South Korea entry requirements for Indian citizens (2026)

🛂 Visa — required

Apply for a C-3 short-term visit visa at your nearest Korean embassy/consulate or through an authorized travel agency. Processing times vary by season — apply well ahead of your trip. Group-tour visa fee is waived until Dec 31, 2026.

📱 K-ETA — not applicable

K-ETA is only for visa-waiver travelers. Since you enter with a visa, you skip K-ETA entirely.

🧾 e-Arrival Card — required

All foreign visitors must submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. You get a QR code for immigration. Filed on the official site — never pay a third party.

🩺 Q-code — only if listed

The Q-code health declaration is only required when arriving from a quarantine-risk country on KDCA's current list. Most travelers don't need it — check the official site if you connect through one.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Korea in 2026?

Yes. Indian citizens need a short-term visitor (C-3) visa issued before travel by a Korean embassy, consulate or authorized agency. For organized group tours, the group-visa issuance fee is waived until December 31, 2026.

Can Indian citizens use K-ETA instead of a visa?

No. K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization only for travelers from visa-waiver countries. It does not replace a visa.

What is the Korea e-Arrival Card and who must file it?

Since January 1, 2026 the paper arrival card is discontinued. Foreign visitors must submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Korea. You receive a QR code shown at immigration.

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