Question

Asked by Jenni from south korea | May. 30, 2013 23:26

About:Chinese Embassy in South Korea

Trip to Beijing. ARC validity question.

I'd like to know if there is any possible way I can fly to Beijing for a 5 day trip, returning to Seoul at the beginning of August.

I'm U.K. citizen holding a Korean E2, however my ARC expires in October this year (so wont be valid for 'at least 6 months' when I travel).

Is there a way to extend my ARC validity by a few months without signing a whole new year contract for the E2.
And does this just mean I can not travel to China for a vacation!? If so, are you able to tell me the logic behind the '6 month ARC validity' policy.

Many thanks.

Reply

Answers (4)

Answered by Johnny | May. 31, 2013 04:40

0 0 Reply

Hi, that fact is that residency valid for 6 months is a general requirement now to apply in a third country, such as Singapore, UAE and most EU countries. Maybe they just want to make sure you will return to South Korea after visiting China.

0 0 Reply

Answered by Mel Jr. | Jun. 01, 2013 04:01

1 0 Reply

Hi Jenni.

I am an E7 visa holder. When I applied for Chinese visa through a travel agency, my ARC had less than 6 months validity. I was asked to submit a Certificate of Employment from my employer. I heard this is the case whenever an applicant has less than 6 months ARC validity. I got mine done in less than a week. I suggest you consult with your local travel agent to confirm whether it's the case or not.

By the way, I only paid KRW 50,000. KRW 35,000 for the visa fee and KRW 15,000 for the agency fee.

1 0 Reply

Answered by Jenni | Jun. 05, 2013 01:14

0 0 Reply

Many thanks Johnny and Mel Jr for your help!
Mel Jr, that is a promising idea, I may ask my employer for a copy of my certificate of employment and try my chances at a travel agent. Do you mind if I ask which travel agent it was you used and in what area? I have a friend that also managed to get around the less than 6 months clause just by explaining her situation that she was going for a 7 day vacation and then returning to Korea. So in some ways it almost seems like chance: the right place at the right time!

0 0 Reply

Answered by sasa | Apr. 20, 2015 01:40

0 0 Reply

I found out your problem is the exact one that I am facing right now! Do you finally got your entry permit with that way? Thank you so much!

0 0 Reply

See more answers...

Related Questions: