Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a China Tourist Visa from South Korea

If you’re a foreign resident living in South Korea and planning to visit China for tourism, obtaining a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is the first step. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, and dynamic cities, China offers countless opportunities for exploration. The tourist visa enables travelers to immerse themselves in the wonders of this vast and diverse country.

The process for obtaining a Chinese tourist visa is well-organized and accessible, particularly for foreign residents in South Korea. With the support of the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and an efficient online application system, you can complete your visa process smoothly. Whether you need a single-entry visa for a short visit or a multiple-entry visa for extended stays, this guide will take you through every step in detail.

Note: Visa rules often change, so before applying for a visa by following this guide, it is advisable to contact the relevant embassy or consulate office for the most up-to-date information.

Introduction

The Chinese tourist visa, also known as the “L visa,” is issued for individuals visiting China for leisure, cultural exploration, or to visit family and friends. Depending on your needs, you can apply for single, double, or multiple-entry visas with varying validity periods ranging from 6 months to a year. If you’re residing in South Korea as a foreigner, the process is relatively smooth, with clear guidelines and the ability to complete most of the application online.

In this guide, we will outline every step of the application process, explain what to do if you’re applying for a multiple-entry visa, and provide tips to ensure your application is successful.

Reminder

You can apply for your China tourist visa either by yourself or through an authorized travel agency. This blog is focused on guiding you through the self-application process, offering a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply independently. However, if you prefer to apply through an agency, you can refer to the official list of authorized travel agencies published by the Seoul Visa Center. Keep in mind that the application process, required documents, and visa fees may vary between applying on your own and through an agency. For more details about agency services, visit the official visa center website or contact one of the registered agencies directly.

Why is Applying in South Korea Easier?

Applying for a Chinese visa in South Korea offers several advantages for foreign residents:

1. Streamlined Process: The China Visa Application Service Center provides an online platform for filling out the application form, booking appointments, and tracking your application status.
2. No Guarantor Required: Unlike in some countries, foreign residents in South Korea do not need a guarantor to apply for a Chinese visa.
3. Flexible Booking: Tentative flight and hotel bookings are often accepted, making it easier for applicants to plan their trips without financial risks.
4. Convenient Locations: The visa center in Seoul is easily accessible and provides support for foreign applicants.

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application Form

The first step in applying for a Chinese tourist visa is to complete the online application form.

How to Complete the Form

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) portal.
2. Create an Account: Register with your email address to create an account. This allows you to save and retrieve your application as needed.
3. Fill in Personal Information:
   • Enter your full name, nationality, passport details, and date of birth.
   • Provide details about your travel itinerary, such as entry and exit dates, and places to visit in China.
4. Upload a Passport Photo:
   • Dimensions: 48mm x 33mm.
   • Background: White.
   • Ensure the photo is recent and meets Chinese visa specifications.
5. Print the Form:
   • After completing the form, print both the confirmation page and the application form.
   • Sign both the confirmation page and the 9th item of the application form.

Note: After the introduction of the online visa application form and online reservation system, handwritten applications are no longer accepted in principle.

Note: When filling out the online application form, you will notice a question about how you want to receive your passport: in person or by courier. If you choose courier, once your visa is ready, it will be sent to you by courier after submitting the visa application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To ensure a successful application, prepare the following documents:

1. Passport:
   • Original passport with at least 6 months of validity and at least one blank visa page.
   • A photocopy of the passport information page.
2. Alien Registration Card (ARC):
   • Original and a photocopy of both sides of your valid ARC in Korea (With at least 3 months of validity after the visit)
3. Recent Passport Photo:
   • If the uploaded photo during the online application does not meet requirements, bring a printed photo.
4. Flight Itinerary:
   • Provide proof of round-trip flight bookings. Booking copies are accepted.
5. Hotel Bookings:
   • Submit proof of accommodation in China. If staying with a host, provide an invitation letter and a copy of their ID.
6. an original Korean visa copy, or an entry confirmation (the document you received upon entering Korea, applicable if your last entry to Korea was in January 2018 or later).
7. Previous Chinese Visa :
   • If you have previously been issued a Chinese visa in your old passport but are now applying for a visa with your new passport, you must submit a copy of the information page from your old passport as well as a copy of the Chinese visa from your old passport.

Note: The embassy may request an Entry/Exit Certificate for Korea (the document issued by Korean immigration when you first entered Korea). If you don’t have this, you can obtain it from your nearest community center (주민센터) for a fee of 2,000 KRW. They may also ask for additional documents too, so be prepared for it.

Step 3: Apply for Multiple-Entry Visas

If you need a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months or 1 year, additional requirements apply. Multiple-entry visas are ideal for those who plan to visit China frequently for business, family visits, or tourism. Here’s what you need to do:

Additional Requirements for Multiple-Entry Visas

1. Travel History:
   • Provide proof of at least two previous visits to China within the past year. Copies of entry/exit stamps or past visas will suffice.
2. Longer Passport Validity:
   • Your passport must be valid for the duration of the visa’s validity plus an additional 6 months. For example, for a 1-year visa, your passport should be valid for at least 18 months.
3. Invitation Letter (for extended stays):
   • Include an invitation letter if you plan to stay longer during each visit.
4. Application Form Details:
   • When filling out the online form, select “multiple” in section 2.3C and specify the desired validity period (6 months or 12 months).

Step 4: Book an Appointment

Once your application form is complete, book an appointment to submit your documents at the visa center.

