Incheon International Transit Visa 2026
Airside transit at ICN is visa-free for most. Korea offers Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program for eligible transfers.
Airside transit zone at Incheon International
ICN has a modern airside transit lounge with sleep pods, showers and shops. Korea offers K-ETA electronic authorization + Transit Tour Program for stops.
Usually need a transit visa
- • To enter Korea from airport: nationals not on K-ETA visa-waiver list
Usually exempt
- • Airside transit: all nationalities visa-free
- • K-ETA (electronic travel authorization): USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most Western European + others — apply online
- • Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Chinese nationals with valid US/CA/AU/NZ/JP visa can enter Korea 3 days
Visa types + cost
Airside transit
Duration
Length of layover
Price
Free
Process
None
K-ETA
Duration
2 years (multi-entry, up to 90-day stays)
Price
KRW 10,000 (~$8)
Process
Apply online 3 days before travel at k-eta.go.kr
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
US citizen ICN transit airside 6 hours
No visa/authorization needed for airside
Scenario 2
US citizen wants to leave ICN for 24 hours
K-ETA required unless holding Korean visa — apply online $8
Scenario 3
Chinese citizen ICN transit + wants short Seoul visit
TWOV if holding valid US/CA/AU/NZ/JP visa — 3 days permitted
Official source
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.
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