Jazmin Li
Incheon International Airport is one of the world's best airports, according to some travellers. The airport offers a Transit Tour for passengers with a layover, which can be joined without a visa if certain conditions are met. These include holding a visa or permanent residency in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or one of 32 European countries, and transiting through Korea to one of these countries. The tour requires registration at the desk on the first floor of the terminal, and passengers must present their passports and boarding passes. Moving between terminals can be done via a free shuttle bus or the Airport Railroad, which takes around 6 minutes. Security checks at the airport typically involve taking out laptops and game consoles, but shoes and belts are usually not required to be removed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tour registration | All passengers, including those booked online, must show up at the main registration desk on the 1st floor with travel documents at least 30 minutes before the tour starts. |
| Tour participation | Passengers from visa-exempt countries must obtain a K-ETA to join the tour without a visa. |
| Shuttle bus | A free shuttle bus is available to get to the terminal quickly. |
| Airport Railroad | You can use the Airport Railroad to transfer between terminals (Time: 6 min, Fee: 1,050 KRW). |
| Security check | You may need to take out your laptop and game console during the security check. |
| Immigration | It can take up to 1.5 hours to get through immigration and passport control. |
| Layover activities | With an 8-hour layover, you can take the train to the city and explore places like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Bukchon Village. |
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What You'll Learn
Security checks: Laptops and large electronics must be removed
When transiting through Incheon International Airport, passengers will have to go through security and have their personal items scanned through an X-ray machine. This includes laptops and large electronics, which must be removed from their bags and placed in a separate basket. Tablets, however, may not need to be placed in a separate basket at Terminal 1 Departures No. 3.
It is worth noting that there is no need to remove shoes and belts at Incheon Airport, and this rarely happens outside of the US. However, passengers will need to remove face masks, hats, and sunglasses for identity checks.
Passengers should also be prepared to present their passports and boarding passes to the security guard when entering the departure hall. If an alarm sounds during the security screening, additional screening may be conducted.
In general, if passengers are not leaving the security area during a transfer, they will not need another security check. However, there is definitely a security check at Incheon for international-to-international transfers.
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Transit tours: No visa required for some nationalities
Incheon International Airport offers various transit tour programs for passengers to make the most of their stopover. While the tour is generally free, passengers have to pay for their meals. Tour seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and all passengers must arrive at the registration desk on the first floor of the terminal with their travel documents at least 30 minutes before the tour starts.
Passengers from visa-exempt countries can join the transit tour without a visa. However, they may still need to obtain a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). Nationals from the following countries who are transiting through Korea to enter one of these countries or are departing from one of these countries and transiting through Korea to their home country or a third country can join the tour without a visa:
- The United States (including Guam and Saipan)
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Any of the 32 European countries
It is important to note that the tour is only available for passengers with a layover of less than 24 hours. Additionally, the Korean Ministry of Justice does not allow two entries into Korea during a single visit.
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Transport: A free shuttle bus is available between terminals
If you need to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport, you can use the free shuttle bus service provided by the Incheon Airport authority. This is because the two terminals are not within walking distance of each other, and there is no pedestrian walkway connecting them. The shuttle bus serves two routes: Airport Integrated Communication Center (AICC) to Garage Terminal 2 and the reverse route, Garage Terminal 2 to AICC. When travelling along these routes, the shuttle bus stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
If you are travelling from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, the shuttle bus stop is located on the departure floor (third floor) of Terminal 2, near Gate 5. Conversely, if you are travelling from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, the shuttle bus stop is on the departure floor (third floor) of Terminal 1, close to Gate 8. There is an overhead signboard that indicates the bus stop.
The shuttle bus operates from 05:00 to 23:00, with a bus arriving approximately every 10 minutes. The journey between terminals takes around 15-18 minutes, covering a distance of 15-18 km.
Please note that the shuttle bus and train do not operate after midnight, so if you need to transfer terminals during this time, you may need to take an Incheon taxi or wait until the first shuttle bus in the morning.
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Immigration: Allow plenty of time—it can be slow
Immigration at Incheon International Airport can be slow, with travellers reporting long lines and wait times of up to 2.5–3 hours. This is due to the airport closing one of the two immigration areas and operating only one side for foreign arrivals. During peak times, both lineups for immigration and security can be out of control, causing unacceptable wait times for passengers.
To avoid lengthy immigration waits, it is recommended to arrive at Gimpo Airport, a smaller airport with fewer crowds. However, flight options to Gimpo are limited. Another option is to apply for the Airport Immigration VIP Card, which is reserved for individuals who fall under special categories recognised by the government, such as "The Best Taxpayer" or "Foreign Financial Investors". Additionally, a special services counter is available for passengers with disabilities or injuries.
It is important to have all immigration documents prepared before reaching the counter to speed up the process. The actual process has been described as prompt and efficient by some travellers, with wait times as short as 15-20 minutes from exiting the plane to claiming baggage. However, others have experienced longer wait times of up to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of booths open and the volume of arriving passengers.
Incheon International Airport is a highly regarded airport, consistently receiving positive reviews and awards. Despite the slow immigration process, the airport excels in other areas, and many passengers have had positive experiences with the efficiency of their systems. It is always advisable to allow plenty of time for immigration, especially when travelling through Incheon Airport, to account for any potential delays.
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Layovers: It's possible to leave the airport and visit the city
Incheon International Airport offers a Transit Tour for passengers with a long layover. The tour is available to passengers who satisfy certain conditions, including those from visa-exempt countries, those with a visa or permanent residency in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or one of 32 European countries, and those transiting through Korea to a third country. To join the tour, passengers must register at the desk on the first floor of the terminal and present their passport and both arrival and departure boarding passes. It is important to note that Korea's immigration policy does not allow multiple entries during a single trip.
If you have a long layover at Incheon Airport and want to explore the city, you can take the express train or the all-stop train to Seoul Station. The journey takes around 15 minutes, and from there, you can walk to the Namdaemun market and other attractions. It is recommended to use Naver Maps to navigate the subways and ask the helpful staff at the airport for assistance. Keep in mind that you may need to transfer to another subway line to reach certain destinations, such as Myeongdong.
When returning to the airport, allow ample time for immigration and security checks, as these processes can take over an hour. Ensure you have your necessary travel documents, as the immigration officer may ask to see your boarding pass for your connecting flight. It is important to manage your time efficiently to avoid missing your flight.
While leaving the airport during a layover can be a rewarding experience, it is essential to carefully consider the time available and the potential risks. Some travellers have reported long lines and slow processes at immigration and security, which may cut into your free time. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of potential delays and to ensure you return to the airport with sufficient time to spare.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. However, it is recommended that you calculate the time needed for immigration, check-in, security, and travel to and from the airport.
Yes, you need to go through immigration and customs. You will also need to register for the Transit Tour at the desk on the first floor of the terminal.
You can take the free shuttle bus or the Airport Railroad to get to the city from the airport. You can also take the express or all-stop train to Seoul Station.
You will need to take out any large electronic devices, such as laptops and game consoles. You may also need to remove your shoes and belt, although this is rare outside of the US.
Yes, you can join the Transit Tour without a visa if you meet certain requirements. These include being from a visa-exempt country, transiting through a third country, or being a general transit passenger.
