Summary

• Fifth-freedom flights let foreign airlines operate between two countries, creating underpriced routes without touching the airline’s home country.
• These routes cost 30-50% less due to competition, fill-up pricing, and more available award seats on foreign segments.
• Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines fly widebody aircraft with lie-flat business where competitors use narrow-bodies.
• Key routes: Singapore Airlines’ LAX-Tokyo, Emirates’ Sydney-Christchurch, Turkish Airlines’ Melbourne-Singapore, and Ethiopian’s Seoul-Tokyo.

Turn long layovers into free vacations

Flying internationally with a long layover?

Many airlines now offer stopover programs that transform your connection into a free (or nearly free) mini-vacation. These programs provide complimentary hotel stays, city tours, and transfers—essentially letting you explore Dubai, Istanbul, Singapore, or Doha at no extra cost.

Middle Eastern carriers lead with the most generous packages, while Asian hubs excel at quick cultural experiences. The smartest travelers are saving $300-600 on flights plus scoring free accommodations worth hundreds more.

Let’s start with a quick comparison of the most popular airline stopover programs.

Middle East carriers

Middle Eastern carriers dominate the stopover program landscape by offering the most generous packages—Turkish Airlines provides up to 3 free nights at 5-star hotels for business class passengers, while Qatar Airways sells heavily subsidized 4-star accommodations starting at just $14/night.

These airlines leverage their geographic sweet spot between Western markets and Asia-Pacific to turn routing through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul into significant value opportunities. Programs like Emirates’ automatic free hotel stays and Etihad’s no-fee 2-night packages delivering $200-600 in accommodation savings.

Turkish Airlines
Istanbul

Turkish Airlines offers the most generous free stopover program with up to 2 nights free at 4-star hotels for economy passengers or 3 nights free at 5-star properties like Conrad or Hilton for business class. You need a minimum 20-hour layover to qualify, and the program is available for passengers from select countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and several Asian nations. Hotels are located about 30 miles from the airport, so you’ll need to budget for transportation.

For shorter layovers between 6-24 hours, you can join the free TourIstanbul program which includes guided city tours with meals, transportation, and museum entrance fees. These tours cover major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar. The tours run daily with six different programs to choose from.

To book your free hotel, you must apply at least 72 hours before departure through the Turkish Stopover page with a country-specific email. For the free tours, simply register at the tour desk in the airport during your layover. Remember that stopovers can be extended up to 7 days maximum if you want to explore Istanbul longer on your own.

Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways provides completely free 2-night stopover stays in Abu Dhabi at your choice of 4-star hotels like Aloft or TRYP by Wyndham, or 5-star properties including Shangri-La and Grand Hyatt. The stopover is available for passengers traveling from the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia with at least 24 hours between flights. Note that hotels provide room only—breakfast isn’t included.

The program includes a free Stopover Pass offering 15% off local attractions, a complimentary SIM card with 10GB of data, and access to city shuttles. You can use the stopover on either your outbound or return journey, but not both. The offer covers up to 3 people per booking.

You must book directly with Etihad and claim your stopover online at least 72 hours before arrival. Simply retrieve your booking on etihad.com after purchasing an eligible round-trip ticket through Abu Dhabi. Be aware of blackout periods during peak travel times in November, December, and early January.

Qatar Airways
Doha

Qatar Airways offers heavily subsidized stopover packages in Doha starting at just $14 per person per night for 4-star hotels or $24 for 5-star properties. You can stay up to 4 nights, with package prices ranging from $14-76 for standard hotels or $24-111 for premium options. The program is available to passengers from over 100 visa-free countries with a minimum 12-hour transit time.

These are room-only rates based on double occupancy, but you can add breakfast, tours, and transfers for additional fees. The Discover Qatar program makes this one of the best-value paid stopover options among Middle Eastern carriers. You’ll have access to explore Doha’s modern skyline, traditional souks, and desert experiences.

