Additional Retaliation Between Korea and Japan... Temporary Suspension of 'Visa Exemption via China' (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Following the suspension of short-term visa issuance for South Korea and Japan, China has also temporarily suspended visa exemptions for South Korean and Japanese nationals transiting through China. This means that South Koreans and Japanese traveling by air to a third country via China will not be allowed to leave the airport or stay in China.

On the 11th, the China Immigration Administration announced, "This measure was introduced in response to discriminatory entry restrictions imposed by a few countries on Chinese nationals." The measure takes effect immediately upon announcement.

The transit visa exemption system allows passengers on international flights passing through China en route to a third country to stay without a visa within a designated area approved by the State Council for a specified period. This system is implemented competitively by various countries, including China, to attract tourists. China has operated this system to encourage travelers to tour China for a few days during their transit. South Korea has a similar system called 'transit tourism visa waiver.'

China operates transit visa exemptions based on the length of stay: 24 hours, 72 hours, and 144 hours. The authorities have announced restrictions on the 72-hour and 144-hour exemptions. According to diplomatic sources, if travelers stay within the airport for less than 24 hours during transit to a third country, the exemption will still apply.

The Immigration Administration also announced the suspension of 'visa on arrival' issuance for South Korean and Japanese nationals. Visa on arrival refers to visas issued after arrival for humanitarian reasons or urgent business purposes. The Immigration Administration stated that these measures are effective immediately.

This measure came just one day after China announced the suspension of short-term visas for South Korea and Japan. The Chinese government explained that it is a 'reciprocal measure' following enhanced quarantine measures for arrivals from China. The South Korean government announced on the 30th of last month that it would suspend short-term visa issuance for Chinese nationals from January 2 to 31, citing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in China and lack of data transparency, and also restrict additional flights. Japan has not announced restrictions on visas or flights but was among the first major countries to mandate COVID-19 PCR testing for arrivals from China. The United States, some European Union (EU) countries, and others have also announced PCR testing requirements for arrivals from China following Japan.