PSA: Visa-Free Entry for Transit Passengers in Korea Resumes

Transit passengers may be allowed to stay for up to 30 days.
by | May 16, 2023


After its suspension in February 2020 due to the pandemic, South Korea’s visa-free entry for transit passengers finally resumes on April 30, 2023. If you’re finally revenge traveling this 2023 and want to make the most out of your much-awaited international travel, you might want to consider a side trip to Seoul. Here’s everything you need to know about the resumption of visa-free entry in Korea for foreign transit passengers:

 

Visa-free stay in Korea for up to 30 days

From April 30, 2023, you can stay in Korea for a maximum of 30 days visa-free if you’re transmitting to/from:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • USA
  • New Zealand
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • The United Kingdom

This is provided that the passenger:

  • Holds an onward flight to any of these countries
  • Has no illegal stay records of any kind and has never been denied entry into Korea
  • Has not exceeded a maximum three-day stay in any other transit airport other than Incheon International Airport

 

Visa-free stay in Korea for 3 days for transit passengers via Incheon International Airport

From May 15, 2023, transit passengers traveling to/from any country via Incheon International Airport may be allowed a visa-free stay for up to 3 days in Korea provided that the passenger:

  • Holds an onward flight to a third home/country
  • Must participate in a transit tour program by a designated travel agency
  • Stay within Seoul Metropolitan Area only
  • The transit tour program must meet the minimum transfer time of two hours to be allowed entry

 

What is a Transit Tour Program?

A Transit Tour Program in Korea is a tour program recognized by the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; the Incheon Airport Corporation; and the Korea Airports Association.

It’s a FREE tour that ranges from experiences, entertainment, tradition, themes, and shopping. These tours are available in 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour, and 5-hour courses with an English-speaking tour guide.

Note: Tourist site admissions fees and meals are paid individually by travelers.

 

How do you participate in a Transit Tour Program?

Participants must hold a valid visa or register for K-ETA. Apply for a K-ETA here.

When signing up for the tour, passengers must bring their flight ticket and passport.

To learn more about transit tours, visit this page.

 

Read more about visa-free entry options to South Korea for Pinoy travelers:

 

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When she’s not writing, Ina’s busy curating playlists that will save her when words don’t work, reading, annoying her cat, or thinking of her next meal.

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