To book, first purchase your Qatar Airways flights, then add stopover hotels through the Discover Qatar website at least 3 days before travel. The maximum stopover duration is 96 hours (4 nights), giving you plenty of time to explore the city. Transit visas are available for those who need them.

Emirates
Dubai

Emirates’ Dubai Connect program offers completely free hotel accommodation, meals, transfers, and even visa processing for qualifying layovers. Economy and premium economy passengers with 8-26 hour connections qualify, while first and business class passengers need only 6-26 hours. The catch is that your layover must be the shortest available connection—you can’t intentionally book a longer stopover to get the free hotel.

When eligible, you’ll stay at quality hotels like Le Méridien Airport Hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, or Copthorne Hotel Dubai with all meals and airport transfers included. This makes it one of the most comprehensive free stopover programs available. The program automatically appears during booking if you qualify, or you can request it later through “Manage Booking.”

For those wanting longer Dubai stays, Emirates Holidays offers paid stopover packages with flexible 24-hour check-in/checkout times and hotels ranging from 3 to 5 stars. Book at least 24 hours before your flight to secure your Dubai Connect benefits. New bookings through Emirates Holidays receive a 10% discount on extended stopover packages.

Saudia
Riyadh or Jeddah

Saudia’s “Your Ticket Your Visa” program provides a free instant e-visa with health insurance for stopovers between 8 and 96 hours in either Riyadh or Jeddah. Launched in January 2024, this program is available to passengers from North America, Europe, and select Asian countries. The visa is valid for 90 days from issue and allows a single entry stay of up to 4 days.

Eligible passengers receive one free hotel night when booking through Saudia Holidays at least 48 hours before arrival. Simply present your boarding pass at the hotel for complimentary accommodation. For those not qualifying for the free night, discounted hotel rates are available through the program.

Book your stopover during flight booking on the Saudia website or through their dedicated stopover portal. The program opens up Saudi Arabia as a new stopover destination, offering travelers a chance to explore historic sites, modern developments, and authentic Arabian culture. Both Riyadh and Jeddah serve as gateways to different regions of the kingdom.

Oman Air
Muscat

Oman Air relaunched its stopover program in April 2025 through a partnership with Visit Oman, offering paid packages ranging from 4 hours to 4 days. The program positions Muscat as a “hidden gem of the Arabian Peninsula”—a less crowded alternative to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Packages are customizable with 3 to 5-star hotel options available.

Each package includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, up to 20% off meals, airport transfer assistance, and personalized city tours lasting 4-8 hours. Lounge access arrangements can also be included in your package. These comprehensive offerings make it easy to explore Oman’s unique blend of ancient culture and natural beauty.

Book your stopover through the omanair.com stopover flow or via Oman Air Holidays after purchasing your flights. While not free like some competitors, the packages offer good value for experiencing Oman’s dramatic landscapes, historic forts, and traditional souks. The program is available for passengers traveling between Europe, Asia, and Australia via Muscat.

Gulf Air
Bahrain

Gulf Air’s STPC (Stopover Paid by Carrier) program provides free hotel stays for connections between 7-24 hours when your ticket value exceeds $450 (fare plus carrier charges). For tickets under $450, you can still access the program for $100 per adult. The program includes accommodation at various 4-5 star properties in Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

Both flights must be Gulf Air marketed and operated, and the program only applies if no connection under 7 hours is available. Qualifying passengers also receive a free visa if required for their nationality. This makes Bahrain an accessible stopover option for travelers between Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Request your STPC stopover at least 24 hours before departure through Gulf Air’s contact center, or within 24 hours at the Bahrain Airport office. The program offers a chance to explore Bahrain’s pearl diving heritage, modern financial district, and historic sites. Check the Transit in Bahrain and Visit Bahrain pages for additional holiday deals that sometimes include up to 2 free nights.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore

Singapore Airlines allows free stopovers up to 30 days with no additional airfare charges when booking multi-city itineraries through Singapore’s world-renowned Changi Airport. Premium cabin passengers enjoy extra perks including SGD 40 airport credits and complimentary lounge access. While the traditional Singapore Stopover Holiday (SSH) package has been discontinued, you can still book discounted hotels through their platform and explore this vibrant city-state.

