Arriving at Incheon: immigration, e-Arrival Card and getting to Seoul (2026)
Up to 80 minutes in the immigration queue in 2026: what to fill in before your flight, how to save time and how to reach Seoul.
Machine translation from French, being reviewed. Read the French version (reference)
Contents
Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항) is where most travellers land in Korea. In 2026 it welcomed more foreigners than ever, and immigration queues got longer. Here is how to arrive prepared.
Before your flight: e-Arrival Card or K-ETA
Since 1 January 2026, the paper arrival card has been replaced by a mandatory e-Arrival Card for foreigners2.
- Fill it in on the official site e-arrivalcard.go.kr within the 3 days before you arrive. It is free3.
- If you hold a valid K-ETA, you have nothing to fill in: the K-ETA counts as your arrival declaration3.
- A site that charges you for this form is not the official site.
Immigration: allow up to 80 minutes
In August 2026, The Korea Times measured an 80-minute wait at the foreigners' counters of Terminal 1 around noon, and up to 1 hour 54 minutes during the 2026 Lunar New Year1. Foreign arrivals rose 20.6% in the first half of 2026. The Ministry of Justice is adding staff, but not all new officers will be at the counters before the end of the year1.
To save time:
- Fill in the e-Arrival Card (or the K-ETA) before boarding and keep the confirmation on your phone.
- Keep your accommodation address in Korean at hand.
- During busy periods (summer, holidays), do not book anything in the two hours after landing.
- With young children, bring something to keep them busy: the queue can be long1.
Internet from the moment you land
The easiest option is to install an eSIM before you leave and switch it on when you land. You will have maps, translation and taxi apps as soon as you step off the plane.
In DariCompare eSIMs and SIM cardsGetting to Seoul
| Option | Time | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| AREX Express (Seoul Station) | 43 min | ₩9,500 |
| AREX All-stop | 66 min | ₩4,950 |
| Limousine bus | 60 to 90 min | ₩10,000 to ₩17,000 |
| Taxi | 60 to 90 min | ₩60,000 to ₩80,000 |
Prices reported by mileasia.com, checked on 26 October 20264. The last AREX Express leaves around 10:10 pm from Terminal 1 and around 9:50 pm from Terminal 2; the All-stop train runs until about midnight4. After that, take the bus or a taxi.
In DariAirport to Seoul: every optionPrepare your arrival offline
Before you leave, save your hotel address in Korean, useful phrases and emergency numbers in Dari. Everything stays readable without a connection.
In DariPrepare my offline arrival kitFrequently asked questions
Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have a K-ETA?
No. With a valid K-ETA, your arrival declaration is already done3.
When can I fill in the e-Arrival Card?
Within the 3 days before you arrive, on e-arrivalcard.go.kr. It is free3.
What is the cheapest way to Seoul?
The AREX All-stop train: ₩4,950 to Seoul Station, in about 66 minutes4.
Sources
- The Korea Times, « Foreign tourists stuck in immigration lines for up to 80 minutes at Incheon Int'l Airport » (05/08/2026) · checked on 26 October 2026
- EY Global Tax News, e-Arrival Card obligatoire au 1er janvier 2026 (11/12/2025) · checked on 26 October 2026
- Wego, règles d'entrée 2026 (K-ETA, e-Arrival Card) · checked on 26 October 2026
- mileasia.com, Incheon Airport to Seoul Station 2026 · checked on 26 October 2026