Koreans Told Visa-Free... Confused After Being Denied Entry Returning from China Trip

Possibility of Entry Denial Due to Illness or Other Reasons
Embassy Issues Reminder of Precautions During the Week

Since the 8th, holders of South Korean ordinary passports have been able to travel to China visa-free, but it is still known that some may be denied entry due to reasons such as illness, prompting diplomatic authorities to urge caution.

On the 19th, 'Yonhap News' reported some recent cases of people being denied entry when trying to enter China visa-free. Previously, on the 15th, a South Korean traveler was denied entry to China.

It was revealed that this South Korean had been diagnosed with tuberculosis in China several years ago. Although the tuberculosis was cured, the reason for the denial of entry was the failure to prove the cure to the local authorities during the entry process. Regarding this, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China told the media, "The method of proving tuberculosis cure will be announced later after consultation with relevant agencies."

China has decided to add nine countries, including South Korea, to its visa-free pilot program starting from the 8th. Yonhap News

Besides illness, visa-free entry can also be denied if the purpose of entry is unclear. In fact, since the visa-free measure began, there have been cases where other South Korean nationals were denied entry due to 'unclear purpose of entry.'

The purposes for which South Korean nationals can enter China visa-free until the end of next year are ▲business ▲tourism ▲visiting relatives ▲transit. If the purpose of entry of a South Korean arriving in China visa-free falls outside these categories or is unclear, local authorities may refuse entry. 'Unclear purpose of entry' is also a reason applied by countries around the world, including South Korea and the United States, to refuse entry to foreigners due to concerns about illegal stay or criminal activities.

In a notice regarding visa-free entry on the same day, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China emphasized, "You should prepare as detailed an explanation as possible regarding the purpose of entry and the itinerary including each place of visit, institution visited, and dates of stay after entry," and added, "If visiting for purposes other than business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transit, it is necessary to obtain a visa before entering China."

They also added, "It is advisable to have a return flight ticket or a third-country flight ticket in advance, and to prepare accommodation or contact information of acquaintances during the stay in China."

Furthermore, if staying at a relative’s or acquaintance’s home in China rather than at a hotel that provides 'jusuk deunggi' (temporary residence registration for foreigners), it is mandatory to register the residence at the local police station after arriving in China.