The Indian government has issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals visiting Jeju Islandfollowing allegations by content creator Sachin Awasthi that he and his wife were detained upon arrival in South Korea.
The advisory was released by the Embassy of India, Seoul after Awasthi’s social media video describing a “traumatising” experience at Jeju International Airport went viral.
What Happened?
In videos shared on Instagram and YouTube, Awasthi claimed that he and his wife were denied entry under the Jeju visa waiver programme and were taken to what appeared to be a holding or detention facility.
He described prolonged waiting periods, limited communication, and restricted movement. According to his account, they were later repatriated and required to purchase return tickets at significantly higher prices.
Authorities in South Korea have not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of writing.
Understanding the Jeju Visa Waiver Scheme
Under the Jeju visa waiver programme, Indian citizens can enter Jeju Island for short-term tourism without a pre-arranged visa. However, the waiver:
Applies only to Jeju Island
Does not permit travel to mainland South Korea
Does not guarantee entry, as final admission is determined by immigration authorities
The embassy clarified that entry decisions are made solely by immigration officials at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law.
Mandatory Documents for Indian Travellers
To minimise the risk of entry denial, the advisory states that travellers must carry printed copies (not just mobile screenshots) of the following documents:
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 proof)
Passport valid for at least six months
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Contact details of accommodation
Travellers must clearly explain their tourism plans if questioned by immigration authorities.
Financial Preparedness and Immigration Interviews
The advisory emphasises the importance of demonstrating adequate financial capacity for daily expenses, accommodation, and transportation.
Upon arrival, immigration officers may conduct interviews. Travellers are advised to:
Remain calm and cooperative
Provide clear and truthful answers
Be familiar with their itinerary and accommodation details
Failure to satisfy immigration requirements may result in denial of entry.
Important Legal Conditions
The embassy highlighted key restrictions under the visa waiver:
Travel to mainland South Korea from Jeju without a visa is illegal
Overstaying or engaging in unauthorised activities can lead to future travel bans
If entry is denied, passengers will be returned on the next available flight of the same airline
Temporary stay in a holding facility may be required depending on flight schedules
The Embassy clarified that it cannot overturn decisions made by Republic of Korea immigration authorities but will seek reasonable support for Indian nationals if needed.
Embassy Contact Details for Assistance
Indian nationals facing immigration issues may contact:
Advisory Aims to Prevent Travel Disruptions
The advisory serves as a precautionary measure to help Indian travellers avoid inconvenience under the Jeju visa waiver scheme. Authorities recommend careful preparation, documentation, and understanding of entry conditions before travel.
With international tourism rising, travellers are encouraged to stay informed about destination-specific immigration policies to ensure a smooth and compliant journey.
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