The Indian Embassy in Seoul has issued a detailed advisory reminding travellers that South Korea’s visa-free entry to Jeju Island remains subject to immigration discretion. The move follows travel blogger Sachin Awasthi’s viral video alleging he and his wife were detained for 38 hours and deported despite having return tickets and hotel bookings. (moneycontrol.com)
Under Jeju’s special regime, Indians arriving directly to the island can enter without a visa for up to 30 days, but cannot travel onward to mainland Korea. The embassy now urges visitors to carry printed proof of accommodation, day-wise itineraries and bank statements, warning that “inability to clearly explain travel plans could result in refusal of entry.”
![Indian Embassy warns tourists: Jeju Island visa-waiver does not guarantee entry after influencer’s detention]()
Whether you decide to rely on Jeju’s visa-free window or apply for a full C-3 visa through Seoul, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. The company’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) lets travellers check eligibility, generate up-to-date document checklists and submit applications online with real-time tracking, ensuring fewer last-minute surprises at immigration counters.
The advisory also clarifies that photography or social-media recording inside immigration zones is prohibited and that airlines will bear repatriation costs if passengers are denied entry. Consular assistance will be provided only to ensure welfare in holding facilities and cannot overturn immigration decisions.
The warning comes as Jeju targets 600,000 Indian arrivals in 2026 ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled on the island. Tour operators have begun advising clients to route flights via Seoul with a standard short-term C-3 visa to avoid last-minute surprises.
Under Jeju’s special regime, Indians arriving directly to the island can enter without a visa for up to 30 days, but cannot travel onward to mainland Korea. The embassy now urges visitors to carry printed proof of accommodation, day-wise itineraries and bank statements, warning that “inability to clearly explain travel plans could result in refusal of entry.”
Whether you decide to rely on Jeju’s visa-free window or apply for a full C-3 visa through Seoul, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. The company’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) lets travellers check eligibility, generate up-to-date document checklists and submit applications online with real-time tracking, ensuring fewer last-minute surprises at immigration counters.
The advisory also clarifies that photography or social-media recording inside immigration zones is prohibited and that airlines will bear repatriation costs if passengers are denied entry. Consular assistance will be provided only to ensure welfare in holding facilities and cannot overturn immigration decisions.
The warning comes as Jeju targets 600,000 Indian arrivals in 2026 ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled on the island. Tour operators have begun advising clients to route flights via Seoul with a standard short-term C-3 visa to avoid last-minute surprises.