For shorter layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours, take advantage of completely Free Singapore Tours (FST) offering four different 2.5-hour experiences. Choose from Sentosa Discovery, Cultural and Heritage tours, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, or City Highlights tours. These tours are exclusively for transit passengers and can be pre-booked up to 60 days in advance through changiairport.com.

To add a Singapore stopover, use the “Multi-city/Stopovers” option when booking on the Singapore Airlines website. KrisFlyer award tickets allow 1-2 free stopovers depending on your ticket type, making it easy to explore Singapore even on award travel. With Changi consistently rated the world’s best airport, even your connection time becomes part of the travel experience.

Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific offers free stopovers in Hong Kong for up to 7 days with no additional airfare charges on eligible routes from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through January 31, 2026, there’s a special stopover fee waiver promotion for return flights from Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan. Business class passengers enjoy complimentary Airport Express train access, while all stopover guests receive 5% discounts at select hotels.

Transit passengers with 7+ hour layovers can join free guided tours departing from Hong Kong International Airport, offering a taste of the city without immigration hassles. The tours are available from December 2025 and can be pre-booked up to 3 months in advance through the HKIA website. For those wanting to explore beyond Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area connections via ferry or coach provide easy access to Macau and mainland China.

Book your Hong Kong stopover using the multi-city booking tool on cathaypacific.com, accommodating up to 9 passengers per online booking. Note that some business class fares now limit stopovers to one direction only with the maximum 7-day duration. With new routes to Dallas and Paris launching in June 2025, Hong Kong becomes an even more convenient stopover hub between East and West.

Japan Airlines
Tokyo and Osaka

Japan Airlines charges a $100 stopover fee for passengers from the US, Canada, Mexico, and China, but allows up to 6 nights in Tokyo or Osaka—perfect for exploring Japan’s vibrant cities before continuing your journey. Other nationalities enjoy free stopovers with the same generous time allowance. Starting July 2025, JAL also offers free domestic connections to over 30 Japanese cities when booked on the same international reservation, making it easy to explore beyond the major hubs.

The airline’s Japan Explorer Pass provides heavily discounted domestic flights throughout Japan when purchased with your international ticket, offering exceptional value for multi-city exploration. While JAL doesn’t provide complimentary hotels, the flexibility of up to 6 nights gives you plenty of time to arrange your preferred accommodation. The stopover can be taken on either your outbound or return journey, but not both.

To book your stopover, use JAL’s multi-city booking tool on their website or work with a travel agent familiar with the program.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)
multiple Japanese cities

All Nippon Airways offers exceptional flexibility with its Multiple Stopover Service, allowing you to explore over 40 Japanese destinations with your first stopover completely free per direction. You can add a second stopover for just $130, enabling you to visit up to four different Japanese cities on a round trip.

ANA’s seamless domestic connections are included at no extra charge when continuing beyond Tokyo, with multiple airport options (Narita and Haneda) ensuring convenient transfers. The airline’s Domestic Add-on Service provides additional discounted flights throughout Japan when booked with your international ticket.

Book your multi-city adventure using the “Search Multiple Cities” tool on ana.co.jp.

Korean Air
Seoul

Korean Air’s K-Stopover program offers comprehensive packages starting at $390 per person for a memorable Seoul exploration, including accommodation at 3-5 star hotels, transportation, guided tours, and authentic Korean meals. The popular Seoul Exploration Package features visits to Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the cutting-edge HiKR Ground K-pop center, The Painters live performance, and five traditional Korean meals including a scenic picnic at Seoul Botanic Park.

