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 if you stayed in or transited a "priority quarantine area" on KDCA's list — it changes every quarter and covers Ebola- and MERS-affected countries plus specific regions with bird-flu or Nipah cases. Most travelers skip it; if your route touched Africa, the Middle East or a recent outbreak area, check qcode.kdca.go.kr before you fly.

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 2026 the e-Arrival Card is Korea's standard arrival declaration (paper cards are still accepted at immigration for now). Foreign visitors must submit it free online within 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Korea. You receive a QR code shown at immigration.

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