Transit rules · South Korea
Layover in South Korea: transit visa and leaving the airport
Incheon has a full airside transfer area: passengers who do not clear immigration need neither a visa nor a K-ETA. To leave the airport, visa-free nationals need a K-ETA (KRW 10,000, valid 3 years) unless their country is on the temporary K-ETA exemption list, which runs until 2026-12-31 (no extension into 2027 announced yet). Visa-required nationals (e.g. IN, CN, PH) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days only under the 'tourists in transit' scheme (valid US/CA/AU/NZ or listed European visa, travelling to/from those countries). The airport's free transit tour (layovers up to 24h) is an entry into Korea and follows the same rules.
At a glance, by passport
| Passport | Change planes airside | Leave the airport |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed · 90 days |
| Canada | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed · 180 days |
| United Kingdom | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed |
| Australia | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed |
| New Zealand | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed |
| EU / EEA / Switzerland | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days for most (Cyprus 30 days) |
| India | No document needed to stay airside | Not without a visa · 30 days via transit scheme |
| China (mainland) | No document needed to stay airside | Not without a visa · 30 days via transit scheme |
| Brazil | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, with an online travel authorisation |
| Mexico | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, with an online travel authorisation |
| South Africa | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, with an online travel authorisation |
| Philippines | No document needed to stay airside | Not without a visa · 30 days via transit scheme |
| Japan | No document needed to stay airside | Yes, no visa needed |
| South Korea | – | Yes, you are at home here |
Changing planes without leaving the airport
Airside means you stay behind passport control: you walk from one gate to the next and never formally enter South Korea. Many countries let you do that without any document, some ask for an online authorisation or a transit visa even for this.
Holders of United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, EU / EEA / Switzerland, India, China (mainland), Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Philippines and Japan passports can change planes airside without any document.
Leaving the airport
To see the city you pass immigration and enter South Korea like any visitor, so the normal entry rule for your passport applies, however short your stay.
Without a visa: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. With an online travel authorisation: EU / EEA / Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. Only with a visa: India, China (mainland) and Philippines. South Korea citizens are at home here.
Transit rules in South Korea
Tourists in transit (B-2, up to 30 days)
Who: Nationals of visa-required countries (excluding 23 countries such as Syria, Iran, Cuba, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt) holding a valid visa for the US (incl. Guam/Saipan), Canada, Australia or New Zealand, or one of 32 European countries
- Travel via Korea to that country, or from that country via Korea to home or a third country
- Confirmed onward flight departing within 30 days of entering Korea
- Stayed no longer than 3 days in the previous transit/stopover country before Korea
- Not refused entry to Korea in the past 3 years, no fine of KRW 5 million+ or deportation
- Korea-only round trips (A-Korea-A) do not qualify
Source: Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago
Incheon transfer tour (B-2, within 3 days)
Who: Transfer passengers at Incheon joining the Transit Tourism Program
- Onward flight within 72 hours of entry
- Stay in the metropolitan area
- Agree to the operation of transit tour guides
Source: Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago
Incheon Airport Transit Tour (free/paid guided tours)
Who: Transit passengers with layovers of 24 hours or less; visa-free travellers still need a K-ETA unless exempt
- Layover 24h or less
- Passport and both boarding passes
- Counts as entry into Korea
Your passport in detail
United States passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31 (US including Guam). Stay: 90 days.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , Notice on Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption (~12/31/2026) , Visa Waiver Program (VWP) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Canada passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31. Stay: 180 days.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , Extension of Temporary Exemption from K-ETA (until December 31, 2026) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
United Kingdom passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31. Stay length not confirmed from an official page (see uncertain).
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Australia passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31. Stay length not confirmed from an official page.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
New Zealand passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31. Stay length not confirmed from an official page.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
EU / EEA / Switzerland passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation Visa-free. K-ETA temporarily NOT needed until 2026-12-31 for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein (and Greece, Cyprus per the Korean embassy in Greece). Other EU/EEA citizens (e.g. Ireland, Portugal, Czechia, Hungary) need a K-ETA (KRW 10,000). Stay: 90 days for most (Cyprus 30 days). Cost: KRW 10,000 (only for non-exempt countries).
