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South Korea visa for Chinese citizens
China 
South Korea China passport holders need a visa for South Korea, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.
Yes, an e-Visa is required
- Entry requirement
- e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- Set by the visa
- Apply before travel
- Yes
- Last updated
- February 2026
Before you travel
Checked November 2026⚠️ The official K-ETA site warns that K-ETA is available only at www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app, and that look-alike agency or phishing sites charge high fees. Use only the official links below.
At the border
- Visa-free nationals must hold an approved K-ETA before boarding, unless their country is on the temporary exemption list.
- Travellers without K-ETA submit an arrival card; the official Korea e-Arrival Card (e-arrivalcard.go.kr) is free and can be filed from 3 days before arrival.
- K-ETA holders do not need to submit an arrival card.
- Permitted visa-free stay length depends on nationality (check the K-ETA eligibility list).
- Visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused.
Recent changes
- December 2025: the K-ETA temporary exemption for currently listed countries was extended for all of 2026 (1 January to 31 December 2026, KST); exempt travellers may still apply voluntarily to skip the arrival card.
Official source: Korea Immigration Service (Ministry of Justice) - Korea Visa Portal · Not yet confirmed officially: Exact list of K-ETA temporarily exempt countries (official site shows it only during application), e-Arrival Card launch date (not stated on the official page read), Passport validity rule (no fixed minimum stated on the pages read), consularVisa.processing time
What China passport holders need to do
- Apply on the destination's official e-Visa portal.
- Upload a passport scan and a photo, then pay the fee online.
- Save or print the approved e-Visa and present it at the border.
China is one of 88 passports in the “e-visa” group for South Korea. See the full South Korea visa requirements for every passport.
Easier alternatives in Asia for China passport holders
South Korea is one of 28 destinations in the “e-visa” group for the China passport, which ranks #48 worldwide with a mobility score of 85. Of 49 destinations in Asia, 31 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Armenia | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Azerbaijan | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Georgia | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Iran | Visa-free | 21 days |
 Kazakhstan | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Malaysia | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Maldives | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Palestine | Visa-free | – |
 Philippines | Visa-free | 14 days |
 Qatar | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Singapore | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Thailand | Visa-free | 60 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Korea?
China passport holders need a visa for South Korea, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.
Can Chinese citizens apply for South Korea visa online?
Yes. China passport holders are eligible for an e-Visa to South Korea, so the application can be completed online without visiting an embassy.
Do South Korea citizens need a visa for China?
South Korea passport holders can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
South Korea visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of South Korea before you book.