Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Korea?
The official link goes to visa.go.kr. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
South Korea entry rules for Chinese citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Short-term visit visa (C-3), or group-tour visa waiver |
| Stay | As granted (C-3 short-term visa); designated group tours: visa-free (pilot) |
| When to apply | Several weeks |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a Chinese passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Korea entry requirements.
The details for a Chinese passport.
Status applies to independent travel. Korean Embassy (Oman) visa-exemption list (country list dated 1 Apr 2016) shows China exempt only for diplomatic/official passports (30 days), so ordinary passports need a visa (short-term visit C-3) from a Korean mission or the Korea Visa Portal where e-visa is offered. Basic fee on that page: USD 40 single entry up to 90 days (fees vary by reciprocity; confirm with the mission). Visa-free pilot for Chinese nationals joining designated group tours in China (3+ people via designated agencies): officially 29 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026 (Korean Embassy notice); whether it continues after 30 Jun 2026 was not confirmed officially (a secondary source says 31 Dec 2026). Not available when departing from third countries. Feb 2026: government announced 5-year multiple-entry visas for prior visitors and 10-year visas for residents of major cities (no effective date). Jeju exception: 30 days visa-free on Jeju only, via direct international flight (K-ETA reportedly required; secondary source).
How long it must be valid.
Visa-free tourist stays: passport must be valid beyond your departure date from Korea (no fixed minimum; US State Dept: 'no minimum expiration validity requirement'). Long-term visas: at least 6 months from arrival (FCDO). Passport must be undamaged (French MFA). Airlines may apply stricter rules.
Recent changes in South Korea.
- 2025-02-24 — e-Arrival Card launched (submit online within 72 hours before arrival); paper cards still available. Start date from a secondary source; FCDO (updated 14 May 2026) confirms the system, timing and that it is free.
- 2025-03-03 — Korean Embassy in Switzerland notice (posted 3 Mar 2025, updated 13 Dec 2024) lists Switzerland and Liechtenstein as temporarily K-ETA exempt alongside 23 countries/regions (including Guam and Macao), then to 31 Dec 2025.
- 2025-09-29 — Visa-free entry pilot for Chinese nationals on designated group tours (3+ people booked through designated agencies in China) began; official period 29 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026. Not available to Chinese nationals departing from third countries (e.g. Singapore). A secondary source says it runs to 31 Dec 2026; extension not confirmed officially.
The short answers.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. Chinese citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to South Korea.
How long can Chinese citizens stay in South Korea?
As granted (C-3 short-term visa); designated group tours: visa-free (pilot). Longer stays need a different visa.
When should Chinese citizens apply?
Several weeks.
Where do Chinese citizens apply?
On the official site, visa.go.kr. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue South Korea visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.