Visa for a layover/stopover in a 3rd country?

[IrishGuy65]

If I'm flying from the US to Guangzhou, and I have to stop in another country on the way, will I need a visa for that country?  The flight I'm looking at stops in Seoul, South Korea.  But I'm curious what all of you who have been back and forth between China and your home countries have encountered.

Thanks again!

[kenny]

I stoped in Souel on both trips and only had the visa to China. I am not sure but I dont think you need a visa for Korea.

[Robertt S]

Here is the link for the airport in Korea, has all the information you are asking about and maps of airport with transfer flowcharts.

http://www.airport.kr/iiacms/pageWork.iia?_scode=C1202010100

Here is the link for the hotel at the airport just in case you have a long layover.
https://www.airgardenhotel.com/english/index.php

[Willy The Londoner]

Just make sure the planes pilots knows his North from South. Land in the wrong half and you may be there longer than anticipated.

If you are connecting another flight from within the airport and your not wandering around Seoul for a day or two then there is no problem just do not walk around dancing 'Ganglan Style'

Willy

[Arnold]

The four times I've been to Shanghai, I always had a stop-over at Incheon. I consider this Airport one of the finest/cleanest and easiest to find your way around that I have been to. I also use Asiana Airlines each time and find their service wonderful (beautiful Stewardess') even the Food is good. I would definitely give this Airport a 10 for sure.

[Jason B]

Also one thing to consider; most airlines and departure lounges will allow you temporary membership for a modest fee so you can enjoy their free stuff. Maybe you can check with your airline prior to departure if you can get temporary membership before going.  But if you are a member already they usually have an affiliate airlines lounge that you can use. Could make a 3+ hour layover worthwhile, certainly beats having to put up with the rest of the travellers whinging and sweating it out in the airport public places.  Also you can usually have a shower at one of these places too.  Freshen up before meeting that special someone.

As for the visa, as others have mentioned all airports do not require you to have a visa if you have a connecting flight and you do not leave the airport.  From my understanding this is because you have not gone through their customs and immigration stations and therefore are only transiting through a hub airport.

As for my own experiences I have only flown through Singapore for a stop over of a couple of hours and have used Singapore Airlines departure lounges a couple of times.  Most times we fly direct to Hong Kong, from Australia it is only a 9 hour flight and for my money a direct flight is always the best, no mucking around and some layovers can be as long if not longer than the flight itself.

[Pineau]

Careful of those lounges.... They are comfortable, and quiet and it is very easy to fall asleep and wake up an hours after your connection has left.
It happened to me in Hong Kong.  Now I ask one of the attendants to remind me or I sit and watch TV so I don't fall asleep.
I have never been to the Korean airport my I have made connections at many many others. Never a problem unless you go through customs and exit the international terminal. Which I never did.

[IrishGuy65]

Thanks to all for the information!

robert, thanks for that link.  It is very helpful.

Willy. I will talk to the pilots.  I'd prefer not to end up in North Korea myself.

Arnold, after looking it up, that would be where my stopover is also, in Incheon.  I haven't picked a specific date yet, as I'm talking to the lady I am planning on meeting about the best time to visit.  (yes, guys, I'm only visiting one lady.  I'm willing to take my chances!  )

Jason B, thanks for that information.  I will definitely check into it.

Gerry, thanks also for that advice.  I will set my alarm on my cell phone (or I'll bring a cheap digital wrist watch with an alarm) if I feel drowsy to insure I don't miss a flight!

[Pineau]

Where ya goin?     

[IrishGuy65]

LOL, Gerry.   Shunde looks like a nice place to visit      It will probably be in July, when she and her daughter are on summer break.  I was thinking May around her birthday, but I can't get out of work during that time.  Same problem with my birthday in August.  July seems to be the best time right now.

[Pineau]

Maybe I will see you there.  I am heading back to China after school is out.
 

[IrishGuy65]

That would be great.  Congrats on your step daughter's application being accepted!