Visa rules for Chinese tourists to be eased

The Ministry of Justice said Tuesday that it will allow more Chinese nationals to obtain multiple-entry visas or enter the country without a visa from Aug. 1.

“We are improving the visa system to attract more Chinese tourists to the country. We expect the new rules to help boost the tourism industry and increase the number of Chinese travelers,” said Lee Kyu-hong, an official in charge of visa policy at the ministry.

The number of Chinese tourists doubled from 581,000 in 2009 to 1.3 million in 2011, according to the ministry.

A limited number of Chinese people have so far been eligible for the multiple-entry visa. But from August, this visa will be issued to medical tourists, employees of foreign investment companies and those who are financially capable and have a low possibility of taking up illegal residency.

The term of validity for the multiple-entry visas will also be extended. Until now, they have been valid for just one year, while those having received the visa before being given a second one valid for three years. From Aug. 1, however, the first visa will be valid for three years, and subsequent ones, five years.

Paperwork will also be reduced for applicants — those who have received a medical tourism visa or multiple-entry visa before will be exempt from submitting additional paperwork. The certificate of temporary residency required for individual tourists will also be abolished.

Medical tourists will be given a three-year multiple-entry visa.

Travelers transferring at Incheon International Airport will be allowed visa-free entry for 12 hours starting October and those transferring from Incheon to Jeju will also be allowed to enter without a visa.

“We have revised the system to provide the most convenient services in entering the country but at the same time will strengthen the enforcement of regulations on illegal foreign residents to minimize the side effects of the influx of tourists,” the ministry official said.

The ministry plans to revise its visa system every six months. <The Korea Times/Yun Suh-young>

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