Planning a trip to Jeju Island? India issues key travel advisory you can't ignore

A recent incident involving Indian content creator Sachin Awasthi, who alleged he was detained upon arrival at South Korea's Jeju Island, has prompted the Indian Embassy in Seoul to issue a detailed travel advisory for Indian nationals visiting the island under its visa waiver programme.

Awasthi shared a video on Instagram describing what he called a "traumatising" experience at Jeju International Airport. He claimed that he and his wife were taken to a facility resembling a detention centre after landing. "There was no sunlight, no glass to drink water… it looked like a jail barrack…," Awasthi said in a video shared on his Instagram and YouTube, adding that he allegedly witnessed verbal abuse directed at another individual.

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Embassy clarifies visa waiver rules

Following the viral video and growing concerns online, the Indian embassy released an advisory stating it "gets to hear about inconveniences caused to Indian travellers or denial of entry/repatriation upon arrival in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea under visa waiver scheme for travel to Jeju Island".

The embassy clarified that while Indians can visit Jeju without a pre-arranged visa for short-term tourism, entry is not guaranteed. "Entry under the Jeju visa free facility is permitted strictly for short term tourism. Final admission into the Republic of Korea is determined solely by the immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. The visa waiver scheme does not guarantee entry," the advisory said.

Documents travellers must carry

To reduce the risk of entry denial, travellers have been asked to carry printed copies, not just mobile screenshots, of key documents. These include a confirmed return ticket, hotel reservation for the entire stay, a detailed day-wise travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, a passport valid for at least six months, travel insurance, and accommodation contact details.

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Officials also stressed the importance of "financial preparedness", noting that visitors must demonstrate adequate funds for daily expenses, accommodation and transport.

Immigration interviews and possible denial

The embassy said immigration officers may conduct interviews upon arrival and advised travellers to answer questions "clearly, truthfully and consistently while remaining calm and cooperative". Failure to explain travel plans satisfactorily may result in denial of entry.

The advisory also warned that the Jeju visa waiver does not permit travel to mainland South Korea and that violations could lead to future bans.

If entry is refused, passengers may be returned on the next available flight and could be required to stay temporarily in a holding facility. The embassy added that it cannot overturn immigration decisions but will seek assistance from Korean authorities where necessary.

Indian Embassy lists emergency contacts for assistance

The Embassy of India, Seoul is not in a position to overturn the decisions of the RoK immigration authority in matters relating to entry into RoK, it said. "It will seek RoK authorities' assistance in providing reasonable support to Indian nationals in the holding facility. Indian nationals may please reach out to the Consular Wing of the Embassy through the designated telephone numbers."

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Moreover, the advisory also listed the contact details: +82-2-792-4257, Ext 407 (Operator) during office hours; the designated email address, cons.seoul@mea.gov.in; emergency contact number: 010-9356-4188 - which Indian nationals can use in case of immigration issues.