Seoul (Incheon) airport transit
We are flying to Tokyo through Seoul’s ICN airport. We are Uzbekistan ciitizens and flying from Tashkent airport. We have 2 different airlines. Uzbekistan airlines (HY 511) and Jin Air (LJ 203) with 6 hours layover. As these airlines are separately booked I was told we can’t get our luggage at ICN as we can’t get out of the transit zone?
Any suggestions / recommendations please?
Best Answer
If you've booked separate tickets for the two legs of your journey from Tashkent to Tokyo then the airlines won't automatically transfer your baggage from one flight to the next. You'll need to reclaim your bags and check them in for the next flight. This will require you to pass through immigration*.
As Uzbeks you will need a visa at Incheon airport to enter Korea.
You asked if booking the tour will allow you to get to your bags. If the tour was 'airside only' then it wouldn't. However, the tour does allow you access to the places, restaurants and shops, but to do this you have to enter Korea by passing through immigration and that requires you to have a visa. The tour won't help you.
You could ask Uzbekistan Airlines if there's some way that they can transfer your bags for you. If there is, they may charge you for the service.
Otherwise, you'll need a visa.
* I found one post on TripAdvisor that suggested you can claim and re-check your bags in the transit area, but I haven't been able to corroborate it.
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Can I transit in Incheon Airport?
Transfer passengers without boarding passes must visit the transfer desk on the 2nd floor of Terminal 2. You must pass through the same security screening for transfer as you did before departure.Do I need a Covid test to transit through Incheon?
All Passengers entering Korea are required to submit a PCR negative test result (Print) tested within 48 hours prior to departure date. A supervised negative COVID-19 RAT result must be issued within 24 hours prior to the departure date.Can I transit via Seoul?
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.Is transit allowed in South Korea?
Transit passengers. Passengers originating from the United States who transit through Korean airports (who do not pass through immigration) do not require a negative PCR COVID-19 test and have no quarantine requirement for stays less than 24 hours.SEOUL INCHEON Airport - World's 2nd Best Airport - Transit at Incheon Airport, South Korea - Travel
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