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Chinese citizens typically need a visa for South Korea

As of 2026-09-22

Processing

Varies by mission

Fee

Set per mission; USD 15 group visa fee waived to 31 Dec 2026

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Korea Visa Overview for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens require a visa to visit South Korea. C-3 visa for individuals; the visa-free trial for Chinese tour groups ran from 29 September 2025 to 30 June 2026 with no extension published as of 8 September 2026, and the USD 15 group visa fee is waived until 31 December 2026. Jeju Island is visa-free for up to 30 days on a direct international flight, and holders of a valid US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European visa may enter for 30 days in transit to or from that country. Chinese applicants typically apply through a Korea Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an or Shenyang.

Applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Applications from Chinese citizens are processed through a Korea Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an or Shenyang.

Once approved, Chinese passport holders may stay in South Korea for the duration specified on the visa.

Available Visa Types for Chinese Citizens

Visa-Free Entry

More than 110 nationalities enter without a visa for 30 to 180 days; 22 of them are also excused from K-ETA until 31 December 2026

None: e-Arrival Card within 3 days before landingFree

K-ETA

Electronic travel authorisation required before boarding by visa-free nationals not on the temporary exemption list, including Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa and Russia

Usually within 72 hoursKRW 10,000 + 3% card fee

Tourist (C-3-9) Visa

Short-term visit visa for nationalities outside the waiver, lodged at the embassy or a Korea Visa Application Centre; fees and timing set per mission

10 working days in India; 12 in the Philippines; 8 weeks in PakistanRs3,600 / NGN 60,000 / PKR 12,000 / PHP 0 + centre fee

Jeju and Transit Without Visa

Jeju Island for up to 30 days by direct international flight, and 30 days on the mainland for transit passengers holding a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European visa

Granted at the port of entryFree

How to Apply

1

Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and bank statements

2

Complete the visa application through the South Korea embassy or authorized visa agent

3

Pay the visa application fee of the applicable amount

4

Submit your application through a Korea Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an or Shenyang

5

Wait for processing (typically several working days)

6

Receive your visa — check whether it is sent by email or requires passport collection

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Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Korea visa guide.

Important Notes for Chinese Applicants

  • Chinese citizens apply through a Korea Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an or Shenyang
  • Korea waives the US$15 visa fee for Chinese group tourists until 31 December 2026; individual travellers apply for a C-3 visa as usual.
  • Apply 8-12 weeks before travel, especially during Chinese New Year and Golden Week periods

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Korea?

Yes, Chinese citizens typically need a visa to visit South Korea. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

Where do Chinese citizens apply for a South Korea visa?

Chinese citizens typically apply through a Korea Visa Application Centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an or Shenyang. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.

Other destinations for Chinese citizens

Schengen Area

Visa required

United Kingdom

Visa required

United States

Visa required

Canada

Visa required

Australia

Visa required

Japan

Visa required

India

Visa required

Malaysia

Visa-free

South Africa

Visa-free

View all destinations for Chinese citizens

Prepare Your Application

Draft cover letters, plan your trip, and prepare invitation letters

Document StudioTrip PlannerVisa Cover LetterSponsor/Invitation Letter
View all tools

Helpful Guides

First-Time Visa Applicant: Top Tips to Get Approved
8 min read
Visa Cover Letter: How to Write One (With Examples)
7 min read
Bank Statements for Visa Applications: What You Need
8 min read

Official Resources

K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (official site)
The Korea Immigration Service portal for K-ETA: eligibility table with the visa-free stay for each nationality, fee, validity and the temporary exemption list.
K-ETA Application Guide
Fee (KRW 10,000), three-year validity, 72-hour assessment and who is exempt.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption to 31 December 2026 (29 December 2025)
The Ministry of Justice decision to keep the K-ETA waiver for the currently exempt countries through 2026.
Korea Tourism Organization — Visa & Travel Requirements (21 April 2026)
The 22 countries and regions temporarily exempt from K-ETA, and how K-ETA works.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (16 May 2025)
Thirty-day visa-free entry for transit passengers holding a valid visa or residence for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or 32 European countries, with the 23 excluded nationalities.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa-Free Entry to Jeju Island (2 January 2026)
Direct-flight condition for Jeju's visa-free entry and the 23 nationalities excluded from it.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa and Entry FAQ (31 August 2026)
K-ETA fee and validity, the Visa Grant Notice that replaced visa stickers in 2020, transit and APEC card rules.
Korea Visa Portal
The Ministry of Justice portal for visa applications, status checks and the Visa Grant Notice.
e-Arrival Card
The free electronic arrival card submitted within three days before arrival by travellers without a K-ETA.
GOV.UK — South Korea entry requirements
The UK government's statement of the 90-day visa-free stay, the K-ETA exemption to 31 December 2026 and the e-Arrival Card.

Full South Korea Visa Guide

View all South Korea visas

Chinese Travel Guide

All destinations for Chinese citizens
Last verified:September 2026