South Korea Tourist Visa
K-ETA / Short-Term Visit (C-3) · For Indonesia citizens
Planning a trip to South Korea as an Indonesian citizen? Great news: Indonesia is currently exempt from K-ETA requirements until late 2025, meaning you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days with just your passport. For those who want K-ETA benefits or longer stays, this guide covers all your options including the K-ETA application (10,000 KRW) and traditional tourist visa.
South Korea Tourist Visa for Indonesian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Indonesia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Indonesian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in South Korea
Confirmed round-trip flight ticket showing departure from South Korea
Address where you will stay in South Korea
Recommended (Optional)
Recent face photograph for K-ETA application
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Application Process
Indonesian citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to South Korea under the K-ETA exemption program.1 Here are your options:
Option 1: Visa-Free Entry (K-ETA Exemption)
The simplest option for Indonesian travelers in 2025.3
What You Need:
- Valid Indonesian passport (6 months validity)
- Return flight ticket
- Accommodation address in South Korea
At the Airport:
- Fill out the arrival card provided on the plane or at immigration
- Present your passport at immigration
- Answer any questions about your travel plans
- Receive entry stamp for up to 30 days
No advance application required under the current exemption.3
Option 2: Apply for K-ETA (Optional)
Even though exempt, you can apply for K-ETA for added convenience.1
Benefits of K-ETA:
- Skip the arrival card
- Faster immigration processing
- Valid for 3 years / multiple entries
1. Visit the K-ETA Website
Go to k-eta.go.kr and click “Apply for K-ETA.”1
2. Complete the Application
Provide:1
- Passport information
- Contact details
- Accommodation address in South Korea
- Travel purpose
- Recent photograph (can use phone camera)
3. Pay the Fee
Pay 10,000 KRW (~$8 USD / IDR 120,000) by credit card.1 This fee is non-refundable.
4. Receive Approval
Approval is typically granted within 24-72 hours.1 You will receive confirmation via email. K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
Option 3: Traditional Tourist Visa (C-3)
For stays longer than 30 days or if you do not qualify for visa-free entry.4
Apply at the Korean Embassy in Jakarta or Consulate in Surabaya. Requirements include:
- Visa application form
- Passport and photos
- Bank statements
- Employment proof
- Travel itinerary
Fees
| Entry Method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free (K-ETA Exemption) | Free | Valid until late 2025 |
| K-ETA Application | KRW 10,000 (~IDR 120,000) | Optional, 3-year validity |
| Traditional Visa (C-3) | Varies | For stays over 30 days |
The K-ETA fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.1
What You Need to Prove
At South Korea immigration, officers assess:2
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans and accommodation
- Return intent: Confirmed departure ticket within 30 days
- Financial means: Ability to support yourself without working
- Valid travel documents: Passport meeting validity requirements
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | No processing (instant) |
| K-ETA | 24-72 hours |
| Traditional Visa | 5-7 working days |
Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid any delays.1
K-ETA Exemption Status
Indonesia is currently included in the K-ETA exemption program.3 This means:
- No advance application required
- No K-ETA fee
- Simply arrive with valid passport and return ticket
- Stay up to 30 days
Check the official K-ETA website before traveling to confirm the exemption is still in effect, as policies can change.
After Arrival in South Korea
Upon arrival at Incheon Airport or other ports of entry:2
- Present your passport at immigration
- If no K-ETA: Fill out arrival card with accommodation address and contact information
- If K-ETA approved: Proceed directly to immigration counter
- Answer questions about your travel plans if asked
- Receive entry stamp with allowed stay period
- Keep your passport with entry stamp safe during your stay
If Entry is Denied
If immigration denies your entry:
- Ask for clarification: Understand the specific reason for denial
- Common issues: No return ticket, insufficient funds, passport problems
- Future travel: Entry denial is recorded; address the issues before attempting to travel again
- Consider visa: If repeatedly denied visa-free entry, apply for a traditional visa at the Korean Embassy
Most entry denials are due to documentation issues that can be prevented with proper preparation.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Invalid or Expiring Passport
Passport with less than 6 months validity or insufficient blank pages for stamps.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before traveling. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned trip.
Incomplete K-ETA Application
Missing information, unclear photo, or errors in the K-ETA application form.
How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Ensure your photo is clear and meets specifications.
No Return Ticket
Unable to show confirmed departure from South Korea within the allowed stay period.
How to avoid: Book a return or onward flight before arriving. Immigration may deny entry without proof of departure.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas or violating immigration rules in South Korea or other countries.
How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding immigration issues before traveling. Previous overstays can result in entry denial.
Insufficient Funds
Unable to demonstrate adequate financial means to support the stay without working.
How to avoid: Carry proof of funds such as bank statements, credit cards, or sufficient cash for your planned activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indonesian citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No visa is currently required for short tourist visits. Indonesia is included in the K-ETA exemption list until late 2025, allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days. You can optionally apply for K-ETA for additional benefits.
What is K-ETA and do I need it?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization for visa-free entry to South Korea. Indonesian citizens are currently exempt from K-ETA until late 2025, but you can still apply for it to skip the arrival card and enjoy faster immigration processing.
How much does K-ETA cost for Indonesians?
The K-ETA application fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately $8 USD or IDR 120,000). This fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. With the current exemption, you can enter without K-ETA for free.
How long can Indonesians stay in South Korea?
Indonesian citizens can stay up to 30 days per visit under the visa-free arrangement. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a traditional tourist visa (C-3) at the Korean Embassy.
How long does K-ETA processing take?
K-ETA applications are typically processed within 72 hours, but most approvals come within 24 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
Is K-ETA the same as a visa?
No, K-ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization that allows visa-free entry. Final entry decisions are made by immigration officers at the port of entry. K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry.
How long is K-ETA valid?
K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries during this period.
What documents do I need at South Korea immigration?
At immigration, present your valid passport, return flight ticket, and accommodation address. If you do not have K-ETA, you will need to fill out an arrival card. Immigration may also ask about your travel plans and funds.
Can I extend my stay in South Korea?
Short-term tourist stays can potentially be extended by visiting a local immigration office in South Korea before your current stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities.
What is the approval rate for South Korea entry from Indonesia?
The approval rate is approximately 92% for Indonesian travelers with proper documentation. Most issues arise from passport validity problems or inability to show return tickets.
What happens if I overstay in South Korea?
Overstaying is a serious offense that can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban from entering South Korea in the future. Always leave before your authorized stay period expires.