The Indian Embassy in Seoul has issued an urgent advisory warning that South Korea’s Jeju Island visa-free program does not guarantee entry for Indian passport holders, following an incident where an Indian influencer was detained for 38 hours upon arrival.
The embassy clarified that admission to Jeju remains entirely at the discretion of immigration officers, who can refuse entry if documents or travel explanations are deemed inadequate. This comes as Korean authorities maintain the visa-waiver scheme while applying stricter scrutiny to arrivals from India.
New Jeju Entry Requirements for Indians
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Document Format | All papers must be printed (digital copies insufficient) |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months remaining |
| Mandatory Papers | Return tickets, hotel bookings, day-wise itinerary, proof of funds |
| Interview Standard | Must describe travel plans consistently |
The embassy’s updated checklist mandates that Indian travelers carry printed copies of all documentation. Digital versions on phones or tablets are no longer acceptable for immigration interviews at Jeju International Airport.
Consequences of Entry Denial
Travelers refused entry face immediate deportation on the next available flight, potentially requiring an overnight stay in airport holding facilities. The embassy strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected costs including additional airfare and accommodation during detention periods.
The visa-waiver program allows Indians short-term tourism access to Jeju without pre-arranged visas but explicitly prohibits onward travel to mainland South Korea. For comprehensive travel planning, Indian passport holders should review our South Korea travel requirements before departure.
Impact on Corporate Travel
The advisory particularly affects companies organizing incentive trips or business-leisure extensions through Jeju. Corporate travel managers must now conduct rigorous pre-departure document verification for employees, as landing-card interviews have become more intensive.
Staff should be briefed that consistent answers, complete paperwork, and professional demeanor are essential during immigration questioning. Use our Document Checklist to ensure all required papers are properly prepared and printed before travel.
Current Status of South Korea Access
While Jeju’s visa-free policy remains active, mainland South Korea continues requiring traditional visas for Indian citizens. An e-visa pilot program for mainland Korea, announced last year, remains in testing phase with no confirmed launch date.
The heightened scrutiny reflects growing travel volumes from India to Jeju, though Korean authorities have not indicated plans to eliminate the visa-waiver program entirely. Check current processing requirements with our Eligibility Checker before finalizing travel plans.
Source: Embassy of India in Seoul, South Korea
FAQ
Q: Can Indians still travel to Jeju without a visa? A: Yes, the visa-waiver program continues, but entry is not guaranteed and depends entirely on immigration officer approval at arrival.
Q: What documents must Indians carry for Jeju entry? A: Printed return tickets, hotel bookings, day-wise itinerary, proof of funds, and passport valid for six months are now mandatory.
Q: What happens if entry is denied at Jeju airport? A: Travelers will be deported on the next available flight and may be held overnight in a detention facility until departure.
Q: Can Indians travel from Jeju to mainland South Korea? A: No, the visa-waiver program prohibits onward travel to mainland Korea from Jeju Island.