South Korea expands visa application services across India, making the process more accessible for Indian travellers.
Planning a trip to South Korea from India could become more convenient as the country expands access to South Korea visa application services across the region.
VFS Global, which handles administrative visa application services for South Korea, now operates Korea Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. The wider South Asian network has also expanded to include centres in Dhaka and Colombo. The New Delhi centre was inaugurated on September 15, 2026.
The development is relevant for Indian travellers planning holidays to popular destinations such as Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island, particularly those looking for updated information on the South Korea tourist visa for Indians.
Indian travellers can currently access Korea Visa Application Centre services in four major cities:
Together with the new centres in Dhaka and Colombo, the expanded network brings the total to six Korea Visa Application Centres across these three South Asian countries. VFS Global has been a visa-processing partner for South Korea in India since 2011.
The New Delhi centre was formally inaugurated on September 15, 2026, with South Korean Ambassador to India Lee Seong-ho attending the event. The expansion is intended to improve access to visa application services and support growing demand for Korean visas.
The expansion could make the South Korea visa application process more accessible for travellers in different parts of India.
Applicants from southern India, for example, can use the Korea Visa Application Centres in Bengaluru and Chennai. These centres were established in 2023 under the jurisdiction of the Korean Consulate General in Chennai.
The Korean Embassy also specifies visa-submission jurisdictions for different parts of India. Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry fall under the jurisdiction of the Korean Consulate General in Chennai, while several northern and eastern states fall under the Korean Embassy in New Delhi.
This means travellers should check the applicable jurisdiction and current submission instructions before applying.
For Indian applicants, Korea Visa Application Centres are available in:
The New Delhi Korea Visa Application Centre serves applicants under the relevant jurisdiction of the Korean Embassy.
The Bengaluru centre is located at Gopalan Innovation Mall on Bannerghatta Main Road, J.P. Nagar. VFS Global currently lists the centre for Korea visa-related services.
The Chennai centre is located at Ramee Mall, Anna Salai, Teynampet. The Korean Consulate General in Chennai directs applicants to VFS Global for visa applications and passport collection.
Korea Visa Application Centre services are also available in Kolkata, providing another submission option for applicants in eastern India. The Korean Embassy lists the Kolkata VFS centre among its visa service locations.
Travellers should check the official VFS Global and Korean diplomatic websites for current addresses, opening hours, fees and appointment requirements before visiting.
VFS Global acts as the administrative application service provider. It does not make the final decision on whether a traveller receives a South Korea visa.
The application process can include:
VFS Global's South Korea portal provides services for several visa categories, including C-3-9 tourist visas, C-3-4 business visas and various student and other visa categories.
No. This is an important point for travellers applying for a South Korea tourist visa from India.
VFS Global handles the administrative side of the application, while the relevant South Korean diplomatic authority makes the visa decision. The Korean Consulate General in Chennai explicitly states that the final decision on a visa rests with the Consulate.
Therefore, submitting an application through a Korea Visa Application Centre does not guarantee visa approval.
Indian travellers visiting South Korea for tourism generally need to apply under the appropriate short-term visitor visa category.
VFS Global's South Korea India portal lists C-3-9 Tourist Visa among the available visa categories.
The exact documentation can vary depending on the applicant and visa category. Travellers should therefore check the latest checklist before submitting their application.
Documents may include items such as:
The Korean authorities can request additional documents when required. The Consulate General of Korea in Chennai also warns that incomplete applications or applications without the required documents may not be accepted.
The South Korea visa application process for Indians generally involves several steps.
First, determine whether you need a tourist, business, student or another type of South Korean visa.
Your place of residence can determine which Korean diplomatic mission handles your application. Check the latest jurisdiction information before choosing a visa application centre.
Review the current checklist and prepare all documents required for your particular visa category.
Applications should be submitted through the designated Korea Visa Application Centre according to the applicable procedure.
Where required, applicants may need to complete biometric enrolment and other application procedures at the centre.
Applicants can use the designated visa service to track their application and follow instructions regarding passport collection.
Because South Korea visa requirements for Indians can change, travellers should always verify the latest requirements before submitting an application.
South Korea has become increasingly visible among Indian tourists thanks to its combination of modern cities, cultural attractions, food, shopping and entertainment.
Seoul is a major entry point for international visitors and combines modern neighbourhoods, historic palaces, shopping districts and Korean cultural experiences.
Busan is known for its beaches, coastal scenery, markets and seafood, making it a popular addition to South Korea itineraries.
Jeju offers a different side of South Korea, with volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, coastal scenery and nature-focused attractions.
Korean cuisine, K-pop, Korean dramas, beauty products and popular culture have also helped increase international interest in the country.
For Indian travellers searching for South Korea travel from India, these experiences are among the major attractions when planning a holiday.
The expansion of visa application centres primarily improves access to application services rather than changing the visa eligibility or approval criteria.
Having centres in multiple Indian cities can reduce the need for some applicants to travel long distances simply to submit their applications. The Korean Visa Application Centres in Bengaluru and Chennai, for example, were specifically established to handle applications under the Chennai consular jurisdiction.
However, applicants must still meet the applicable requirements and provide the required documentation. The expansion should therefore be viewed as an improvement in visa application accessibility, rather than a change in South Korea's visa approval rules.
If you are planning a South Korea trip from India, keep these points in mind:
Check the latest requirements: Visa documents and procedures can change.
Apply through the correct centre: Check your consular jurisdiction before booking an appointment.
Prepare complete documents: Missing documents can result in delays or non-acceptance of the application.
Check passport validity: Make sure your passport meets the current requirements before applying.
Allow enough processing time: Avoid making tightly timed travel plans around your visa application.
Use official sources: Check the Korean Embassy, relevant Korean Consulate or authorised VFS Global website for the latest information.
Do not assume approval: A visa application submission does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
| City | Visa Application Centre |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Korea Visa Application Centre |
| Bengaluru | Korea Visa Application Centre |
| Chennai | Korea Visa Application Centre |
| Kolkata | Korea Visa Application Centre |
The wider South Asian network also includes centres in Dhaka and Colombo.
The expansion of South Korea visa application services in India gives Indian travellers more access points for submitting visa applications. With Korea Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, applicants across different regions can access designated visa-processing services more conveniently.
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