Korea opens visa-free entry to Chinese tour groups: key rules

South Korea has launched a temporary visa-free entry program for Chinese tour groups, effective September 29, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Groups of three or more travelers organized by designated agencies can visit for up to 15 days without a visa. This is an economy-focused trial backed by several ministries and timed around peak travel and major diplomatic events.

Who is eligible

• Passport holders of the People’s Republic of China traveling on an organized tour of at least three people.
• Tours must be arranged through government-designated travel agencies in China and Korea.
• Individuals assessed as high risk by immigration screening are excluded and must obtain a regular visa.

Dates and permitted stay

• Program window: September 29, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Maximum stay on the mainland: 15 days per entry.
• Jeju Island continues visa-free entry for both individual and group Chinese visitors for up to 30 days under its special regime.

How the visa-free group entry works

• Only designated travel agencies may organize these tours. Korea-based agencies are designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and overseas agencies by Korean consulates.
• Agencies submit advance group passenger lists to immigration for screening before arrival. The government opened early registration ahead of launch to manage demand.
• Chinese group tourists under this scheme are not required to submit Korea’s e-Arrival Card.

If you are not eligible

• Chinese travelers who are not part of a designated group need a visa for mainland Korea. Standard short-stay options include the C-3 tourist categories. Apply through the official Korea Visa Portal or, where applicable, via the Immigration E‑Visa Center. Apply now via the Korea Visa Portal. (visa.go.kr) Apply now via the Immigration E‑Visa Center.
• Jeju-only itineraries may remain possible without a visa for up to 30 days, but check airlines, cruise lines, and current notices before booking.

Other visa and entry notes

• K‑ETA applies to visa-exempt nationalities. Many are temporarily exempt from K‑ETA until December 31, 2025, but this does not apply to Chinese nationals. Check current notices if you hold a different passport.
• Passport validity: for short stays, your passport must be valid at least through your intended departure from Korea. Some carriers may require six months’ validity, so verify with your airline.

Useful traveler information

• Payments and services: Korean retailers and platforms have expanded support for Alipay and WeChat Pay to serve inbound Chinese visitors.
• Official help: Korea Immigration Contact Center 1345 offers multilingual support.
• Compliance: Travelers must remain with their designated tour and follow the itinerary arranged by the approved agency. Immigration may deny the visa-free entry to flagged individuals.

Key official websites

• Policy announcement and program overview: Korea.net policy pages. (korea.net)
• Korea Immigration Service notices, including e‑Arrival Card guidance. (moj.go.kr)
• Korea Visa Portal for standard visa applications. (visa.go.kr)
• Immigration E‑Visa Center background on group tourist eVisa services. (immigration.go.kr)

Last updated: October 28, 2025.

Sources

• Korea.net official policy articles on visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists. (korea.net)
• Ministry of Justice and Korea Immigration Service notices, including e‑Arrival Card guidance referencing Chinese group tourists. (moj.go.kr)
• Reuters reporting on launch timing and program parameters. (reuters.com)