South Korean Transit Rules

If you're connecting through Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) in 2026, you usually do not need a South Korea transit visa if you stay in the international transit area.

You may need entry authorization only if you leave the airport, join a transit tour, collect baggage, or self-transfer between separate tickets.

Find out more about South Korea’s transit requirements below.

Do I Need A South Korean Visa to Transit Through Korea?

Most passengers do not need a visa to transit in South Korean airports without passing through immigration.

This applies when:

Travelers must stay in the transit area of the airport if they do not have a visa or visa waiver.

You may leave the airport if:

Always check the most recent entry requirements before traveling.

Passport holders from visa-exempt countries can enter South Korea with an ETA. The permit allows citizens of over 100 nations who meet the K-ETA requirements to visit Korea visa-free.

Travelers who wish to spend some time in South Korea in between flights should apply for a K-ETA.

With an approved K-ETA, passengers with a long wait between connecting flights can make the most of their time and visit the city.

Apply for the K-ETA to transit

Transit passengers must complete an online application form with basic personal details and passport information.

Travelers receive the approved permit in just 2 days. The same K-ETA can be used to enter South Korea multiple times during the 2-year validity period, or until the passport expires.

Transit passengers from non-visa-exempt countries need a visa to pass through immigration and enter South Korea.

Visa applications are made at the South Korean embassy or consulate. Several supporting documents are required, and an appointment must be made to present the paperwork in person.

30-day transit visa exemption

There is a 30-day visa exemption for travelers who usually need a visa for South Korea provided they meet the following requirements:

They must hold a valid visa, permanent residency, or other qualifying re-entry permission for the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

OR

A qualifying visa or permanent residency for one of the following European countries:

They must be transiting through South Korea to enter one of these countries, or have departed from one of these countries and be transiting through South Korea to their home country or another country.

If they transit or stop in another country before entering South Korea, they must generally stay there for no longer than 3 days.

Travelers must also have confirmed onward travel departing South Korea within 30 days, must not have been denied entry to South Korea within the previous 3 years, and must meet the applicable immigration and criminal-record conditions.

Passengers who believe they’re eligible for visa-free transit should seek further information from the Korea Immigration Service.

Countries that are not eligible

Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for this 30-day transit visa exemption:

Transit tours are organized from Incheon International Airport in Seoul. Foreigners can take part provided they are:

Different tours are available including shopping, temples, and business. Tours last 1 to 5 hours. The tours are free of charge however participants must pay any admission fees and meals.

A visa is not required to enter South Korea on an Incheon Airport organized tour.