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3 ways to enter

South Korea visas

South Korea transit visa

You can generally change flights without a visa if you stay in the airport transit area and meet the time limit. Some passengers can also enter South Korea under a transit tour or a 30-day visa exemption.

Ways to get a South Korea transit visa

  1. Stay in the airport transit area

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who remain in the transit area and meet the airport's departure time rule generally qualify.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours at Incheon; departure on the same calendar day at other airports.

  2. Transit Tourism Program

    Transit without a visa

    Eligible passengers transiting through Incheon International Airport can join an organised tour group in Seoul. The excluded nationalities listed above, stateless people and refugees cannot use this service.

    Stay
    Tours last from 1 hour to no more than 5 hours.
    Fee
    The tour service is free. An entry-procedure fee of KRW 10,000 or USD 10 applies.
    1. Register for the tour in advance or join after arrival.
    2. Pay the entry-procedure fee and join the organised tour group.

  3. 30-day transit exemption with qualifying visas or residence permits

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers who would otherwise need a visa may qualify with a visa or residence status for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States or one of the 32 named European countries, if they meet the route rules. The excluded nationalities listed above cannot use this exemption.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.
    1. Check that your nationality, visa or residence status and travel route qualify.
    2. Travel with the qualifying visa or residence document.

Who needs it

Passengers who do not meet the airport transit rules or a transit visa exemption need a visa to enter South Korea.

Who doesn't

Passengers staying in the transit area generally do not need a visa for less than 24 hours at Incheon, or when departing on the same calendar day at other airports.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
Leaving the transit area requires permission to enter South Korea. Eligible passengers may use the Transit Tourism Program or the 30-day transit visa exemption.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Stay in the transit area for less than 24 hours at Incheon, or depart on the same calendar day at other airports. Separate rules apply to transit tours and the 30-day transit exemption.

Good to know

  • Remain in the transit area unless you qualify for entry permission.
  • At Incheon, the general visa-free airport transit limit is strictly less than 24 hours.
  • At other airports, leave on the same calendar day.
  • The 24-hour field applies only to Incheon and is an exclusive limit.
  • Transit tours and the 30-day exemption exclude citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for South Korea?

Passengers who do not meet the airport transit rules or a transit visa exemption need a visa to enter South Korea. Passengers staying in the transit area generally do not need a visa for less than 24 hours at Incheon, or when departing on the same calendar day at other airports.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for South Korea?

There are 3 options: Stay in the airport transit area (transit without a visa); Transit Tourism Program (transit without a visa); 30-day transit exemption with qualifying visas or residence permits (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a South Korea transit visa?

Less than 24 hours at Incheon; departure on the same calendar day at other airports.

How long can I stay in transit in South Korea?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Stay in the transit area for less than 24 hours at Incheon, or depart on the same calendar day at other airports. Separate rules apply to transit tours and the 30-day transit exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in South Korea without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: Leaving the transit area requires permission to enter South Korea. Eligible passengers may use the Transit Tourism Program or the 30-day transit visa exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a South Korea transit visa?

Remain in the transit area unless you qualify for entry permission. At Incheon, the general visa-free airport transit limit is strictly less than 24 hours. At other airports, leave on the same calendar day.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for South Korea?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the South Korea visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for South Korea be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest South Korea transit visa rules?

On South Korea's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in South Korea?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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