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🇨🇳CHINA
🇰🇷SOUTH KOREACN-KR

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit South Korea?

Usually yes; eligible Chinese group tourists have a temporary visa-free channel. Mainland Chinese ordinary passport holders generally need a Korean C-3 short-term visa for individual tourism. A temporary program from September 29, 2025 to June 30, 2026 allows eligible Chinese group tourists on specified tours to enter visa-free for up to 15 days.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
C-3 tourist visa / group visa-free pilot
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days on C-3; 15 days for eligible groups
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
US$40 standard single; US$15 designated group fee
consular fee only
Processing time
Consulate/center dependent
standard track
Validity
Usually 3 months for single-entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Choose individual or group path
Independent tourists should apply for a C-3 visa. Only specified Chinese group tours qualify for the temporary visa-free pilot.
· C-3· group pilot
/02
If applying individually
Prepare application form, passport, photo, Chinese ID/residence proof, employment, funds, itinerary, hotel, and flight evidence.
· documents· visa center
/03
If using group pilot
Confirm the tour operator is authorized and that your group registration is submitted under the 2025-2026 program.
· designated tour· 15 days
/04
Submit or register
Use the Korean consulate, visa center, or group-tour registration channel applicable to your city and itinerary.
· jurisdiction· status check
/05
Carry proof on arrival
Bring visa grant notice or group-tour documents, return ticket, hotel details, and tour itinerary.
· arrival· border check
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 8 complete
Chinese ordinary passport
Valid for the planned Korea stay
Visa form or group registration proof
Depends on individual vs group route
Photo
Recent visa-compliant photo
Chinese ID / hukou / residence proof
As required by the Korean mission or center
Employment or student evidence
Leave letter, salary, business license, or enrollment proof
Funds proof
Recent bank statement and income evidence
Flights and accommodation
Dates must match the application or group tour
Tour itinerary
Required for group visa-free pilot travellers
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
C-3 short-term single visaUS$40Korea Visa Portal
Chinese group tourist visa feeUS$15Designated agency applications
Visa center / agency service feeVariesIf applicable
Courier / photo / printingOptionalIf applicable
Total estimateUS$40 — US$100+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Individual C-3
5-15 business days
Depends on the consulate and application center handling the file.
Group visa-free registration
Agency-dependent
Tour operators handle group list registration under the temporary pilot.
Additional verification
Variable
Employment, bank, travel-history, or prior-refusal checks can delay decisions.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Not eligible for group pilot
The 2025-2026 visa-free channel is not for ordinary independent tourism.
High
/02
Weak funds or ties
Individual C-3 files need credible work, study, family, and financial evidence.
High
/03
Itinerary conflicts
Flight, hotel, and stated purpose do not match.
Medium
/04
Agency or registration issue
Group travellers need the correct designated-tour registration path.
Medium
/05
Prior immigration issue
Previous overstays or refusals in Korea or elsewhere increase scrutiny.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Carry your visa grant notice or visa-free group documents, hotel address, and return ticket. Entry remains at the border officer's discretion.
/02
Arrival forms
Complete any current arrival, health, or customs declaration required by your airline or Korean immigration before inspection.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs, eSIMs, and transport cards are easy to buy at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, and major convenience stores.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2025-09-29 · major
Chinese group tourist visa-free pilot began
Korean official notices describe a temporary program running until June 30, 2026 for specified Chinese group tours.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can individual Chinese tourists visit Seoul visa-free?—
Generally no. The temporary 15-day policy is for eligible group tours, not normal independent tourism.
Does Jeju have separate rules?+
What fee applies to Chinese group tourists?+
Can a C-3 visa be multiple-entry?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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