'Visa waiver does not guarantee entry': India issues travel advisory for Jeju Island after influencer Sachin Awasthi's detention

(FILES) A general view shows ships off the coast of Seogwipo, the second-largest city on Jeju Island, early on February 23, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)

The Indian Embassy in South Korea warned that Jeju Island’s visa waiver scheme allows entry only for short-term tourism and does not guarantee access to mainland Korea. The advisory follows an influencer’s claim of detention and denied entry during a recent trip.

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The Indian Embassy in South Korea on Tuesday issued a detailed advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Jeju Island under South Korea’s visa waiver scheme, clarifying that the facility does not permit onward travel to mainland Korea and does not guarantee entry.

The advisory comes days after Indian social media influencer Sachin Awasthi alleged that he and his wife were detained and denied entry during a recent holiday trip to Jeju, an experience he described as mentally exhausting and distressing.

Embassy clarifies scope of Jeju visa-free entry

In its statement, the Indian Embassy stressed that the Jeju visa waiver scheme is strictly limited in scope and subject to the discretion of South Korean immigration authorities.

“Indian nationals planning to visit Jeju Island under the visa waiver scheme are hereby advised to carefully note the following: Entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is permitted strictly for short-term tourism. Final admission into the Republic of Korea is determined solely by the immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. The visa waiver scheme does not guarantee entry,” the embassy said.

The advisory further warned that attempting to travel from Jeju to mainland South Korea without a valid visa is illegal and could attract serious consequences.

“Overstay or unauthorized activity may result in future travel bans. If entry is refused, the passenger will be returned on the next available flight of the same airline. Under that situation, depending on flight schedules, temporary stay in a holding facility may be required,” it added.

Influencer describes detention and transit ordeal

Awasthi had earlier shared his experience through a series of posts on Instagram, alleging that he and his wife were held for nearly 38 hours after being denied entry upon arrival in South Korea.

According to him, the couple was taken to a holding facility soon after landing. He claimed immigration officials did not clearly explain why they were refused entry.

Describing the conditions inside the facility, Awasthi wrote, “It was similar to a jail with no sunlight & no access to outside.”

He further alleged that the couple was pressured into purchasing an expensive return ticket. During transit through China, Awasthi said they faced additional restrictions, including limited access to their phones and inadequate food and water.

Embassy responds to allegations of non-intervention

In his vlog, Awasthi claimed that the Indian Embassy in South Korea failed to assist them during the ordeal, saying it should have intervened to help resolve the situation.

Responding to such concerns, the embassy clarified the limits of its authority in immigration matters.

“The Embassy of India, Seoul is not in a position to overturn the decisions of the RoK immigration authority in matters relating to entry into RoK. It will seek RoK authorities’ assistance in providing reasonable support to Indian nationals in the holding facility,” the advisory said.

Advisory urges caution for travellers

The embassy urged Indian travellers to fully understand the conditions of the Jeju visa waiver scheme before planning their trips, emphasising that immigration clearance ultimately rests with South Korean authorities.

The incident has triggered wider discussion online about visa-free travel rules, entry discretion at international borders, and the importance of travellers being aware of legal limitations before relying on waiver schemes.