Indian Travel Vlogger's Nightmare Experience in Jeju Leads to Embassy Warning
When Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife arrived at South Korea's picturesque Jeju Island anticipating a memorable vacation, their expectations were shattered by a harrowing ordeal. The couple faced denial of entry, overnight detention, and eventual deportation—an experience Awasthi later described in a YouTube video as "the worst 24 hours of my life."
The Disturbing Sequence of Events
According to Awasthi's detailed account, the troubles began even before their arrival in South Korea. At their departure point in Bangkok, airline staff allegedly insisted he display a specific amount of physical cash before permitting boarding. He claims they instructed him to arrange the funds immediately or step aside. After complying, the couple proceeded to Jeju.
Upon landing at Jeju International Airport, immigration officials examined their Indian passports, collected fingerprints, and directed them to a waiting area. Awasthi recounted being interviewed through a phone interpreter before ultimately receiving a notice of denial. The stated reason, according to him, was that the "purpose of stay was not clear."
While acknowledging any country's sovereign right to deny entry to foreign nationals, Awasthi strongly questioned the handling of the situation, particularly the treatment during the process.
Embassy Issues Crucial Advisory for Indian Travelers
Three days after Awasthi's post gained significant online attention, the Embassy of India in Seoul released a fresh advisory specifically for Indian nationals planning to travel to Jeju Island under its visa waiver program.
The advisory clarifies that entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is strictly for short-term tourism purposes only. It emphasizes 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 under any circumstances.
Mandatory Documentation Requirements
The Embassy outlined specific mandatory documents that travelers must carry in printed form, not merely stored on mobile devices:
- Confirmed return air tickets
- Hotel reservations covering the entire stay duration
- A detailed day-wise travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, international credit cards, or foreign exchange)
- A passport valid for at least six months from date of entry
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Contact details for all accommodation bookings
The advisory specifically notes that passengers may be denied admission if they cannot provide a detailed explanation of their travel itinerary or fail to present adequate documentation.
Financial Readiness and Immigration Interviews
The Embassy highlighted that passengers must demonstrate financial capability to cover daily expenses, accommodation, and transportation throughout their stay. Immigration officers may question travelers about their travel plans and financial arrangements, and responses should consistently reflect genuine tourism intentions.
Upon arrival, immigration interviews may be conducted. The Embassy advised travelers to remain calm, answer questions clearly and truthfully, and be thoroughly familiar with their itinerary and accommodation details. Failure to satisfy the immigration officer may result in refusal of entry.
Important Restrictions and Consequences
The Embassy reminded travelers 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 and could lead to serious consequences.
Overstaying or engaging in unauthorized activities could result in future travel bans and legal complications. If entry is refused, the passenger is typically returned on the next available flight of the same airline. Depending on flight schedules, a temporary stay in a holding facility may be required.
Embassy's Limited Role and Contact Information
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.
For consular assistance, the Embassy has shared contact information:
- Phone number: +82-2-792-4257, Extension 407 (Operator) during office hours
- Designated email: cons.seoul@mea.gov.in
- Emergency contact number: 010-9356-4188
This warning comes amid renewed focus on travel compliance under visa waiver programs worldwide, emphasizing that even visa-free entry routes require stringent documentation preparation and thorough understanding of destination country regulations.
