What procedures are required for traveling to Jeju Island, South Korea? 2026 entry/exit procedures × customs declaration × duty-free shopping × essential documents: a comprehensive guide.

What procedures are needed to travel to Jeju Island? A guide to understanding all the documentation requirements.

Jeju Island is the only tourist destination in South Korea that offers visa-free access for Chinese tourists. With a regular passport, you can enter directly and stay for up to 30 days. However, “visa-free” does not mean “no preparations required.” There are still many details to consider, such as your flight ticket, hotel reservation, entry form completion, customs declaration, and tax refund procedures for duty-free purchases. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you need to prepare before traveling to Jeju Island in 2026, to ensure a smooth journey without any misunderstandings.

I. Visa and entry requirements: Visa-free does not mean you don’t need to bring anything.

Jeju Island offers visa-free entry for Chinese citizens holding regular passports. No prior visa application or K-ETA is required. This is a special tourism policy established by the South Korean government specifically for Jeju Island, applicable to both individual and group travelers.

1.1 Key prerequisites for visa-free entry (must be met simultaneously)

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates (it is recommended to have at least 1 year remaining).
• Purpose of visit: Limited to short-term visits such as tourism or visiting relatives; no paid activities are allowed.
• Duration of stay: Up to 30 days, with no extension possible; you must leave by the expiration date.
• Return flight ticket: The customs may check your return ticket; it is highly recommended to book it in advance.
• No criminal record: The customs may request this; having a negative entry record could result in denial of entry.

1.2 Passport Preparation Checklist

💡 Tip: Jeju Island’s visa-free policy is currently in effect (as of 2026), but it may change at any time. It is recommended to check the latest entry requirements on the Ministry of Justice’s official website or by calling the embassy one week before your trip.

II. Electronic declaration before entering the country: Latest regulations for 2026

Since February 24, 2024, South Korea has implemented an electronic travel authorization system. Foreign travelers can complete the online application up to 3 days before their departure through the Korean Customs website or mobile app, replacing the traditional paper form.

2.1 Steps for electronic declaration

1. Access the declaration system: Korean Customs Electronic Declaration website (www.customs.go.kr) or download the “Korea Customs Service” app
2. Fill in basic information: Passport number, name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details in South Korea
3. Specify purpose and itinerary: Purpose of visit, date of arrival, and address where you will stay (enter the hotel address for your first night)
4. Truthfully declare items carried: If the amount of cash (including Korean won and other foreign currencies) exceeds 10 million Korean won (about 760 US dollars), it must be declared; also, accurately report the presence of tobacco, alcohol, or meat products.
5. Obtain a QR Code: After submission, a dedicated QR Code will be generated. Present it upon entry for quick clearance.

2.2 Traditional paper application forms (still available)

If you prefer not to use the electronic application, flight attendants will distribute Arrival Cards and customs declaration forms on the plane. The filling method is as follows:

Key points for filling out the Arrival Card

• Name: Match the name on your passport and enter it in English (or Korean romanization).
• Date of birth: In the DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Nationality: CHINA / CHINESE
• Passport number: The number printed on your passport.
• Flight number: The number of the flight you are taking.
• Korean contact address: Enter the address of the hotel where you will be staying on your first night (you can look up the hotel’s Korean/English address in advance).
• Amount carried: Please fill in the total amount in both local currency and foreign currencies accurately.

⚠️ Note: If the address on your entry card is incorrect, the customs may request you to fill it out again. It is recommended to save a screenshot of your hotel address on your phone for easy reference.

III. Airport Entry Process: A Step-by-Step Guide at Jeju International Airport

Jeju International Airport (IATA code: CJU) is the primary entrance for tourists arriving on Jeju Island. Although the airport is small, the process is clear, and entry procedures usually take less than half an hour.

3.1 Steps for the Entry Inspection

1. Queue after disembarking: Follow the sign indicating “Foreign Passport/Non-Korean Citizens” to line up.
2. Submit your entry card and passport: Hand both the completed entry card and passport to the customs officer.
3. Fingerprint and facial scanning: Most foreign visitors will need to provide their fingerprints and have their photos taken (the process takes about 10 seconds).
4. Collect your checked baggage: Before passing through customs, retrieve your luggage from the carousel.
5. Customs Inspection Areas:

   Ex

   • emption lane (green line): Use this lane if you are not carrying anything that requires decla
   • ration.

     Declaration lane (red line): If you have excess cash, tobacco, alcohol, meat products, agricultural goods, etc., you must declare them here.

3.2 Transportation Links at Jizhou International Airport

IV. Customs declaration and duty-free shopping guidelines

4.1 Duty-free shopping limits

South Korean customs allows foreign tourists a certain amount of duty-free shopping, but any excess must be declared truthfully:

4.2 Tax Refund Process

When shopping at stores in Jeju Island that display the “TAX FREE” sign, you are generally eligible for a tax refund if your purchase amount exceeds 50,000 Korean won (the refund rate is approximately 6–8%). There are mainly two ways to obtain a tax refund:

1. On-site Refund in the City: Some large duty-free shops offer on-site refunds, deducting the amount directly at checkout; the refund cash is not given back in physical form.
2. Refund at the Airport (Upon Departure): Scan your refund receipt at a machine marked “Tax Refund KIOSK” or proceed at a counter staffed by personnel.

⚠️ Important Note: Refunds at Jeju Island airports must be completed before departure. Please arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours in advance to allow sufficient time for the refund process. Starting in 2026, some refund procedures have been digitized, allowing for quick processing using self-service KIOSK machines.

V. Regulations for Carrying Special Items: These items must NOT be brought

• Meat Products: Any form of meat products, such as sausages, ham, cured meats, or dried meat, is prohibited from entering South Korea. Severe fines will be imposed in case of detection.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: South Korea has strict regulations regarding agricultural products; fresh fruits and vegetables are generally not allowed to be imported.
• Plants and seeds: Quarantine permits are required; otherwise, they will be confiscated.
• Medicines: A small amount of personal medication is generally allowed, but a doctor’s prescription is required. Medicines containing ephedrine, such as some cold remedies, are controlled substances in South Korea and should not be brought in.
• liquids over 100ml: The liquid allowance for carry-on luggage is 100ml per bottle, except for items purchased in duty-free shops.

VI. Internet and Communication Preparation

VII. 30-day countdown checklist before departure

VIII. Essential Tips After Arriving in Jeju Island

• Time difference: Korea is 1 hour ahead of Beijing/Shanghai (e.g., 8:00 AM in Beijing = 9:00 AM in Korea).
• Voltage: 220V; sockets are two-pronged and round-shaped (different from those in China; it is recommended to bring a converter adapter).
• Emergency contacts: Korea Tourism Information Hotline 1330 (available in Chinese); Chinese Consulate General in Jeju +82-64-900-8830.
• Medical treatment on the island: If you need medical care or skin treatments, don’t forget to bring your passport—most beauty clinics and pharmacies require it to issue prescriptions or offer tax-free services.

The procedures for traveling to Jeju Island are actually quite simple: a valid passport, a round-trip flight ticket, and an entry card are all you need to set off. The online pre-departure registration system makes the process even easier; just fill out the form online 3 days in advance. Clear limits and procedures also apply to duty-free shopping, tax refunds, and customs declarations after arrival; follow the regulations to ensure a smooth experience.

With all these preparations in place, you can head to Jeju Island with confidence and enjoy the sea breeze, beaches, and delicious food!