China Visa Requirements for South Korea Citizens (2026)

No. South Korea ordinary passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days through 31 December 2026. The policy covers tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, and transit.

Up to 30 days per entry. Multiple entries within the policy period are allowed, but each individual stay cannot exceed 30 days. The clock starts at 00:00 the day after you arrive and stops at 23:59 on departure day.

Yes. China currently places no limit on the number of visa-free entries or on the total number of days you can spend in mainland China across multiple visits — only on each individual stay (capped at 30 days). Activities during each visit must match the policy's stated purposes (tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, transit). Source: China's National Immigration Administration.

Visa-free stays generally cannot be extended once granted at the border. If you anticipate staying longer than 30 days, apply for a matching regular visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate BEFORE travelling. If you're already in China visa-free and need to remain longer for a legitimate reason, you can apply for a stay permit at the local Public Security Bureau exit-entry administration office. Otherwise, leave China and re-enter — the policy allows multiple entries.

Border officers may ask for proof of onward travel within the 30-day window. Carry a return ticket or onward booking. Hotel reservations and proof of funds are occasionally requested but rarely refused at the gate.

An ordinary passport with at least 6 months remaining validity. Travel documents, temporary passes, and emergency passports do NOT qualify for visa-free entry — those holders must apply for a regular visa. Border officers may also ask for evidence matching your stated purpose, so China's National Immigration Administration recommends carrying a hotel reservation, a return or onward flight ticket, and (for business or family-visit purposes) an invitation letter.

Yes. The unilateral visa-free policy applies to all sea, land, and air ports of entry that are open to foreigners — not just airports. Common examples include the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau land crossings from Hong Kong, the Mohan border with Laos, and major sea ports such as Shanghai, Tianjin, and Xiamen. If you arrive in your own vehicle (cruise, private aircraft, road), you must additionally complete the formalities for self-arranged transport entry/exit under Chinese law.

Yes. Visa-free travelers can depart for China from any country or region outside mainland China — there is no requirement to fly direct from your country of citizenship. A South Korea passport holder boarding in Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, or anywhere else qualifies the same as one flying directly from home.

No. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are separate jurisdictions with their own entry rules. This policy applies only to mainland China. Hong Kong and Macau have their own visa-free schemes for many nationalities; Taiwan has a separate Republic of China entry permit system.

China requires at least 6 months of remaining passport validity from your date of entry, plus at least 2 blank pages. Airlines typically refuse to board passengers who don't meet this — check before you fly.

The visa-free policy is for short-term tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit. You cannot work, take up paid employment, enroll in a degree program, or do journalistic reporting on a visa-free stay. Those require a Z, X, or J visa respectively.