Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CaliUSA]

I have only 3 months left on my Korean ARC, and based on my reading in these forums, I understand that I can't get a visa to visit China (you need 6 months or more). But I've recently heard that if you stay in Shanghai for 48 hours or less, you don't need a visa. Can anyone verify this great news? Thanks!

[northway]

Yes, it's true. I did it without issue and wondered why more folks aren't popping down there from Korea for a weekend.

[CaliUSA]

Hey thanks, Northway. I think I will go next weekend. BTW, are the authorities super-picky about the times on your plane flight -- like, if I arrive in Shanghai at 5:30 pm on Friday, and fly out of Shanghai at 6:30 or 7:30 pm on Sunday, will that be a problem?

[northway]

I was actually just passing through on a layover, so I can't speak to how they'd be for a full 48, but I wouldn't risk it. Getting out you could just check in early and go through security, but they might not issue the visa (and the airline might not even let you board the plane at ICN). That said, I'm just speculating, hopefully someone else will have better information on the subject.

[Struessel]

Transit rules: you must be staying in Shanghai for less than 48 hours, and leaving to a different country than where you came from.

You cannot simply take a weekend trip to China and go back home. Trust me, I misunderstood the transit rule and didn't make it through immigration.

What I wonder is - Suppose you want to take a weekend trip, so you buy a round trip ticket from ICN to PVG. Then you also buy a one way from PVG to where ever is cheapest (Manila?) Can you present that ticket to get the transit pass, then "accidentally miss" your flight to Manila and have to fly back to Korea instead?

I wonder this because the 6 month ARC rule makes getting a visa almost impossible for many; also a one way can be cheaper than the visa fee! but I'm afraid of getting locked up in Chinese prison if I try it.