S. Korea - visa needed?
Apr 24, 2015, 2:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
S. Korea - visa needed?
Hi all, I am planning a birthday trip for my grandmother who holds a Chinese passport, but lives in the US. We will have an overnight connection at ICN and we will be staying at the Hyatt near the airport - will she need a tourist visa for the overnight transit?
I have been getting conflicting and confusing information online - some websites say that Chinese passport holders will need a visa, but there are also ones that say Chinese passport holders can do 30 days visa-free.
If she does need a visa, can see get it at the S. Korean embassy in the US, or must she go to S. Korean embassy in China?
I have been getting conflicting and confusing information online - some websites say that Chinese passport holders will need a visa, but there are also ones that say Chinese passport holders can do 30 days visa-free.
If she does need a visa, can see get it at the S. Korean embassy in the US, or must she go to S. Korean embassy in China?
Apr 24, 2015, 9:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDeta...showMenuId=375
Is the govt immigration website. It looks like NO, she doesn't , as a "Transit tourist heading to another country."
Is the govt immigration website. It looks like NO, she doesn't , as a "Transit tourist heading to another country."
Apr 28, 2015, 3:32 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sydney
Programs: SQ, GA, QF
Posts: 192
Calling the South Korean consulate is a good idea. Based on the hikorea website above, I believe that if your grandmother has a US visa (PR for instance) and if she flies directly to South Korea from the US, a visa should not be necessary. If you feel that it is safe to apply for a South Korean visa, then you can do it in the US if she has a US visa (PR for instance).
Apr 28, 2015, 6:14 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
She has a US green card and a Chinese passport. We'll be flying PEK-ICN-JFK, spending the night at ICN. From what I gather she can do transit without visa if she has proof that her final destination is US. But I will call the consulate to make sure. Thanks all for the help!
Apr 28, 2015, 9:45 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,352
Yeah, she'll be fine:
Applicable to…
Those with a visa (excluding Japanses Group Visa, excluding e-visa) or a re-entry permit for U.S., Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (5 countries) and traveling to any one of those countries through Korea.
Applicable to…
Those with a visa (excluding Japanses Group Visa, excluding e-visa) or a re-entry permit for U.S., Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (5 countries) and traveling to any one of those countries through Korea.
May 1, 2015, 6:55 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2015
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: OZ Diamond Plus
Posts: 8
She has a US green card and a Chinese passport. We'll be flying PEK-ICN-JFK, spending the night at ICN. From what I gather she can do transit without visa if she has proof that her final destination is US. But I will call the consulate to make sure. Thanks all for the help!
What's even better? The validity of the stamp by the Korean immigration always is one month! I've never stayed beyond one night though...