China Visa for South Korea Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Great news for South Korean travelers: you can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This policy runs until December 31, 2026. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need an L visa (tourist visa) through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Seoul. With entry now easier than ever, millions of Koreans are rediscovering China.

Visa Application process

If you need a visa for an extended stay, follow these steps:1

Complete Online Application

Visit the CVASC website and create an account.1 Fill out the online visa application form, upload your documents, and wait for online approval confirmation.

Schedule Appointment

After receiving the confirmation email stating “Online Review Completed,” book an appointment at the CVASC in Seoul.1

Attend Appointment

Visit the visa center with your passport, printed application form, photo, and supporting documents.1 Provide fingerprints if required (ages 14-70, unless provided within past 5 years).

Collect Your Visa

Return to collect your passport with visa after processing is complete.1 Regular processing takes 4 working days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Application
2. Schedule Appointment
3. Attend Appointment
4. Collect Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Duration: Cost	Up to 30 days: Free	Visa Type: Regular (4 days)	Single Entry: ₩46,000	Double Entry: ₩60,000	6-Month Multi-Entry: ₩73,000	12-Month Multi-Entry: ₩95,000	Fees are paid at the CVASC when collecting your passport.3 Payment accepted by cash, debit card, credit card, or cheque.

Required documents

Valid Passport
Electronic Arrival Card
Return or Onward Ticket
Accommodation Details

Valid Passport

Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least 2 blank pages • Minimum 6 months validity from planned entry date; • At least 2 blank pages for stamps; • Must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Check passport expiry date before booking travelRenew your passport if it expires within 6 months of travel)

Electronic Arrival Card

Complete the electronic arrival declaration before or upon arrival in China • Available via National Immigration Administration app; • Can also use WeChat or Alipay mini-programs; • Can be completed before departure or upon arrival; • Replaces paper arrival cards as of November 20, 2025] (Tip: Complete the form before your flight to save time at immigrationHave your flight and accommodation details ready)

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of your departure from China within the allowed stay period • Flight booking showing departure from China; • Must be within 30 days for visa-free entry] (Tip: Book refundable tickets if your plans might changeKeep a copy on your phone for immigration)

Accommodation Details

Hotel booking or invitation letter showing where you will stay • Hotel reservation with address and dates; • If staying with friends or family, their address and contact details] (Tip: Have hotel booking confirmation accessible on your phoneChinese addresses in Chinese characters help with taxis)

Optional documents

Online Visa Application Form | Passport Photo | Biometrics (Fingerprints) | Travel Itinerary | Financial Evidence

Online Visa Application Form

Complete the online visa application form on the CVASC website • Fill out form at visaforchina.cn; • Upload required documents; • Print confirmation page and form; • Sign the printed form] (Tip: Complete the online form before visiting the visa centerDouble-check all information matches your passport exactly)

Passport Photo

Recent passport-sized photo meeting Chinese visa requirements • 48mm x 33mm size; • White background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Full face, front view] (Tip: Get photos taken at a professional photo shopBring extra copies to your visa appointment)

Biometrics (Fingerprints)

Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment • Required for applicants aged 14-70; • Exemption for those who provided fingerprints within past 5 years; • Collected at CVASC Seoul] (Tip: Fingerprint exemption available if previously collected within 5 yearsApplicants under 14 or over 70 are exempt)

Travel Itinerary

Detailed travel plan showing your activities in China • Dates and destinations within China; • Transportation arrangements between cities; • Accommodation for entire stay] (Tip: Include specific cities and datesRound-trip flight bookings strengthen your application)

Financial Evidence

Bank statements or other proof showing funds for your trip • Recent bank statements showing sufficient balance; • Proof of income or employment] (Tip: Calculate roughly ₩100,000 per day of travelShow stable income rather than large recent deposits)

