When Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife landed in South Korea’s Jeju Island expecting a great holiday, things did not turn out as they expected. The vlogger recently shared a post detailing the ordeal they faced while there. He alleges that they were denied entry, held overnight and eventually deported, an experience Awasthi later described in a YouTube video as “the worst 24 hours of my life.”Three days after his post drew attention online, the Embassy of India, Seoul issued a fresh advisory for Indian nationals planning to travel to Jeju Island under its visa waiver programme.
What Awasthi alleged
According to Awasthi, the trouble began even before arrival in South Korea. He claimed that at the departure point in Bangkok, airline staff insisted he show a specific amount of physical cash before being allowed to board. He alleged they told him to arrange cash immediately or step aside. After arranging the funds, the couple boarded their flight to Jeju. Upon landing at Jeju International Airport, Awasthi said immigration officials examined their Indian passports, took fingerprints and directed them to a waiting area. He recounted being interviewed via a phone interpreter before eventually receiving a notice of denial. The reason cited, according to him, was that the “purpose of stay [was] not clear.”
While acknowledging that a country has the sovereign right to deny entry to foreign nationals, Awasthi questioned the manner in which the situation was handled.
Embassy advisory: What travellers should know
In its advisory, the Embassy clarified that entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is strictly for short-term tourism. It stressed that final admission is determined solely by immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law, and that the visa waiver does not guarantee entry. The advisory outlines mandatory documents that travellers must carry in printed form, not just on mobile devices. These include:
- Confirmed return air tickets
- Hotel reservations covering the entire stay
- A detailed day-wise travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, international cards or forex)
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Contact details of accommodation
Passengers may be denied admission if they are unable to provide a detailed explanation of their travel itinerary, the Embassy said.Read more: Anand Mahindra called this Meghalaya waterfall ‘Poetry in Motion,’ and it might inspire your next trip
Interviews and financial readiness
The advisory also highlights that passengers must be able to demonstrate financial capability to cover daily expenses, accommodation, and transport during their stay. Immigration officers may question passengers about their travel plans and finances, and the answers should reflect tourism goals.Upon arrival, immigration interviews may be conducted. The Embassy advised travellers to remain calm, answer clearly and truthfully, and be well-versed with their itinerary and accommodation details. Failure to satisfy the immigration officer may result in refusal of entry.Read more: Want to meet Punch? The viral baby monkey with a plushie from Japan has finally found friends and love
Important restrictions
The Embassy also reminded travellers that the Jeju visa waiver does not permit onward travel to mainland South Korea. Attempting to leave Jeju for the mainland without an appropriate visa is illegal. Overstaying or engaging in unauthorised activities could result in future travel bans.If entry is refused, the passenger is returned on the next available flight of the same airline. Depending on flight schedules, a temporary stay in a holding facility may be required. The Embassy clarified that it cannot overturn immigration decisions made by South Korean authorities. However, it may seek assistance from local authorities to ensure reasonable support for Indian nationals placed in holding facilities. It has also shared contact numbers and email details for consular assistance. Phone number: +82-2-792-4257, Ext 407 (Operator) during office hours and the designated email id is cons.seoul@mea.gov.in. The Embassy also maintains an emergency contact number: 010-9356-4188. The warning, which emphasizes that even visa-free entry routes require stringent documentation and preparation, comes amid a renewed focus on travel compliance under visa waiver programs.
