Indians travelling overseas continue to display a striking lack of awareness about local rules and basic conduct, with several recent incidents drawing scrutiny. The latest concerns Sachin Awasthi, who said he was detained and deported from Jeju Island. A video recounting his experience has circulated widely online. Within a day of the video surfacing, the Embassy of India in Seoul issued a detailed advisory. It urged Indian nationals to exercise caution while travelling to Jeju under its visa-waiver arrangement and to ensure they comply fully with local entry requirements.
The warning came after Awasthi posted a video recounting his experience. The travel vlogger said he and his wife were refused entry on arrival in late December, kept overnight in what he described as “jail-like conditions”, and put on a return flight the following day.
Against this backdrop, the Embassy of India in Seoul issued the advisory addressing Indian nationals planning travel to Jeju Island under the visa-waiver scheme. The mission said it periodically receives accounts of difficulties faced by Indian travellers on arrival, including refusal of entry and repatriation.
There has been no public response from South Korean immigration officials regarding the episode. In such cases, international aviation rules place the onus on airlines to return travellers who are denied entry.
According to VisaHQ, Indian nationals can enter Jeju Island without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they travel directly to the island and do not continue onwards to mainland South Korea, which lies just 83 kilometres away. The scheme is intended strictly for short-term tourism, and the Embassy of India in Seoul has emphasised that the visa-waiver does not guarantee entry. Final admission is determined solely by immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with South Korean law. The mission has also warned that travellers occasionally face difficulties under the programme, including denial of entry or repatriation.
The Embassy of India in Seoul has issued guidance for Indian nationals travelling to Jeju Island under the visa-waiver scheme, following reports of entry denial or repatriation. The Embassy emphasises that such incidents, while rare, highlight the need for careful preparation.
Key Points for Travellers:
Entry Conditions
Entry under Jeju’s visa-free facility is strictly for short-term tourism. Final admission rests solely with immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport, in accordance with South Korean law. The visa-waiver does not guarantee entry.
Mandatory Documents
All travellers must carry printed copies (not just mobile screenshots) of:
Confirmed return air ticket
Hotel reservation covering the entire stay
Detailed day-wise travel itinerary
Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, international cards, or forex)
Passport valid for at least six months
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Contact details of accommodation
Passengers unable to clearly explain their travel plan risk being denied entry.
Financial Preparedness
Travellers should be able to demonstrate adequate funds for daily expenses, accommodation, and transport. Immigration officers may ask questions to verify that the purpose of the visit aligns with tourism.
Immigration Interview
Upon arrival, officers may conduct a brief interview. Visitors should respond clearly, truthfully, and calmly. Knowledge of their itinerary and accommodation details is essential. Failure to satisfy officers may result in denial of entry.
Restrictions and Compliance
The visa-waiver scheme does not permit travel to mainland South Korea. Attempting to leave Jeju without a visa is illegal. Overstay or unauthorised activity may lead to future travel bans.
Contingencies
If entry is refused, the airline will return the passenger on the next available flight. Temporary stay in a holding facility may be required. The Embassy cannot override the decision of South Korean authorities but will seek reasonable support for Indian nationals in such facilities.
Contact Information
For assistance, Indian nationals may reach the Consular Wing of the Embassy during office hours at +82-2-792-4257, Ext 407 or via email at cons.seoul@mea.gov.in. For after-hours, weekends, or holidays, the emergency contact is 010-9356-4188.
The Embassy urges all travellers to familiarise themselves with these guidelines to ensure a smooth visit under the Jeju visa-waiver programme.
Indians often face problems abroad as they misunderstand the visa rules in countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. They often confuse visa-free entry with visa-on-arrival. The latter requires documentation, fees, and queuing at immigration. They also fail to track maximum stay durations, or do not carry essential documents such as return or onward tickets, hotel bookings, and valid travel insurance. Other common errors involve ignoring local laws or assuming an Indian driving licence is valid without an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is not recognised in most countries.
Is entry to Jeju guaranteed under the visa-waiver scheme?
No. Final admission is determined solely by immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport. The visa waiver does not guarantee entry.
Can I travel to mainland South Korea after arriving in Jeju?
No. The visa-waiver scheme only covers Jeju Island. Attempting to travel to the mainland without a visa is illegal.
What happens if I am refused entry?
If entry is denied, airlines are required to return you on the next available flight. Temporary stay in a holding facility may be necessary until departure.
How should I prepare financially?
Travellers should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for daily expenses, accommodation, and transport. Immigration officers may ask questions to confirm the visit’s purpose aligns with tourism.
How can I contact the Embassy in case of emergencies?
During office hours, call +82-2-792-4257, Ext 407 or email cons.seoul@mea.gov.in. For after-hours, weekends, or holidays, use the emergency number 010-9356-4188 for assistance.