South Korea Transit Visa

Passengers do not usually need a visa to transit through South Korea if they do not intend to leave the airport.

Entry permission is required for travelers who wish to pass through immigration and enter South Korea between connecting flights.

This page contains all the information passenger in transit through South Korea need, including:

  • South Korea airport transit requirements
  • South Korea K-ETA and visas for transit
  • 30-day transit visa exemption
  • Seoul organized transit tours
  • Transit in Korea during COVID-19

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.

No visa is required to transit through South Korea when departing:

  • Within 24 hours for Incheon International Airport in Seoul
  • On the same calendar day for all other airports

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

Nationalities that require a transit visa for Korea

Citizens of the following countries must hold a visa to transit through South Korea:

  • Egypt
  • Mongolia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

Passport holders from these countries must apply for a visa at a South Korea embassy to transit, even if they will not leave the airport.

Do I Need a South Korea Transit Visa to Leave the Airport?

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

A visa or travel authorization is required to:

  • Leave the airport and visit South Korea
  • Go through immigration to collect luggage

South Korean ETA for transit passengers

Passport holders from visa-exempt countries can enter South Korea with an ETA. This permit allows eligible citizens who meet the Korea entry requirements to visit Korea visa-free.

Travelers who wish to spend some time in South Korea in between flights, or need to collect luggage after immigration, 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.

transit visan korea

Apply for the K-ETA to enter South Korea between flights

K-ETA is now mandatory for visa waiver citizens to visit South Korea, passengers must complete an online application form with basic personal details and passport information.

Travelers receive the approved permit between 24h-48h. The same K-ETA can be used to enter South Korea multiple times during the 3-year validity period, or until the passport expires.

South Korea transit visa requirements

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, 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 have a visa or residence permit from one of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • The United States

They must be:

  • Arriving directly from or departing directly to one of the above countries
  • Arriving from one of the above countries after transiting in a 4th country for no more than 72 hours
  • Departing to one of the above countries and transiting for no more than 72 hours in a 4th country

Passengers who believe they are eligible for visa-free transit should get confirmation and further information from an embassy of South Korea.

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

  • Afghanistan
  •  Bangladesh
  •  Cameroon
  •  China
  •  Cuba
  •  Egypt
  •  Gambia
  •  Ghana
  •  Iran
  •  Iraq
  •  Kosovo
  •  Kyrgyzstan
  •  Myanmar
  •  Nepal
  •  Nigeria
  •  North Macedonia
  •  Pakistan
  •  Palestine
  •  Senegal
  •  Somalia
  •  Sri Lanka
  •  Sudan
  •  Syria
  •  Uzbekistan
  •  Yemen

South Korea Transit Tour Program

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

  • Eligible to enter South Korea
  • Have a connecting flight to a third country within 24 hours

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.