Indian influencer mistreated in South Korea, Indian Embassy issues advisory; What are the rules?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Sachin Awasthi alleged that his experience after landing at Jeju Island airport was extremely terrifying. He said he and his wife were taken to what appeared to be a detention center.

Awasthi described in the video that there was no sunlight, no glasses of water. It felt like a prison barrack. He added that one man was verbally abused and told, "I hope you die in that cell. You'll breathe your last in Korea."

Indian Embassy issues travel advisory

Days after the video went viral on social media and raised concerns, the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued an advisory. The embassy said it has been receiving reports of inconveniences or denial of entry/return to Indian travelers arriving on Jeju Island under the visa waiver scheme.

This exemption allows Indians to visit Jeju for a few days without a visa, but prohibits travel to Korea. The Indian Embassy clarified that entry under the Jeju-free visa facility is only for short-term tourists.

Final entry into South Korea is decided solely by immigration officers at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. The Visa Waiver Scheme does not guarantee entry.

Travel with these documents

The Embassy said that to avoid such inconveniences, Indian nationals travelling to Jeju Island under this scheme must have confirmed return air tickets, hotel reservation for the entire duration, detailed itinerary, recent bank statement, passport with at least 6 months validity, travel insurance, contact details of the accommodation and printed copies of documents.

The advisory said that travellers who are unable to clearly explain their travel may risk being refused entry.

According to the advisory, travelers must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover daily expenses, accommodation payments, and transportation arrangements during their stay. It added that immigration officials may ask questions related to this, and tourists are expected to provide answers consistent with their tourism objectives.

Immigration Interview

Immigration officials may conduct interviews upon arrival. Travelers should remain calm and cooperative, answering clearly, truthfully, and consistently. Also, be fully informed of your travel itinerary and accommodation details. Failure to satisfy the official may result in denial of entry.

The embassy also warned that the Jeju visa waiver does not allow travel to mainland Korea and that attempting to travel there without a visa is illegal. If denied entry, the traveler will be deported on the next available flight of the same airline, which may require a temporary stay in a holding facility.

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