Applying for a Macau Tourist Visa from South Korea: Everything You Need to Know

Macau, the “Vegas of the East,” offers an alluring mix of Portuguese heritage, vibrant Chinese culture, world-class casinos, and historic landmarks. For residents in South Korea planning to visit Macau, understanding the visa application process is essential, especially for nationals of certain countries who require a Macau tourist visa in advance.

This detailed guide explains who needs a visa, how to apply for Macau Tourist Visa in South Korea, and what to do if you want to visit both Macau and Hong Kong.

Who Needs a Macau Tourist Visa?

Many travelers enjoy visa-free entry to Macau, but nationals from specific countries must apply for a visa in advance. These countries are:

• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Vietnam

If you are from one of these countries, a visa-on-arrival is not available. Instead, you need to apply for a Macau tourist visa through a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or a Chinese diplomatic mission.

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.

Why is Advance Visa Approval Required?

Macau authorities mandate advance visa approval to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Applicants from the listed countries must demonstrate financial stability, provide valid travel documents, and confirm adherence to immigration policies. This measure helps maintain smooth immigration processes and prevents potential overstaying or unauthorized activities.

Where to Apply for a Macau Tourist Visa?

Applying Macau Tourist Visa from South Korea

Foreign residents in South Korea can submit their Macau visa applications through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Seoul, Busan, or other CVASC locations. While the process is typically managed by CVASC, applications may be referred to Macao’s Public Security Police Force for additional review. In such cases, processing times may extend significantly.

Applying Macau Tourist Visa from Your Home Country

If you’re temporarily residing in South Korea but prefer to apply from your home country, you can do so at a local Chinese embassy or CVASC. The requirements and procedures are consistent worldwide, but it’s advisable to verify specific details with the respective center to avoid discrepancies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Macau Tourist Visa in South Korea

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before submitting your application. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Visa Application Form
   • Available on the CVASC website or at the visa center.
   • Handwritten forms are not accepted. Complete the form online and print it.
2. Original Passport
   • Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Macao.
   • Include at least one blank page for the visa.
3. Passport Copy
   • Submit a clear copy of the bio-data and photo pages of your passport.
4. Financial Proof
   • Recent bank statements covering at least three months.
   • A minimum balance of 1,500,000 KRW is recommended.
5. Flight and Accommodation Proof
   • Round-trip flight bookings or confirmed reservations.
   • Hotel bookings or other accommodation arrangements.
6. Purpose of Visit
   • A detailed travel itinerary or a letter explaining your visit (e.g., tourism or family visit).
7. Employment or Education Certificate
   • A letter from your employer or school confirming your current status.
8. Alien Registration Card (ARC)
   • A copy of your Korean Residence Card, with a minimum of six months’ validity remaining.
   • Bring the original ARC for verification.
9. Passport Photo
   • One recent, passport-sized photo adhering to standard photo guidelines.
10. Optional Documents
    • Previous visas or entry/exit stamps, especially for Macao or Hong Kong, to strengthen your application. (If you have these, you must make copies and attach them to the application.)
11. Entry/Exit Certificate (if requested)
    • This document may be required to verify your legal stay in South Korea.

Note: Vietnamese nationals applying for a ‘Macau visa’ through a diplomatic mission of China in Vietnam are required to submit their Vietnamese identity card and household registry document along with the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

After gathering all required documents, visit one of the CVASC locations in South Korea to submit your application.

• No Appointment Needed
  Unlike some other visa services, you do not need to book an appointment to submit your Macau visa application at the CVASC. You can simply walk in during their operating hours.
• Agency Submission
  You can also submit your Macau visa application file through a registered visa agency in South Korea.

Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in South Korea

Here are the details of Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in South Korea:

Seoul CVASC

• Address: 3F Namsan Square Building, 173 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Phone: 02-750-9600
• Email: namsansquarecenter@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Collection: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Busan CVASC

• Address: 203 Heundeok Building, 83 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan
• Phone: 051-708-6780
• Email: busancenter@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Collection: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Gwangju CVASC

• Address: 7th Floor, Kyobo Building, Numundong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
• Phone: 062-529-1810 / 062-606-8800
• Fax: 062-529-1815
• Email: gwangjucenter@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Payment and Collection: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Jeju CVASC

• Address: 502, Hana Building, No. 720-1 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, Republic of Korea
• Phone: 064-742-1811
• Fax: 064-742-1710
• Email: jejucentre@visaforchina.org
• Business Hours:
  • Submission of Applications: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Payment and Collection: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Step 3: Application Processing

While CVASC handles the initial submission, some applications may be forwarded to the Macau Public Security Police Force for further processing. This typically occurs in special cases or for additional verification. If your application is sent to Macau, the processing time will increase and could take 10 working days or longer.

Fees and Processing Times

• Visa Application Fee: 35,000 KRW
• Forwarding Fee: 20,000 KRW
• Service Fee: 20,000 KRW

Note: There is no express or faster service for Macau or Hong Kong visas, unlike Chinese tourist visas, as these applications are handled directly by Macao and Hong Kong immigration authorities.

Processing Times:

• Macau Visa: A minimum of 10 working days.
• Hong Kong Visa: A minimum of 3 weeks.
  Plan your application within the appropriate timeframe.

Visa Validity and Rules

Macau tourist visas typically come with the following options:

• Single Entry: Valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 14 days.
• Double Entry: Valid for 3 months, with 14 days per entry.
• Multiple Entry: Valid for 6 months, with 14 days per entry.

Note: After the visa is approved, your passport can be sent to your given address via postal service. You must arrange this while submitting your file to the Chinese Visa Center. Additional fees may apply. Contact the visa center by email for the latest information.

If you need a Taiwanese visa in Korea, you must submit your application at the Taiwanese Consulate Office in Seoul. For detailed information on obtaining a Taiwanese visa, visit their official website or contact the consulate directly.

If you need a Hong Kong eVisa (without going to the Chinese Visa Center), check the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website for the application process and requirements.

The best and cheapest Hotel recommendation’s for Yangon

• Towns Well Motel – starting from 44usd per night
• Grand Harbour Hotel – starting from 45usd per night
• San Tung Fong Commerical Inn South Wing – starting from 47usd per night
• Hou Kong Hotel – starting from 45usd per night
• Joyful Family Inn – starting from 50usd per night

Visiting Both Macau and Hong Kong on the Same Trip

If you’re planning to visit both Macau and Hong Kong, you can process both visas through the CVASC. However, it’s important to note the differences in processing times and requirements:

Hong Kong Visa Processing

• Hong Kong visas require a minimum of 3 weeks for processing.
• If you’re applying for both visas simultaneously, plan your travel dates accordingly.

Combined Costs – While applying for both visas saves logistical effort, it may slightly increase your expenses.

Travel Between Macau and Hong Kong – The two destinations are well-connected by ferries and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, making it convenient to visit both in one trip.

Important Tips for a Smooth Application

1. Apply Early
   Start your application process at least one month before your intended travel date, especially if applying for both Macao and Hong Kong visas.
2. Prepare Documents Carefully
   Ensure all required documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
3. Plan Multi-Destination Trips
   If visiting both Macao and Hong Kong, create a detailed itinerary to optimize your experience and manage costs effectively.
4. Monitor Processing Times
   Applications sent to Macao for additional processing can take longer, so plan accordingly.
5. Budget Appropriately
   Account for visa fees, travel costs, and accommodation expenses, as Macao is known for its relatively high living costs.

Conclusion

Applying for a Macau tourist visa from South Korea is straightforward when you’re well-prepared. Whether you’re visiting Macau for its historic charm, exciting entertainment, or simply to unwind, securing your visa is the first step. For those planning to visit both Macau and Hong Kong, leveraging the services of the CVASC simplifies the process, but careful planning is key due to Hong Kong’s extended processing times.

By following this guide, you’ll be ready to embark on your adventure to Macao—and perhaps even Hong Kong. Safe travels!