Korea Visa: Requirements, Documents & Application Guide

Planning a trip to South Korea with an Indonesian passport? Indonesian passport holders generally need a visa to visit South Korea for tourism. However, there is an important temporary visa-free program for eligible Indonesian group travelers in 2026, so travelers should check which entry option applies to their trip. 

Do Indonesian Passport Holders Need a Visa for Korea?

Yes, Indonesian passport holders generally need a visa to visit South Korea for tourism. For an individual tourist trip, Indonesian travelers typically apply for the C-3-9 Short-Term Tourist Visa, which is intended for tourism and family visits of less than 90 days.

However, there is an important 2026 exception. South Korea has introduced a temporary visa-free program for eligible Indonesian group tourists. From May 28 to December 31, 2026, groups of at least 3 Indonesian tourists can enter Korea without an individual tourist visa if they meet the program requirements and travel through the designated travel-agent system. Eligible group tourists can stay for up to 15 days.

In simple terms:

• Solo Indonesian traveler: Visa generally required.
• Individual/family trip: Visa generally required unless another specific exemption applies.
• Eligible group of 3+ Indonesian tourists in 2026: May qualify for temporary visa-free entry.
• K-ETA: Indonesian ordinary passport holders should not assume they can use K-ETA instead of a visa; K-ETA applies to travelers from Korea's visa-exempt countries.
• Temporary group visa-free program: Currently scheduled until December 31, 2026.

For travelers who do need a visa, the C-3-9 Tourist Visa is the main category to consider. The Korean Embassy in Indonesia provides the applicable application and document requirements.

Temporary Visa-Free Program for Indonesian Group Tourists

In 2026, South Korea introduced a temporary visa-free program specifically for Indonesian group tourists. The program allows eligible Indonesian travelers to visit South Korea without applying for an individual tourist visa, making group holidays more convenient. The program began on 28 May 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 31 December 2026.

Who Can Use the Program?

The temporary visa-free program is available to Indonesian passport holders who meet these conditions:

• Travel as a group of at least 3 people.
• Travel to South Korea for tourism purposes.
• Book the trip through an Authorized Travel Agent in Indonesia participating in the program.
• Have a valid passport.
• Receive approval through the required pre-entry screening process.

This means that solo travelers and travelers arranging an independent trip themselves cannot use this temporary group visa-free program.

How Long Can You Stay in Korea?

Eligible group tourists can stay in South Korea for a maximum of 15 days.

The program allows travelers to visit anywhere in South Korea, rather than restricting them to specific cities or regions. The entry status is B-2 (Tourist/Transit).

How Does the Visa-Free Process Work?

Unlike a regular tourist visa application, travelers do not individually submit a Korean tourist visa application. The process generally works as follows:

1. Book through an Authorized Travel Agent

Indonesian travelers must arrange their group trip through an authorized travel agent participating in the program.

2. Prepare the Group List

The Indonesian travel agent prepares the list of travelers and provides the information to its partner Korean Land Operator.

3. Register the Group in Korea

The Korean Land Operator registers the group through the Hi Korea system and submits the travelers' information.

4. Immigration Screening

The Korean Ministry of Justice checks the travelers before arrival, including immigration history and whether there are restrictions or other risk factors affecting entry.

5. Receive the Screening Result

The result is sent through the Hi Korea system to the Korean Land Operator, which then informs the Indonesian travel agent.

6. Travel to Korea

Travelers who receive approval can enter Korea under the temporary visa-free program.

When Must the Group Be Registered?

The group must be registered before arrival:

• By air: At least 24 hours before arrival
• By sea: At least 36 hours before arrival

The Korean authorities then provide the screening result:

• Air travel: Up to 12 hours before arrival
• Sea travel: Up to 24 hours before arrival

Important Entry and Departure Requirement

One important condition is that all members of the approved group must enter and leave Korea using the same flight or vessel specified in the registered group information.

Therefore, travelers should avoid making separate flight arrangements from the rest of the group if they are using this visa-free program.

What Is Not Allowed?

The temporary visa-free program is intended specifically for tourism.