For shorter connections between 4-24 hours, take advantage of completely free transit tours departing from Incheon Airport—no visa required for many nationalities. These tours showcase Seoul’s highlights without the hassle of arranging your own transportation or guides. The K-Stopover program requires 24-72 hour layovers and includes travel insurance.

Book your K-Stopover experience online at k-stopover.com or register at the Incheon Airport K-Stopover desk upon arrival.

Thai Airways
Bangkok

Thai Airways’ Bangkok stopover program is currently suspended as of 2025, though the airline historically offered attractive free overnight packages that included hotels like the Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit or ibis Styles with breakfast.

While formal stopover packages are unavailable, Bangkok remains an excellent stopover city with a minimum 10+ hours recommended due to traffic considerations when leaving the airport. Alternative options include day tours covering Wat Traimit and Chinatown (6-hour duration) that some partners still operate. Thai Airways’ Royal Orchid Holidays continues to offer packages for extended Bangkok stays if you want to arrange your own stopover.

For those planning a Bangkok stopover, note that Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-equipped for transit passengers with excellent facilities, though venturing into the city requires allowing sufficient time for immigration (1-1.5 hours) and the return journey.

Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines offers an outstanding Bonus Side Trip program providing free domestic return flights to seven captivating Malaysian destinations when you book an international journey through Kuala Lumpur. Choose from tropical Langkawi’s pristine beaches, cultural Penang’s heritage sites, vibrant Johor Bahru, coastal Kuantan, historic Alor Star, traditional Kuala Terengganu, or authentic Kota Bharu—with no additional airfare charges, only taxes to pay.

The program is seamlessly integrated into your booking—simply purchase your international ticket through Malaysia Airlines’ website, ticketing offices, or authorized agents, and add your chosen domestic destination.

Supporting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, this initiative helps spread tourism beyond Kuala Lumpur while giving you incredible flexibility to experience Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines at minimal cost.

Asiana Airlines
Seoul

Asiana Airlines provides multiple stopover options including the Stop & Joy Seoul paid packages with downtown hotels, lounge access, duty-free discounts, and bonus Asiana miles—perfect for exploring Korea’s vibrant capital. Select routes and business class passengers may qualify for free hotel accommodation under the STPC (Stopover Paid by Carrier) program—you must request this via email at least one day before travel to confirm eligibility.

All transit passengers with 4-24 hour connections can enjoy free Incheon Airport tours showcasing Seoul’s highlights, while the KTO X Asiana Stopover Korea promotion offers cultural tours, shopping experiences, and activity packages. The tours range from 2-hour quick glimpses to comprehensive day trips, with registration available at the airport. Star Alliance Gold members enjoy lounge access during their stopover.

Book stopovers using Asiana’s multi-city booking tool unless you qualify for free STPC accommodation. Award ticket stopovers are priced as the sum of individual segments rather than offering savings, though Star Alliance awards allow up to 7 stopovers on around-the-world tickets.

EVA Air
Taipei

EVA Air allows one free stopover on long-haul round-trip tickets, making Taipei an excellent gateway to explore Taiwan’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes before continuing to your Asian destination. Through their partnership with KKday, stopover passengers enjoy 11% off selected tours and 10% off orders over NT$4,000, plus discounts on attractions, making it easy to maximize your Taipei experience even without a formal stopover program.

The airline’s generous routing rules for Star Alliance awards permit two stopovers on round trips—one outbound and one inbound—though stopovers aren’t allowed on one-way tickets. Award travelers should note that turnaround points and stopovers cannot be in the same nation as your origin or destination.

Book your Taipei stopover using EVA’s multi-city tool on their website, remembering that Zone 1-B pricing applies to itineraries with stopovers outside Japan. While EVA doesn’t provide complimentary hotels or organized tours, Taiwan Taoyuan Airport’s excellent facilities and easy access to Taipei (about 40 minutes) make self-arranged stopovers convenient.

