of stamped bank statements plus ITR acknowledgement or Form 16 and three salary slips.
Add proof of employment, business or studyLeave letter, GST or company registration, or bonafide certificate to show ties to India.
Book a flight itinerary and accommodation for the whole stayFlight reservation and hotel bookings for every night, or a host invitation with ID copy.
If travelling for business or a conference: get the Korean host's invitationKorean host invitation with business registration certificate plus an Indian employer letter; apply as C-3-4.
Book a KVAC appointment and submit your application in personIn-person KVAC appointment; USD 40 single or USD 90 multiple paid in rupees plus about INR 1,100 VFS charge.
Track the application and collect your passportUsually 10 to 15 working days at Indian centres; check status on the Korea Visa Portal.
Enter within the visa validity and file the e-Arrival CardEnter within three months of issue; file the free e-Arrival Card up to three days before landing.

The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for South Korea?: Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to South Korea. Indian passport holders need a visa for South Korea: India is not on the visa-waiver list, so the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation cannot be used and its 2026 temporary exemption is irrelevant.
How long can Indians stay in South Korea as a visitor?: Up to 90 days under the C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa. Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
How much does the South Korea C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa cost for Indians?: The official fee is USD 40 for single entry and USD 90 for multiple entry, collected in rupees (roughly INR 3,400 single) plus a VFS service charge of about INR 1,100; the fee is not refunded if refused.
How long does the South Korea C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa take for Indians?: Korean missions quote about 7 to 10 business days for tourist visas but Indian centres commonly run 10 to 15 working days, so allow two to four weeks and up to six in peak season.
Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in South Korea on this visa?: Korean host invitation with business registration certificate plus an Indian employer letter; apply as C-3-4.
Can Indians work in South Korea on a visitor stay?: No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our South Korea visa guide for Indians.

Thinking of staying longer?

A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in South Korea have 2 main routes, compared in the South Korea visa guide for Indians.

South Korea for Indians, in depth

Visiting other countries as Indians

Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.