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Mandatory K-ETA Required for Visa-free country travelers (2024-01-02) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
India passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa Visa required, except 'tourists in transit': visa-free B-2 for up to 30 days with a valid US/Canada/Australia/NZ (or one of 32 European countries') visa when travelling to/from that country via Korea, confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Stay: 30 days via transit scheme.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No visa needed if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (2023-05-12) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
China (mainland) passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa Visa required, except 'tourists in transit' (as for IN). Separate group-tour schemes exist (Chinese group tourists with Japanese group visa, 15 days) but do not fit an individual layover. Stay: 30 days via transit scheme.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No visa needed if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (2023-05-12) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Brazil passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation Visa-free with K-ETA (Brazil not on the temporary exemption list). Cost: KRW 10,000.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Mandatory K-ETA Required for Visa-free country travelers (2024-01-02) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Mexico passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation Visa-free with K-ETA (Mexico not on the temporary exemption list). Cost: KRW 10,000.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Mandatory K-ETA Required for Visa-free country travelers (2024-01-02) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
South Africa passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation Designated visa-free country; K-ETA required (not on the temporary exemption list). Cost: KRW 10,000.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: Mandatory K-ETA Required for Visa-free country travelers (2024-01-02) , K-ETA Visa Free Eligible Countries (total 96 countries) (Effective from April 1st, 2022) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Philippines passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa Visa required, except 'tourists in transit' (as for IN). Stay: 30 days via transit scheme.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No visa needed if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (2023-05-12) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
Japan passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed K-ETA temporarily exempt until 2026-12-31. Stay length not confirmed from an official page.
Change planes airside: No document needed to stay airside No K-ETA or visa if you do not clear immigration.
Official source: [Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) , (K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) , Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements)
South Korea passport
Yes, you are at home here
How much time you get in the city
Being allowed out is half the answer; the other half is the clock. Count the time to get off the plane and through immigration, the trip into town and back, and getting back early enough for security and the gate. Incheon International Airport (ICN): the fastest public option, AREX Express Train, Incheon Airport T1 to Seoul Station (51 min from T2), takes 43 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 5 min.
The planner on each airport page does this for your own flight times and lets you change every assumption.
Questions
Do I need a transit visa for South Korea?
Holders of United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, EU / EEA / Switzerland, India, China (mainland), Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Philippines and Japan passports can change planes airside without any document.
Can I leave the airport during a layover in South Korea?
It depends on your passport. Without a visa: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. With an online travel authorisation: EU / EEA / Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. Only with a visa: India, China (mainland) and Philippines. South Korea citizens are at home here.
How long a layover do I need to leave the airport?
With our cautious defaults (45 minutes to get out, the trip into town and back plus 20%, 120 minutes back before departure, at least 90 minutes in the city): Incheon International Airport (ICN): the fastest public option, AREX Express Train, Incheon Airport T1 to Seoul Station (51 min from T2), takes 43 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 5 min.
Official sources
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[Updated-until 31. Dec. 2026] Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (2025-12-30) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Switzerland):
Asia (5): Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao; Americas (3): Canada, US, Guam; Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, *Switzerland, Liechtenstein; Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand
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Notice on Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption (~12/31/2026) (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York):
The extended K-ETA temporary exemption period runs from January 1, 2026 (Thu) to December 31, 2026 (Thu) (KST).
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Extension of Temporary Exemption from K-ETA (until December 31, 2026) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canada):
Canada is exempt; for other countries, please check the K-ETA official website for details.
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(K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Greece):
Transfer/transit passengers who are not entering Korea do not need to get a K-ETA.
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Frequently Asked Questions (Visa / Entry Requirements) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore):
In general, visa is not required if you are not required to clear the immigration at Incheon Airport during the transit.
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(K-ETA) Information about Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (updated 02 JAN 2026) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Greece):
Greeks and Cypriots are nationals of countries eligible for K-ETA temporary exemption until December 31, 2026 ... (Greeks: 90 days, Cypriots: 30 days)
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Mandatory K-ETA Required for Visa-free country travelers (2024-01-02) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa):
The fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately $9-10, Additional fee excluded).
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Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (2023-05-12) (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago):
Hold a confirmed onward flight ticket for departure within 30 days after entering Korea
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Visa Waiver Program (VWP) (Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York):
U.S. citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits
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K-ETA Visa Free Eligible Countries (total 96 countries) (Effective from April 1st, 2022) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Qatar):
valid for multiple trips over a period of two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-01. Rules change; the airline and the border officer have the final word. Found something out of date? Tell us.