TravelNews – Indian Influencer Alleges 38-Hour Detention Abroad

TravelNews –  A planned vacation to South Korea turned into an exhausting ordeal for Indian influencer Sachin Awasthi and his wife, Deepshikha Mishra, who say they were detained for nearly 38 hours during their journey and eventually forced to return home under distressing circumstances. The couple has since shared their experience publicly, detailing what they describe as harsh treatment at Jeju Island and during transit through China.

Trip to Jeju Island Takes Unexpected Turn

According to Awasthi, the couple landed at Jeju Island full of anticipation for their holiday. Within hours, however, they were stopped by immigration authorities and denied entry. He said they were directed to a holding facility without being given a clear explanation for the decision.

In a social media post recounting the incident, Awasthi stated that officials instructed them to wait but did not clarify the reason for their detention. The couple reportedly remained in the facility for several hours before being informed that their entry had been rejected.

Conditions Inside the Holding Facility

Awasthi described the detention center as restrictive, with limited access to natural light and no communication with the outside world. He alleged that they were provided basic meals and were kept in separate halls designated for men and women.

He further claimed that authorities presented them with documents indicating that suitable accommodation and food had been provided. According to him, they felt pressured to sign these forms.

The influencer said they attempted to contact the Indian embassy in South Korea but were unable to connect with officials. He also mentioned that other detainees shared similar accounts of being denied entry, though he did not provide independent verification of those cases.

Allegations of High Return Ticket Costs

Awasthi stated that after immigration officials informed them they would be sent back to India, they were instructed to book return tickets immediately. He alleged that the cost of the return flight was nearly ten times the regular fare.

He claimed that at that point, the couple was mentally exhausted and chose not to contest the charges, prioritizing their safe return instead. Awasthi further alleged that airline staff pressured passengers in similar situations to purchase high-priced tickets.

The airlines mentioned by him, including Juneyao Air and China Eastern Airlines, have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.

Transit Through China Adds to Ordeal

During transit in China, Awasthi said the difficulties continued. He alleged that communication was restricted and that access to food and water was limited. He also described tight supervision while using restrooms and stated that sleeping arrangements were uncomfortable.

According to Awasthi, the prolonged detention left both him and his wife emotionally drained by the time they boarded their return flight to India.

Immigration Reasons Cited

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Awasthi explained that immigration officials cited “unclear travel intentions” as the reason for denying their entry into Jeju Island. He said he offered to provide travel history and other documentation to support their case but was informed that the decision was final.

Immigration policies and entry requirements vary by country, and final authority typically rests with border officials. However, Awasthi argued that the manner in which they were treated was unjustified.

Broader Concerns Raised

The influencer clarified that he did not share his account to attract sympathy but to highlight what he believes was improper conduct. He also alleged discriminatory behavior during the process, though these claims remain unverified.

Travel industry experts note that while entry denial can occur for various administrative reasons, communication from authorities plays a critical role in preventing confusion and distress among travelers.

The incident has sparked conversations online about international travel risks, immigration screening processes, and airline ticketing practices. As of now, no official statement has been released by the authorities involved regarding the couple’s claims.