South Korea passport → China

China visa for citizens of South Korea

Visa-freeVisa-free transit (240 hours / 10 days)

Citizens of South Korea can visit China without a visa for up to 10 days.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-free transit (240 hours / 10 days)
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Maximum stay	Up to 10 days
Entries	Single entry
Government fee	No visa fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months and have a confirmed onward ticket.
2
Arrive at Chinese port of entry
Enter through any designated port (air, sea, or land) that offers the 240-hour transit policy.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Show passport and onward ticket; the officer will stamp entry for up to 10 days.
4
Depart within 240 hours
Must leave China to a third country or region within the allowed period.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (South Korean)
Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.

Travel

Confirmed onward ticket or itinerary
Must show travel to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan).
Visa for onward destination (if required)
Optional
Only if the onward country requires a visa for South Korean passport holders.

Good to know

Visa-free transit is only valid until 31 December 2026.
You must depart to a third country or region (not return to South Korea directly).
Overstay may result in fines or future entry bans.

Common refusal reasons

No confirmed onward ticket

Always have a printed or digital onward ticket showing departure to a third country.

Passport validity less than 6 months

Renew passport before travel.

Attempting to stay longer than 240 hours

Plan itinerary to ensure departure within the allowed period.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Korea need a visa for China?

Citizens of South Korea can visit China without a visa for up to 10 days. Visa type: Visa-free transit (240 hours / 10 days).

How long can citizens of South Korea stay in China?

Up to 10 days without a visa.

What documents do citizens of South Korea need for China?

Valid passport (South Korean); Confirmed onward ticket or itinerary; Visa for onward destination (if required).

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to China

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for China.

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