Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macau: Visa Planning Checklist

A journey linking Tokyo, Seoul and the Pearl River Delta involves separate entry systems. A permission for one stop should never be treated as permission for the whole route. This guide helps you organise the questions before committing to an itinerary.

Japan: start with the embassy serving your residence

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa hub directs travellers to the Japanese mission with jurisdiction over where they live. Check exemption rules and the application route for your passport and residence. Do not assume that an online visa option is available to every applicant.

South Korea: identify your category first

Use the Korea Visa Portal and your responsible Korean embassy to establish whether your trip needs a visa, an electronic authorisation or another entry step. Portal maintenance can affect access. If it is unavailable, use the embassy’s current instructions. Tourist entry should not be used as a shortcut for work or study.

Mainland China: use local application instructions

The Chinese Visa Application Service Center lets you choose a service location. Confirm with the responsible Chinese mission whether that centre is the correct channel for you. Read current exemption and transit provisions on official mission pages; eligibility depends on your circumstances and route. A transit scheme is not automatically suitable for a holiday with an ordinary return itinerary.

Hong Kong and Macau require separate checks

For Hong Kong, consult the Immigration Department’s visit and transit guidance. For Macau, consult the government’s non-resident immigration clearance page. Review each jurisdiction independently. For a Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macau route, also check whether returning to mainland China requires another permitted entry.

Draw the route before applying

Write every border crossing on one line: origin, transit, destination, side trip and return. Beside each stop, record the official rule source, required permission and application channel. Add your passport expiry, appointment date and passport-return arrangements. This catches a common planning problem: a side trip that changes the number of entries needed.

There is no honest single processing time or fee for this group of destinations. Use the current schedule published by your application location. Keep a buffer for requests for further documents and avoid assuming that an appointment date is a decision date.

A handy preparation checklist

• Check passport validity and blank-page requirements for every destination and transit stop.
• Use the exact name, passport number and dates shown on your travel document.
• Prepare the authority’s checklist: this may include a photograph, itinerary, accommodation, funds, residence evidence and insurance.
• Keep readable scans, submission receipts and a copy of the final permission.
• Check whether you need an appointment, biometrics or a separate arrival declaration.
• Read cancellation conditions before making bookings for an application.

These are preparation prompts, not a universal document list. Follow the checklist issued by the embassy or authorised application channel for your situation. Never fabricate a reservation, employment letter or financial document. If information changes after submission, ask the authority how to correct it rather than filing an inconsistent second application.