China Airlines
Taiwan

China Airlines offers free stopovers on select routes when booking multi-city itineraries with Basic, Standard, or Flex fares, plus complimentary Half-Day Tours for transit passengers with 7-24 hour layovers.

Three distinct tour experiences showcase Taiwan’s diversity: the Morning Tour explores Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple, and trendy Yongkang Street; the Afternoon Tour features traditional arts in Daxi; and the Evening Tour includes night market adventures with authentic street food.

These Free Half-Day Tours are provided by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and include transportation, English-speaking guides, and even meals—an exceptional value for transit passengers. Tours can be pre-registered online 5-90 days in advance at halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw, with 18 seats available per tour. Same-day registration is possible at airport Tourist Service Centers if space permits, making it flexible for last-minute planners.

Award tickets permit one free stopover each direction on long-haul routes to Europe, Americas, or Oceania, adding significant value for mileage redemptions. The special Taipei Metro Pass discounts and various promotional offers make exploring Taiwan affordable and convenient.

Air India
Delhi

Air India’s Delhi stopover packages offer paid accommodation options ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels, including breakfast, hotel taxes, and one-way transfer from Terminal 3. While not free, these packages provide convenient access to India’s capital with optional add-ons like return airport transfers, half or full-day Delhi city tours, and the highlight—a day trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra, making your stopover truly memorable.

The program supports Air India’s strategy to establish Delhi as a major hub connecting Europe to Southeast Asia and Australia with improved 2.5-hour connection times.

Book your Delhi stopover through Air India’s web-based system or contact their customer service for package details.

Vietnam Airlines
Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam Airlines’ stopover program has been suspended since  2023 with no confirmed resumption date as of late 2025, though the airline has indicated it may resume “within a couple of months” according to recent reports. The historical program was exceptional, providing free hotel accommodation, visa arrangement assistance, and meals for passengers with 7+ hour transits through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Check Vietnam Airlines’ website regularly for updates on program reinstatement, as the airline previously outsourced to local tour companies to provide comprehensive stopover services. When operational, this was one of Asia’s most generous stopover programs.

European carriers with Asia connections

Finnair Helsinki offers FREE stopover (no additional airfare) from 6 hours to 5 nights using multi-city booking tool at finnair.com. Flex tariff allows free stopovers; Classic tariff charges €75 for second leg; Light tariff does not permit stopovers. Provides 6hr, 12hr, and 24hr itineraries with city guides suggesting hotels, activities, restaurants. Strong sauna culture and Design Museum district attractions. 30-40 minute train to city center (€4.10). Serves Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Osaka, Delhi, Mumbai across Asia from European hubs and seasonal North America routes (Chicago, New York, San Francisco).

Air France/KLM Flying Blue launched extremely generous stopover program December 2022 for own metal, expanded July 2023 to include partners. FREE stopovers on one-way AND round-trip awards with unlimited theoretical stopovers (practical limit 30-day maximum per stop). Paris CDG or Amsterdam AMS stopover destinations. Duration 24 hours to 12 months. MUST call Flying Blue at 800-375-8723—cannot book online. Request manual mode booking. Pricing based on origin-destination for AF/KLM segments; separate pricing for partner segments. One of most generous programs in alliance space.

SWISS International Airlines offers FREE airfare for stopovers (no additional flight cost) but packages include PAID hotel and Swiss Travel Pass through stopover-switzerland.com. Zurich or Geneva stopovers for 2-5 days. Eight customizable packages with 3-5 star hotel accommodation, Swiss Travel Pass (1st or 2nd class) for unlimited train/bus/boat travel, up to 50% off mountain trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express). Must be resident outside Switzerland/Liechtenstein. Can book stopover on outbound OR inbound (not both). Open-jaw flights permitted. Serves Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong to Asia.

