"China Does Not Suspend Visa Issuance for Koreans... Processing Delays Occur"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Regarding some media reports that China has virtually suspended visa issuance for Koreans due to the spread of COVID-19, a Beijing diplomatic source clarified that it is a delay, not a suspension.

On the 9th, a Beijing diplomatic source stated, "China has not suspended visa issuance for Koreans," adding, "Due to the spread of COVID-19, work processes such as shift work and quarantine measures have caused delays. It is true that the time required for processing has increased." The diplomatic source also added, "Regarding the difficulties in visa issuance for Koreans, our government has conveyed various inconveniences experienced by our citizens to the Chinese Embassy in Korea."

It has also been revealed that the number of visas issued to Chinese nationals for Korea has sharply decreased due to the spread of COVID-19.

The source said, "As of the 6th, the number of Chinese visitors to Korea has dropped to around 1,000 per day," and added, "Excluding long-term stays, the number of tourists visiting Korea is about 500 to 600. As the number of Chinese visitors to Korea decreases, naturally, visa issuance has also declined. Recently, the number of visa applications from Chinese nationals averages 300 to 400 per day," the source said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.