It cannot be used to:

• Work in South Korea
• Stay longer than 15 days
• Travel independently outside the approved group arrangement
• Circumvent Korean immigration requirements

Travelers who want to stay longer or visit Korea for another purpose should apply for the appropriate Korean visa instead.

Types of Korea Visa for Indonesian Travelers

1. C-3-9 Short-Term Tourist Visa

The C-3-9 visa is the main visa for Indonesian travelers visiting South Korea for tourism.

It is suitable for:

• Sightseeing and holidays
• Visiting Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and other destinations
• Visiting friends or family as part of a short-term visit
• General leisure travel

For ordinary tourism, this is generally the visa Indonesian travelers should consider when they are not eligible for a visa-exemption program. The Embassy of Korea in Indonesia specifically provides requirements for the C-3-9 Tourist and Family Tourism Visa.

2. C-3-2 Group Tourist Visa

The C-3-2 Group Tourist Visa is intended for travelers visiting Korea as part of an organized tourist group.

It can be relevant for Indonesian travelers who book an organized group tour through an eligible travel agency.

This should not be confused with Korea's temporary visa-free program for Indonesian group tourists in 2026. Under the temporary program, eligible groups may enter without a visa if they meet the specific requirements. The Korean Embassy in Indonesia currently lists authorized travel agents for that program.

3. C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa

The C-3-4 visa is for short-term business-related activities in Korea.

It may be suitable for Indonesian travelers visiting Korea for purposes such as:

• Business meetings
• Market research
• Business consultations
• Contract-related activities
• Trade-related activities

It is not intended for ordinary tourism.

4. D-2 Student Visa

Indonesian students planning to study at a Korean university or other eligible higher-education institution generally need a D-2 Student Visa.

This category is intended for longer-term study rather than a short holiday.

5. D-4-1 Korean Language Trainee Visa

Travelers planning to study the Korean language in Korea may need the D-4-1 Korean Language Trainee Visa.

This is different from the D-2 visa because it is designed specifically for Korean-language training and other qualifying training programs.

6. C-3-1 Short-Term General Visitor Visa

The C-3-1 category covers various short-term visits that do not fall under ordinary tourism.

Depending on the specific circumstances, it can include:

• Conferences
• Competitions
• Training
• Cultural events
• Certain family visits
• Other short-term general visits

The Korean Embassy in Indonesia lists separate C-3-1 categories for activities such as cultural events, seminars, exhibitions, sporting events, and family visits.

7. F-6-1 Marriage Migrant Visa

The F-6-1 visa is for foreigners who are married to South Korean citizens and intend to live in Korea with their Korean spouse.

It is a long-term residence category, so it is not suitable for an Indonesian traveler simply visiting Korea for a holiday.

8. F-3 Dependent Family Visa

The F-3 category is designed for eligible dependent family members accompanying certain long-term visa holders in Korea.

For example, family members of qualifying students or foreign workers may be eligible depending on the principal applicant's status and Korean immigration rules.

9. D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa

The D-10-1 is a long-term visa category for eligible foreigners who are seeking employment or preparing for qualifying professional activities in South Korea.

It is not a tourist visa and has specific eligibility requirements.

10. C-3-3 Medical Tourism Visa

The C-3-3 visa is intended for eligible foreign nationals visiting Korea for short-term medical treatment or medical tourism.

It is different from the C-3-9 tourist visa because the primary purpose of the trip is medical treatment or related recuperation.

Documents Required for a Korea Tourist Visa

1. Original Passport and Copy

Prepare:

• Original Indonesian passport
• Photocopy of the passport's identification page
• Copies of relevant previous visas or entry stamps, where applicable
• Previous passport, if requested or relevant

Your passport should be valid for the intended trip and have sufficient blank pages.

2. Korea Visa Application Form

Complete the official Korea Visa Application Form/e-Form accurately.

You will generally need to:

• Provide your personal information
• State your travel purpose
• Provide your planned stay in Korea
• Include your employment or education information
• Attach a recent passport-style photograph as required

Make sure the information matches your passport and supporting documents.

