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On January 10, Chinese embassies in Seoul and Tokyo announced that Beijing would stop issuing short-term visas for South Korean and Japanese citizens entering China, in response to travel restrictions the two countries placed on Chinese travellers after a surge in Covid-19 infections in China.
- Beijing has said 10-year visas issued before the pandemic remain suspended, even though new applications are allowed
- Chinese-Americans who benefited from the scheme said they have been unable to visit family for three years as a result of the pandemic
Foreign Minister Qin Gang has outlined for the first time the reasons behind China’s suspension of the issuance of short-term visas to South Korean and Japanese nationals.
A day after suspending regular visa applications for travellers from the two countries, Beijing imposes more retaliatory restrictions.
A social media account run by a nationalistic Chinese tabloid says Seoul’s entry restrictions, PCR tests unfairly target Chinese travellers.
Travellers uncertain over Lunar New Year reunions and other plans as Seoul and Beijing impose tit-for-tat restrictions.
Short-term visas were suspended for South Koreans and Japanese in response to restrictions on Chinese travellers. Beijing is expected to cautiously weigh up moves against other nations.
Chinese embassy in South Korea says visas for business, tourism, medical treatment, transit and general private affairs are suspended for South Koreans.