TAP Air Portugal provides FREE stopover (no additional airfare) up to 10 days in Lisbon, Porto, or Terceira Azores (adding June 2025). Portugal Stopover Program includes 20-25% discounts on hotels, attractions, museums, dining, plus 25% off domestic flights within Portugal (Madeira, Azores) during stopover. Award-winning program. Limited direct Asia service but connects via partners. Primarily valuable for European hub positioning.

Icelandair offers FREE stopover (no additional airfare) in Reykjavik for 24 hours to 7 days. Itineraries provided based on length of stay. Northern lights (winter), midnight sun (summer), geothermal hot springs, ice caves. No hotel/transfer benefits included—passenger arranges own accommodations. Primarily connects Europe-North America but useful for round-the-world routing. Adding Nashville route May 2025 among North America expansion.

Pacific carriers: Island and regional stopovers

• Air New Zealand offers FREE stopovers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo with no limit on stopover period beyond 11-month booking window. Small fee (from £300) for Honolulu and Denpasar/Bali stopovers. Free stopover in BOTH directions—outbound and return can use different routes (example: London → Singapore → Auckland, return Auckland → Los Angeles → London). One free stopover in Auckland each direction on US routes. Two additional stopovers at $100 each USD. Must book through multi-city/multistop tool at airnewzealand.co.uk or .eu—NOT available via standard booking. Expanding capacity to Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei (November 2024–March 2025). Chicago service paused, returning with new 787 aircraft second half 2025.
• Fiji Airways provides FREE stopover (no additional airfare) in Nadi, Fiji up to 72-96 hours (recently extended from 72 to 96 hours via 2022 legislation). Stopovers under 72-96 hours exempt from departure taxes. Hotel partnerships with Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort near Nadi Airport at rates $192-1,500/night depending on property. Activities include snorkeling, diving, surfing, hiking, zip-lining, day trips to Mamanuca Islands, Cloud 9, island hopping tours. Select Multi-city/Fiji Stopover option on FijiAirways.com with return ticket typically required. OneWorld Connect partner. Announced Dallas-Fort Worth service (5 North American destinations total).
• Air Tahiti Nui launched new stopover program with paid packages in Papeete, Tahiti. LAX/Seattle to Auckland via Tahiti packages from $1,496-1,578 per person including 4 nights at Hilton Tahiti or Te Moana Tahiti Resort, round-trip ferry to Moorea, Moorea Explorer boat excursion with lunch/snorkeling/cultural experiences. Can split 4 days between outbound and return journeys from LAX. All-inclusive economy includes checked bag, meals, entertainment. Book packages through airline or travel partners. Serves Tokyo Narita, Auckland with connections to Asia via partners.
• Hawaiian Airlines offers FREE stopover (no additional airfare—not formally advertised) in Honolulu with no official time limit. Use Multi-City option on HawaiianAirlines.com; must be published fare with stopover provision. May need to call for certain qualifying fares. Breaks up long East Coast to Asia/Pacific flights (6hr + 15hr vs. non-stop). International Date Line advantage allows reliving same day or losing a day strategically. No hotel/transfer benefits included. Serves Tokyo Haneda, Osaka, Seoul, Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Papeete, Pago Pago from Honolulu hub.