3. Employment or Student Certificate

Your supporting document depends on your current status.

Employees:

• Certificate of employment, preferably in English
• Information about your position and employment

Business owners:

• Business license/SIUP or applicable business documents

Students:

• Certificate of enrollment/student certificate
• Financial documents from parents if they are sponsoring the trip

Unemployed or homemakers:

• Financial documents from the spouse or family member who will sponsor the trip, where applicable.

4. Proof of Financial Ability

Applicants need to provide evidence that they can financially support their trip to Korea.

Common financial documents include:

• Bank statement/account transaction history
• Bank reference letter, where required
• Annual tax return (SPT PPh 21), where applicable
• Salary slips or other proof of income

The Embassy's C-3-9 requirements specifically mention a three-month bank statement and bank reference letter, together with applicable tax documents.

5. Family Card (Kartu Keluarga)

A photocopy of your Kartu Keluarga (KK) may be required to demonstrate family relationships, particularly when financial support or sponsorship involves family members.

6. Passport-Size Photograph

Prepare a recent passport-style photograph according to the Korean visa photo specifications.

The photograph should be attached to the designated section of the visa application form.

7. Flight Ticket and Hotel Booking

Interestingly, the Korean Embassy's published general application guidance states that flight tickets and accommodation reservations are not mandatory visa application documents.

However, travelers should still check the latest C-3-9 checklist before submitting their application, as requirements and procedures can be updated.

8. Additional Documents for Sponsored or Invited Travelers

If someone in Korea is inviting or sponsoring you, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Invitation letter
• Guarantee letter
• Copy of the inviter's identification
• Company documents if the inviter is a company
• Other supporting documents related to the purpose of the visit.

Documents by Applicant Status

How to Apply for a Korea Tourist Visa from Indonesia

1. Check the Visa Requirements

Before starting your application, check the latest C-3-9 Tourist Visa requirements published by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia.

Make sure you qualify for the tourist visa and prepare documents according to your employment, student, or financial status.

The Embassy maintains a dedicated visa information page with the latest application procedures and document requirements.

2. Complete the Korea Visa Application Form

Applicants can complete the Korean visa e-Form online through the Korea Visa Portal.

When completing the form:

• Enter your personal information exactly as shown on your passport.
• Provide your travel purpose as tourism.
• Enter your expected travel dates and stay information.
• Provide your employment or education details.
• Upload the required digital photograph where applicable.

After completing the e-Form, print the application form with its barcode and bring it together with your passport and other supporting documents when submitting your application.

3. Prepare the Required Documents

For a C-3-9 application, commonly required documents include:

• Original Indonesian passport
• Photocopy of the passport identification page
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Kartu Keluarga (KK)
• Employment or student certificate
• Financial documents
• Other supporting documents depending on your circumstances

The Korean Embassy may request additional documents if necessary during the assessment.

4. Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the designated Korean visa application channel in Indonesia.

Make sure your documents are complete and arranged according to the required order before submission. The Embassy's published instructions specifically ask applicants to organize their documents properly to help reduce waiting time.

https://www.visaforkorea-id.com

5. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee when submitting your application.

The fee can vary depending on the visa type and current regulations, so check the latest fee information before applying. The fee is generally non-refundable if the application is withdrawn or rejected, according to the Embassy's published C-3-9 information.

6. Wait for the Visa Processing

After submission, the Korean authorities will review your application and supporting documents.

For the C-3-9 visa, the Embassy's published information states that processing takes at least 6 working days, counted from the day after document submission. Processing may take longer if additional documents or an interview are required.

It is therefore recommended to apply well before your planned departure date.

7. Check Your Visa Application Result

You can check your visa application status through the Korea Visa Portal.

The portal allows applicants to check the status of applications submitted through Korean diplomatic missions.

8. Prepare for Your Trip After Approval

Once your visa is approved:

• Check the visa information carefully.
• Keep your Visa Grant Notice or relevant visa documentation.
• Make sure your passport information is correct.
• Prepare your other travel documents.
• Check the latest Korean immigration and entry requirements before departure.