Indian Embassy Issues Advisory For People Visiting Jeju Island After Influencer Detention

Amid rising concerns over travel-related issues, the Embassy of India in Seoul has issued a detailed advisory for Indian nationals planning to visit Jeju Island under its visa waiver programme. The move comes after Indian travel influencer Sachin Avasthi shared his experience of being detained and deported from the island in a YouTube video. To say that the incident has since gone viral would be a sheer understatement.

Indian embassy issues statement after Jeju Island entry denial

The Embassy of India in Seoul has issued a detailed advisory for Indians planning to visit Jeju Island under the visa waiver programme, making its position very clear. The embassy stated that from time to time it

“gets to hear about inconveniences caused to Indian travellers or denial of entry/repatriation upon arrival in Jeju Island”.

It also clarified that

“final admission into the Republic of Korea is determined solely by the immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law.”

By saying so, they were stressing that the visa waiver “does not guarantee entry.”

The advisory strongly emphasised the need for proper documentation. Travellers are required to carry printed copies of a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, and a detailed travel plan. The embassy specifically warned that passengers

“unable to clearly explain their travel plan could be at the risk of entry denial.”

It highlighted that simply having bookings is not enough—travellers must be able to clearly justify their visit as genuine tourism.

The embassy also spoke about financial preparedness, saying visitors must be able to show proof of “sufficient funds” for their stay. Immigration officials may question passengers on arrival, and the advisory urged them to “answer clearly, truthfully and consistently,” while remaining calm and cooperative. Any mismatch in responses or lack of clarity could lead to refusal of entry.

Further, the advisory clarified that the visa waiver applies only to Jeju Island and not mainland South Korea. Attempting to travel beyond the island without a valid visa is illegal. In case of denial, travellers will be sent back on the next available flight and, depending on schedules,

“temporary stay in a holding facility may be required.”

While the embassy said it cannot overturn immigration decisions, it assured it would seek assistance from Korean authorities to provide reasonable support to affected Indian nationals.

Have a look at the whole tweet

Advisory for Indian Nationals Travelling to Jeju Island (Republic of Korea)@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @Dasspake pic.twitter.com/iwCVohFmHt

— India in ROK (@IndiainROK) February 24, 2026

“Worst 24 hours”: What Sachin Awasthi claims happened in Jeju

Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi described his trip to Jeju Island as turning into “the worst 24 hours of my life.” In his YouTube video, he said the trouble began even before reaching South Korea. At Bangkok airport, airline staff allegedly asked him to show a specific amount of cash, telling him,

“If you want to board the flight, bring cash; otherwise get out of the way.”

After arranging the money, he and his wife boarded the flight, unaware of what awaited them on arrival.

According to Awasthi, things escalated at immigration in Jeju. He said officers checked their passports, took fingerprints, and moved them to a waiting area, where they were interviewed through a phone interpreter. Despite having return tickets, hotel bookings, and travel insurance, he claimed they were handed a rejection notice stating “purpose of stay not clear.” “They doubt your intentions,” he recalled being told. He maintained that they had all valid documents, yet were denied entry without clear justification.

What followed, he said, was the most disturbing part of the experience. Awasthi alleged that they were kept in “jail-like conditions” with limited movement and basic food until they could be deported.

“They kept us in their detention centre… with no sunlight & no access to the outside.”

He shared this, adding that they were treated unfairly. He further claimed that he had to book a last-minute return ticket costing “at least 10 times” the usual fare. Emphasising why he spoke out, Awasthi said he was not seeking sympathy but awareness, stating,

“They did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS.”

Have a look at the whole YouTube video

The recent developments have once again put the spotlight on Jeju Island and its visa-waiver policy, reminding travellers that “visa-free” does not mean hassle-free entry. As part of South Korea, Jeju may promote itself as a tourist-friendly destination, but entry still depends on strict immigration checks and clear travel intent.

While immigration authorities have the right to deny entry, concerns are now being raised over the treatment of travellers, with claims such as a 38-hour detention still not being officially validated. The advisory by the Embassy of India in Seoul reinforces an important lesson—proper documents, financial proof and clarity of purpose are crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Has it ever happened to you? Do share in the comments below.