Korea to offer visa-free entry for China tour groups
Starting next month, group tourists from China will be able to enter South Korea visa-free.
It will take effect before China’s National Day (October 1–7) holidays and last until mid-2026 at least.
It follows discussions with the Prime Minister and the Tourism Activation Mini Policy Task Force aimed at streamlining policy to boost inbound tourism flows.
Group tourists from China will be able to enter without a visa from the 29 September through June 30, 2026.
China has already implemented visa-free entry for South Koreans since November 2024.
The South Korea government expects the move will stimulate demand for inbound tourism.
The government also said it will expand fast track immigration for delegates attending major international MICE events in Korea.
It is piloting a simplified immigration inspection process and plans to make it a permanent procedure by the end of this year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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