240-hour visa-free transit in China for South Korea citizens

Short answer: yes. South Korea is on the National Immigration Administration's list of 57 countries. With an ordinary South Korea passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, you can enter China visa-free through any of 65 designated ports and stay up to 10 days in the permitted areas. Verified 29 October 2026.

The conditions, in the NIA's words

• You hold an ordinary passport of one of the 57 eligible countries.
• You are transiting through China to a third country or region, with an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date.
• You enter through one of the 65 designated ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
• You stay no more than 10 days (240 hours) and only inside the permitted areas. Cross-province travel is allowed between the permitted areas of the 24 provinces.
• Allowed: tourism, business, visits, family reunions. Not allowed without a proper visa: work, study, news reporting.

Where you can enter

The busiest ports include:

• Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport
• Tianjin: Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin Port (Passenger)
• Hebei: Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Qinhuangdao Port (Passenger)
• Liaoning: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Dalian Port (Passenger)
• Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Port (Passenger)
• Jiangsu: Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Su'nan Shuofang International Airport, Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport, Lianyungang Port (Passenger)

See all 65 ports and the area you may stay in for each province on the ports page, or use the checker.

Before you fly

Airlines check eligibility at boarding, so carry a printout or screenshot of your onward booking. If your plans change and you need to stay longer, or you plan to work or study, you need a visa instead.

Other Asia countries on the list: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam.

FAQ

Can South Korea citizens transit China without a visa?

Yes. South Korea is one of the 57 countries on the NIA's 240-hour visa-free transit list (verified 29 October 2026). You need an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and you must enter through one of 65 designated ports.

How long can a South Korea passport holder stay visa-free in transit?

Up to 10 days (240 hours), inside the permitted areas of the 24 provinces covered by the policy.

Can I work or study during visa-free transit?

No. The NIA says work, study and news reporting still need prior approval and the right visa.

Sources

• National Immigration Administration: Visa-Free Transit Policies (dated 20 Aug 2026)
• english.gov.cn / Xinhua, 20 Aug 2026: Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam added, 57 countries

Last verified against the NIA page: 29 October 2026. This site is not run by the Chinese government. Rules can change at short notice; check the NIA page or call the NIA 12367 service hotline (+86-12367) before you fly.