China to Restart Short-Term Entry Visas for Koreans

China is likely to resume short-term entry visas for Koreans now that Seoul has lifted restrictions on Chinese tourists.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters Monday, "By lifting visa restrictions against China, [Korea] has taken a right step towards reducing obstacles hindering cross-border travel between the two countries. China is carefully reviewing the matter." 

Korea halted short-term visas for Chinese people on Jan. 2 but decided to lift the ban last week because coronavirus infections there have started to subside and fewer arrivals test positive. 

A diplomatic source said the two countries "have held close negotiations over the matter. Only technical issues remain to be ironed out, so there is a strong chance that short-term visas will resume this week." 

But Korea will still require PCR test certificates and another test on arrival, while planes from China can land only at Incheon International Airport and no flights will be added for now.