China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist) / Visa-Free Entry · For South Korea citizens
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.
China Tourist Visa for South Korean Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For South Korea citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least 2 blank pages
Complete the electronic arrival declaration before or upon arrival in China
Proof of your departure from China within the allowed stay period
Hotel booking or invitation letter showing where you will stay
Recommended (Optional)
Complete the online visa application form on the CVASC website
Recent passport-sized photo meeting Chinese visa requirements
Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment
Detailed travel plan showing your activities in China
Bank statements or other proof showing funds for your trip
Visa-Free Entry: The Easy Option
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
When You Need an L Visa
Apply for an L visa (tourist visa) if you plan to:1
- Stay longer than 30 days
- Make multiple extended trips
- Have more flexibility with entry and exit dates
The L visa is processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Seoul.1
L Visa Application Process
If you need a visa for an extended stay, follow these steps:1
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.
2. Schedule Appointment
After receiving the confirmation email stating “Online Review Completed,” book an appointment at the CVASC in Seoul.1
3. 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).
4. Collect Your Visa
Return to collect your passport with visa after processing is complete.1 Regular processing takes 4 working days.
Fees
Visa-Free Entry
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | Free |
L Visa Fees (for stays over 30 days)
| 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 |
Fees are paid at the CVASC when collecting your passport.3 Payment accepted by cash, debit card, credit card, or cheque.
Electronic Arrival Card
Since November 20, 2025, China uses an electronic arrival declaration system.4 Paper forms are no longer required.
How to complete:
- Download the National Immigration Administration app, or
- Use WeChat or Alipay mini-programs
- Enter your passport details, flight information, and accommodation
- Submit before departure or upon arrival in China
The electronic card speeds up immigration processing significantly.4 Completing it before your flight is recommended.
Entry Requirements at the Border
For visa-free entry, immigration officers may ask to see:6
- Return or onward flight ticket (within 30 days)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Carry these documents on your phone or in print for smooth entry.
CVASC Seoul Location
Chinese Visa Application Service Center1
17th Floor, Namsan Square 173 Toegyero, Joong-gu, Seoul
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Phone: 02-2272-2001 Email: namsansquarecenter@visaforchina.org
By Subway: Line 3 or 4, Chungmu-ro Station, Exit 5
If Your Visa is Refused
If your L visa application is refused:1
- Review the refusal reasons provided by the visa center
- Address the specific issues identified in your application
- Reapply with improved documentation once issues are resolved
- Consider seeking help from a visa agency for complex cases
Refusals do not automatically bar future applications. Most issues can be resolved by providing clearer documentation or additional evidence.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Documentation Errors
Incomplete application forms, incorrect information, or documents that do not match passport details. This is the most common issue for L visa applications.
How to avoid: Double-check that all information matches your passport exactly. Use the online application system carefully and review before submission.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to support your extended stay, or income sources are unclear.
How to avoid: For extended stays, show bank statements with a stable balance. Calculate approximately ₩100,000 per day of travel as a guideline.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague or unconvincing travel itinerary, or purpose of visit does not match the visa type being applied for.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary including cities, accommodations, and activities. Round-trip bookings strengthen your application.
Incomplete Application Package
Missing required documents such as photos, invitation letters, or flight bookings.
How to avoid: Use the checklist on the CVASC website. Ensure all documents are submitted together with your application form.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa overstays, refusals, or violations in China or other countries.
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, 2025, 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.