A day after Indian travel influencer Sachin Awasthi shared a video recounting his detention and deportation from South Korea’s Jeju Island, the Embassy of India in Seoul has issued a detailed advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise caution while travelling under the island’s visa-waiver programme.
The advisory comes amid renewed attention to entry procedures at Jeju International Airport after Awasthi described what he called “the worst 24 hours of my life” following denial of entry in late December.
‘Visa-free does not guarantee entry’
In its statement, the Embassy clarified that entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is strictly meant for short-term tourism.
“Entry under the Jeju visa free facility is permitted strictly for short term tourism,” the embassy wrote, adding that “final admission” is determined solely by immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. The visa waiver scheme, it underlined, “does not guarantee entry.”
Advisory for Indian Nationals Travelling to Jeju Island (Republic of Korea)@MEAIndia@IndianDiplomacy@Dasspakepic.twitter.com/iwCVohFmHt— India in ROK (@IndiainROK) February 24, 2026
The mission noted that, from time to time, it receives reports of inconveniences faced by Indian travellers, including denial of entry or repatriation upon arrival under the visa-waiver scheme.
Influencer recounts detention, deportation
In a widely shared video, Awasthi said he and his wife were denied entry despite carrying return tickets, hotel bookings and insurance.
“Denying entry is their right,” he said. “But such treatment with us was not justified in any way.”
According to him, the couple was interviewed at immigration through a phone interpreter and later issued a rejection notice citing “purpose of stay not clear”. “They doubt your intentions,” he claimed he was told.
He further alleged that after refusal of entry, they were kept in a detention facility in what he described as “jail-like conditions” with basic meals and limited movement until a return flight was arranged.
“They kept us in their detention centre (it was similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to the outside) and also gave us jail food,” he wrote.
A post shared by Sachin Awasthi (@sachinawasthiunscripted)View this post on Instagram
South Korean immigration authorities have not publicly commented on the specific case. Under international aviation norms, airlines are responsible for returning passengers if entry is refused.
Mandatory documents: Print, don’t rely on screenshots
The Embassy has advised Indian travellers to carry printed copies — not just digital versions — of the following:
The advisory specifically warned that passengers unable to clearly explain their travel plans “could be at the risk of entry denial.”
Financial preparedness, interviews at arrival
The mission stressed that travellers must be able to demonstrate adequate financial capacity to cover daily expenses, accommodation and transport during their stay.
Immigration officers may conduct interviews on arrival. Visitors are advised to respond clearly, truthfully and consistently, while remaining calm and cooperative. Inability to satisfactorily answer queries may result in refusal of entry.
No travel to mainland under Jeju waiver
Importantly, the advisory clarified that the Jeju visa waiver does not permit travel to mainland South Korea. Attempting to travel onward to the mainland without a valid visa is illegal and could result in future travel bans.
In case of refusal, passengers will be returned on the next available flight of the same airline. Depending on schedules, “temporary stay in a holding facility may be required,” the statement noted.
Embassy’s role in case of detention
The Embassy made it clear that it cannot overturn decisions taken by South Korean immigration authorities. However, it said it would seek reasonable support for Indian nationals placed in holding facilities, including consular access where required.
Indian nationals facing immigration-related issues may contact the Consular Wing of the Embassy during office hours at +82-2-792-4257 (Ext. 407) or via email at cons.seoul@mea.gov.in. An emergency number is available for assistance outside office hours, including weekends and holidays.
A reminder on Jeju’s special status
Jeju, officially known as Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, operates under a special administrative framework aimed at promoting tourism and foreign investment. While it offers a limited visa-waiver scheme for direct international arrivals, admission remains subject to immigration scrutiny.
The latest advisory serves as a reminder that visa-free travel does not mean automatic entry — and that documentation, financial preparedness and clarity of purpose are critical for Indian travellers planning a holiday to Jeju Island.
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