Days after an influencer was detained for 38 hours at Jeju Island, South Korea, the Indian Embassy in Seoul has issued a travel advisory for citizens visiting the island.
The Embassy of India in Seoul has outlined guidelines for travellers under the Jeju visa waiver scheme, aiming to prevent similar situations.
“From time to time, the Embassy of India, Seoul gets to hear about inconveniences caused to Indian travellers or denial of entry/repatriation upon arrival in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea (RoK) under the visa waiver scheme for travel to Jeju Island,” the embassy wrote on X.
A few days ago, influcencer Sachin Awasthi called the experience “traumatic” and claimed that he and his wife were treated like criminals without any evidence.
He alleged that authorities attempted to blackmail him and that he had to pay ten times the usual airfare to secure their safe return to India.
Key Advisory Points For Travellers
Jeju Visa Waiver
- Entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is strictly for short-term tourism.
- Final admission into South Korea is at the discretion of Jeju immigration authorities and is not guaranteed.
- Attempting to travel to mainland South Korea under the Jeju visa waiver is illegal and may result in fines, detention, or future travel bans.
- Travellers should be able to demonstrate financial capacity for daily expenses, accommodation, and transport.
- Immigration officers may conduct interviews, and visitors are advised to answer truthfully, calmly, and consistently, and to know their itinerary and accommodation details.
Mandatory Documents For Travellers
The embassy said that travellers must carry printed copies of essential documents, including:
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel reservation for the entire stay
- Detailed travel itinerary (day-wise plan)
- 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 plans may risk denial of entry.
Denial Of Entry
- If entry is refused, the traveller will be returned on the next available flight with the same airline. Temporary stay in a holding facility may be required, depending on flight schedules.
- The Embassy cannot override South Korean immigration decisions, but will provide reasonable support to Indian nationals in such situations.
Jeju Island: What Travellers Should Know
Officially designated as the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, it is a semi-autonomous region with powers distinct from the mainland. Established on July 1, 2006, its self-governing status aims to protect local culture and nature, promote economic growth through deregulation, and develop a “Free International City” framework.
The island offers visa-free entry for many countries, including India, if travellers arrive directly on international flights and stay on Jeju. Visa-free doesn't guarantee entry. Be prepared with clear plans, documents, and funds.
- Direct entry only: Coming via mainland South Korea requires a visa.
- No travel to the mainland: Visa-free visitors must stay on Jeju.
- Immigration can refuse entry: Officers may deny entry if the travel purpose or documents are unclear.
- Financial proof: Travellers may need to show they can afford their stay.
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