How to Book an Appointment

1. Log in to your account on the CVASC portal.
2. Select a convenient date and time for your appointment.
3. Print the appointment confirmation and bring it with you.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

On the day of your appointment, visit the China Visa Application Service Center and submit your Chinese visa application along with your main passport and all the other supporting documents and the appointment confirmation. After submitting the visa application receive the passport collection receipt (The receipt will have expected date for collection your passport)

What to bring

• Bring the appointment summary and the confirmation email or screenshot of the appointment information.
• All the documents along with your main passport.
• Submit the application in person at the scheduled appointment time
• Have your fingerprints taken.

What to Expect at the Visa Center

1. Security Check: Pass through security screening at the entrance. Only essential items are allowed.
2. Document Verification: Submit your application form, confirmation page, and all required documents at the counter.
3. Fingerprint Collection: Most applicants must provide fingerprints unless exempt.

Fingerprint Exemptions

Certain applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection:

• Those under 14 years of age or over 70 years old.
• Holders of diplomatic passports or those eligible for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas.
• Those who have registered their fingerprints with the same passport within the last 5 years.
• Applicants for single or double-entry short-term visas (valid for 180 days or less) between August 10, 2023, and December 31, 2025.

Note: Exempt applicants can entrust another person to apply on their behalf.

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Step 6: Wait for Processing

The processing time depends on the type of service you choose:

• Regular: 4 business days.
• Express: 3 business days.
• Rush: 2 business days.

During this period, you can track your application status online using your account. Alternatively, you can visit the visa center on the expected date indicated on your Chinese visa application receipt.

China Visa Application Service Centers (CVASCs) in South Korea

There are several CVASCs in South Korea where you can submit your visa application. It’s important to note that applicants are generally required to apply at the CVASC corresponding to their place of residence. Here are the details of each center:

1. Seoul CVASC

• Address: 3rd Floor, Namsan Square (formerly Kukdong Building), 173 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 02-750-9600
  • Fax: 02-750-9696
  • Email: seoul@csm.mfa.gov.cn
  • Website: China visa center
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 to 15:00 (Monday to Friday)
  • Payment and Collection: 13:00 to 15:00
  • Note: Rush service applications are accepted until 11:30.

2. Busan CVASC

• Address: 5th Floor, C1 Haeundae I’PARK, 38 Marine City 2-ro, Haeundae, Busan, Republic of Korea.
• Contact:
  • Phone: +82-51-7437990
  • Email: busancenter@visaforchina.org 
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 to 15:00
  • Payment and Collection: 13:00 to 15:00
  • Note: Express service applications are accepted until 11:30.

3. Gwangju CVASC

• Address: 7th Floor, Kyobo Building, Numundong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 062-529-1810 / 062-606-8800
  • Fax: 062-529-1815
  • Email: gwangjucenter@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 to 15:00 (Monday to Friday)
  • Payment and Collection: 13:00 to 15:00

4. Jeju CVASC

• Address: 502, Hana Building, No. 720-1 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 064-742-1811
• Fax: 064-742-1710
• Email: jejucentre@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 to 15:00 (Monday to Friday)
  • Payment and Collection: 13:00 to 15:00
  • Note: Rush service is not available at Jeju visa center.

Application Submission Guidelines

Applicants are generally required to submit their visa applications at the CVASC corresponding to their place of residence. For example:

• Residents of Seoul and surrounding areas should apply at the Seoul CVASC.
• Residents of Busan should apply at the Busan CVASC.
• Residents of Gwangju should apply at the Gwangju CVASC.
• Residents of Jeju should apply at the Jeju CVASC.

It’s advisable to contact the respective CVASC to confirm any specific jurisdictional requirements before submitting your application.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Once your visa is ready, collect it in person from the visa center, Please bring your application receipt form.

• Fee Payment: The visa fee will be collected on the day you visit the visa center to collect your passport. There is no need to pay on the day you submit your visa application.

Visa Fees (as of December 2024):

Visa Type	Regular (4 Days)	Express (3 Days)	Rush (2 Days)
Single Entry	26,000 KRW	50,000 KRW	61,000 KRW
Double Entry	40,000 KRW	64,000 KRW	75,000 KRW
6-Month Multiple Entry	53,000 KRW	77,000 KRW	88,000 KRW
1-Year Multiple Entry	75,000 KRW	99,000 KRW	110,000 KRW

Note: Visit the official website to view the complete payment list, as fees may vary depending on your nationality.

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• Wohkoon Traveling Sun Youth Hostel (Beijing Shichahai Store) – starting from 13usd per night
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• 7 Days Inn Beijing Huairou – starting from 18usd per night

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa Without Visiting China Before?

To qualify for a multiple-entry tourist visa for China, you must provide proof of at least two previous visits to China. Without evidence of two prior visits, you will not be eligible to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa.

Do I Need Confirmed Flight Bookings?

No, Booking copies are acceptable.

Can Someone Else Collect My Visa?

Yes, someone else can collect your passport from a Chinese visa center if you provide them with a notarized power of attorney and both your and their identity cards.

What Happens if My Application is Rejected?

You will receive an explanation and can reapply after addressing the issues.

How Long is the Visa Valid For?

Tourist visas typically allow a stay of up to 60 days per entry. For multiple-entry visas, you can enter China several times within 6 months or 1 year.

Final Tips

• Start Early: Begin your application at least two weeks before your travel date.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents meet the requirements to avoid delays.
• Monitor Emails: Check your email and the CVASC portal for updates.

With this detailed guide, applying for a Chinese tourist visa from South Korea becomes a manageable process. Whether you’re planning a short trip or multiple visits, following these steps will ensure a smooth application experience. Safe travels!