Border entry information

South Korean citizens can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days.2 This policy was extended on November 10, 2025, and runs until December 31, 2026.5
Eligible purposes include:2
• Tourism and sightseeing
• Business meetings and negotiations
• Family visits
• Transit to other countries
• Cultural exchanges
You simply arrive at any Chinese port of entry with your passport. Complete the electronic arrival card, clear immigration, and enjoy your trip.4

Comparison

Visa Type	Regular (4 days)	Express (3 days)	Rush (2 days)
Single Entry	₩46,000	₩80,000	₩101,000
Double Entry	₩60,000	₩94,000	₩115,000
6-Month Multi-Entry	₩73,000	₩107,000	₩128,000
12-Month Multi-Entry	₩95,000	₩129,000	₩150,000

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
30%	Documentation Errors
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
20%	Unclear Travel Purpose
15%	Incomplete Application Package
10%	Previous Immigration Issues

30% - Documentation Errors

How to avoid: Double-check that all information matches your passport exactly. Use the online application system carefully and review before submission.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: For extended stays, show bank statements with a stable balance. Calculate approximately ₩100,000 per day of travel as a guideline.

20% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary including cities, accommodations, and activities. Round-trip bookings strengthen your application.

15% - Incomplete Application Package

How to avoid: Use the checklist on the CVASC website. Ensure all documents are submitted together with your application form.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved.

Frequently asked questions

Do South Koreans need a visa to visit China?

No, for stays up to 30 days. South Korean citizens can enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, or transit until December 31, 2026. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa).

How long can South Koreans stay in China without a visa?

Up to 30 days per visit under the visa-free policy. You cannot extend this period without leaving and re-entering China. For longer stays, apply for an L visa before traveling.

What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?

You need a valid South Korean passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), return or onward flight ticket, accommodation details, and a completed electronic arrival card. No pre-approval or visa is required.

How do I complete the electronic arrival card for China?

Since November 20, 2026, China uses electronic arrival declarations. You can complete this via the National Immigration Administration app, or through WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. You can fill it out before departure or upon arrival.

What if I want to stay in China longer than 30 days?

Apply for an L visa (tourist visa) before traveling. Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Seoul. Processing takes 4 working days for regular service. Fees start at ₩46,000 for a single entry visa.

Where is the Chinese Visa Application Center in Seoul?

The CVASC is located on the 17th Floor of Namsan Square, 173 Toegyero, Joong-gu, Seoul. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The nearest subway is Chungmu-ro Station (Line 3 or 4), Exit 5.

How much does a China L visa cost for South Koreans?

Single entry L visa costs ₩46,000 (regular/4 days), ₩80,000 (express/3 days), or ₩101,000 (rush/2 days). Double entry is ₩60,000, 6-month multi-entry is ₩73,000, and 12-month multi-entry is ₩95,000.

Can I work in China on the visa-free entry or L visa?

No. Both visa-free entry and L visas are for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit only. You cannot take up employment. Working in China requires a Z visa (work visa) sponsored by a Chinese employer.

What happens if I overstay my 30-day visa-free period?

Overstaying is a serious offense in China. You may face fines, detention, and deportation. You could also be banned from re-entering China. Always leave before your permitted stay expires or apply for proper visa extension.

Is there a limit to how many times I can use visa-free entry?

There is no specified limit on the number of visa-free entries. However, immigration officers may question you if you appear to be living in China through frequent visits. Each visit is limited to 30 days.

Apply for China tourist visa online

Sources

Chinese Visa Application Service Center Seoul

https://www.visaforchina.cn/SEL5_EN/

China Foreign Ministry - Visa-Free Policy Extension

https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202511/04/content_WS69094ae0c6d00ca5f9a07472.html

CVASC Seoul - Visa Fees

https://www.visaforchina.cn/SEL5_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian

China Briefing - Visa-Free Travel Guide

https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-visa-free-travel-policies-complete-guide/

Yonhap News - Visa-Free Policy Extension

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251103011900315

VisaHQ - China Visa-Free Entry FAQ

https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/

At a glance