Incheon Airport: Do You Need A Transit Visa?

If you're transiting through Incheon Airport in South Korea, you may be wondering if you need a transit visa. The answer depends on several factors, including your nationality, the length of your layover, and your destination. Here's a brief overview: In most cases, if you're staying within the airport's transit area for less than 24 hours, you won't need a South Korean transit visa. However, citizens of certain countries, such as Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, are required to have a transit visa regardless of the duration of their layover. On the other hand, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you may need to obtain a transit visa or even a regular tourist visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay outside the airport. Additionally, some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry or a special visa waiver program like the South Korean electronic travel authorization (K-ETA). It's always best to check the official sources and consult with your airline or travel agent to ensure you have the correct documentation for your specific situation.

Transit through Incheon Airport under 24 hours

If you are transiting through Incheon Airport in South Korea for less than 24 hours, you do not need a transit visa. This is provided that you remain within the airport's transit area. However, citizens of certain countries, including Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, are required to have a transit visa regardless of the length of their stay in South Korea.

Incheon Airport offers a free transit tour for passengers with a layover of less than 24 hours. To join the tour, you need to present your passport and both arrival and departure boarding passes. The tour program may be subject to modifications without prior notification.

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a transit visa for South Korea, you can apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). The K-ETA is an online visa waiver that allows eligible travelers to obtain authorization to enter South Korea quickly and easily. The application process involves submitting basic personal data, passport information, and travel details. Once approved, you will receive the K-ETA via email, which you can print and present along with your passport when entering South Korea.

It is important to note that the K-ETA is not a substitute for a visa. If your K-ETA application is rejected, you may need to apply for a visa instead. Additionally, the K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval. If your passport expires during this period, you must apply for a new K-ETA with your new passport.

Transit visa exemptions for certain nationalities

Most passengers do not need a visa to transit through Incheon International Airport in Seoul without passing through immigration. No visa is required to transit through South Korea when departing within 24 hours. However, travellers without a visa must remain in the airport's transit area.

Some nationalities are exempt from transit visas for South Korea. For example, Malaysian citizens can enter South Korea without a visa. They can also leave the airport during their layover. Similarly, Indonesian citizens transiting through Incheon Airport do not need a Korean visa as long as they do not exit the airport.

Nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and European countries can transit through Korea without a visa if they are travelling to or from these countries.

It is important to note that some countries, such as the UK, require certain people to have a visa even if they remain airside. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the official requirements of your destination country.

Transit visa requirements for certain nationalities

In general, if you are transiting through Incheon Airport in South Korea and remaining airside, you do not need a transit visa if your layover is less than 24 hours. However, citizens of certain countries, including Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, always need a transit visa, regardless of the length of their layover. Additionally, Indian nationals are generally required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to South Korea, although there are exceptions for those transiting to or from specific countries.

For those who do require a transit visa, South Korea offers the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), which is an online visa waiver that simplifies the process of obtaining a visa for eligible travellers. The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, and it can be applied for online by submitting basic personal data, passport information, and travel details. There is also a mandatory processing fee for the K-ETA application.

On the other hand, citizens of certain countries may be exempt from visa requirements for 30 days if they hold a physical visa or residence permit issued by specific nations, including the United States (including Guam and Saipan), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and European countries. This exemption applies to those who are directly arriving in South Korea from or departing to these countries, as well as those who have transited through a fourth country for less than 72 hours.

It is important to note that the visa requirements for South Korea may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest information on the official website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country.

K-ETA application process

Indian nationals travelling through Incheon International Airport require a visa to enter the Republic of Korea, unless they are transiting to or from specific countries. Nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and 32 European countries are exempt from visa requirements if they are transiting through South Korea to enter or come from one of the aforementioned countries.

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a mandatory requirement for travellers from visa-exemption countries visiting South Korea. It is an online process that does not require a visit to an embassy or consulate. The K-ETA allows foreign visitors to enter South Korea visa-free for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. The length of visa-free stays in Korea depends on nationality, ranging from 30 to 180 days. The K-ETA is valid for three years and can be used for multiple visits to South Korea. It is only valid with the passport used to apply, so a new ETA must be obtained if the passport is renewed.

The K-ETA application form can be completed in minutes, but it is recommended to apply as soon as possible to avoid travel disruptions. The form must be completed in English, and the decision to grant or deny the application is at the discretion of the South Korean government. Processing times usually take 24 to 48 hours, or one hour with the Priority Service. The Priority Service also offers a full refund for the travel authorization if the trip is cancelled due to illness, flight cancellation, or other unexpected events.

The K-ETA is not mandatory for travellers aged 17 and under, but it is recommended as passengers with a K-ETA do not need to complete an Arrival Card. Adults travelling with children can complete the application on their behalf.

Transit tours at Incheon Airport

If you're transiting through Incheon International Airport, you may be eligible for a transit tour. These tours are a great way to make use of a long layover, with some travellers reporting having up to 12 hours to spare. The tours are highly rated, with knowledgeable guides and interesting destinations. The Jeondeungsa Temple tour is a popular choice, with travellers praising the guide, Brian, for his knowledge of Korean history and culture. The tours are also very affordable, with some reviews mentioning they were free.

To be eligible for a transit tour, you must have under 24 hours of layover time. You will need your passport and both arrival and departure boarding passes to register. It is recommended that you book your tour in advance, as some travellers have been turned away due to tours being fully booked. You can book online, but you must still check in at the registration desk on the first floor of the terminal with all your necessary paperwork. If you are unable to book online, there is still an opportunity to join a tour on arrival, as less than 50% of spaces are allotted to the online booking system.

Incheon Airport also offers a DMZ tour, which has received positive reviews for being concise, enjoyable, and informative. This tour includes a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong Street. There is also a "Traditional Tour", which includes a visit to Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong in downtown Seoul.

It is important to note that most travellers will need a K-ETA visa to enter South Korea. This can be applied for online and is mandatory for travellers from visa exemption countries. Citizens of Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are exempt from this requirement until 31 December 2025. Additionally, citizens of certain countries, such as India, may be eligible for a visa on arrival if they are transiting through the Republic of Korea to or from specific countries.

Frequently asked questions