Non-airline stopover programs: Tourism boards and governments

• Singapore Free Singapore Tour (relaunched April 2023) offers completely FREE 2.5-hour guided bus tours for transit passengers with 5.5-24 hour layovers. Joint program by Singapore Tourism Board, Changi Airport Group, and Singapore Airlines. Four tour options: City Sights Tour (Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay), Heritage & Culture Tour (Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, Little India), Singapore River & Marina Bay Sands Tour, Sentosa Discovery Tour. Professional English-speaking guides. Online pre-booking up to 60 days via changiairport.com or walk-in registration at tour booths in Terminal 2 (Level 2) and Terminal 3 (Level 2). Report 90 minutes before tour departure. Up to 9 tours planned daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Free baggage storage required. Must remain in transit area (do not clear immigration). Visa-free entry available for many nationalities including US, CA, EU, AU/NZ.
• Taiwan Free Half-Day Tour provides FREE guided bus tours for 7-24 hour layovers at Taoyuan International Airport. Three itineraries: Morning Tour (8:30 AM—National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, historic landmarks), Afternoon Tour (2:00 PM—Daxi Puji Temple, Musical Note Wall, Bade Pond Natural Ecological Park), Evening Tour (New Taipei City Hall, Jieyun Temple, night market). Online pre-registration 5-90 days in advance required at halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw or on-site at Tourist Service Centers (limited capacity). 18 seats per tour. One tour per person per stopover. Must store luggage at airport (fee required). Must clear immigration to join tour. Valid R.O.C. visa OR visa-exempt entry (65 countries including US, CA, most EU, AU/NZ). Contact: +886-3-398-2790, halfdaytour@mail.tad.gov.tw.
• Incheon Airport Free Transit Tour operated by Incheon International Airport Corporation for 4-24 hour layovers (some sources specify 6-24 hours). FREE guided city tours with professional guides, round-trip transportation, admission fees to attractions, small parting gifts. Multiple tour options including Seoul city tours (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, Insadong), Gwangmyeong Cave, local cultural experiences, Gu-eup Ferry Terminal, Wolmi Park, traditional markets. Tour lengths 1-5 hours depending on itinerary. Online pre-registration via airport.kr (Transit Tour Reservation) or walk-in at Transit Tour Registration Desk on 1st floor (Terminal 1: Desks 19-20 between Exits 1-2). Arrive 30 minutes before tour. Free baggage storage at desk. Contact: T1 +82-32-741-3139, T2 +82-32-741-0060, transferinfodesk@gmail.com. Can participate without visa if citizen of visa-exempt country OR hold visa/residency for US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or 32 European countries AND transiting to/from those countries. K-ETA may be required for some nationalities. Korea immigration does not allow two entries during single visit—one tour per stopover only.
• Hong Kong Free Layover Tours (launched 2024-2025) via Trip.com partnership with Hong Kong Airport Authority offers FREE 4-hour guided city tours for 7+ hour layovers. Three daily options: Morning Tour (Family-Friendly—Inspiration Lake, Ma Wan Village), Afternoon Tour (Pei Ho Street Market, Wong Tai Sin Temple), Evening Tour (West Kowloon Cultural District waterfront). Professional English-speaking guides, free round-trip transport from airport. Daily quota: 20 tours per day. Register via Trip.com mobile app/website at trip.com/hot/hongkongexpress-halfdaylayovertour or on-site at Trip.com Commercial Counter (A03 & A04) in Arrivals Hall A, Terminal 1, or Transfer Desks E1 (before immigration). First-come first-served. Team insurance, free transportation, guides, internet service included. Meals not included. No forced shopping. Tours ensure timely return (recommend arriving 2.5 hours before departure). Most US, CA, EU, AU/NZ passport holders have visa-free entry. Targeting 5.5 million transit passengers annually.
• Qatar Discover Qatar Stopover Programme (paid but heavily subsidized) operated by Discover Qatar (Qatar Airways destination management division) and Qatar Tourism. Confirmed ticket holders of Qatar Airways, codeshare, and oneworld member airlines with 12-96 hours transit in Doha. Standard 4-star packages: $14-76 per person for 1-4 nights. Premium 5-star packages: $24-111 for 1-4 nights. Premium Beach Access: $31-138 for 1-4 nights. Luxury with breakfast: $83-348 for 1-4 nights. Available from 100+ visa-free countries (includes US, CA, most EU, AU/NZ). Qatar Transit Visa available for those not visa-free. Must book minimum 3 days prior to travel at discoverqatar.qa/stopover or qatarairways.com. Two Discover Qatar desks at Hamad International Airport for last-minute bookings. Flexible 24-hour check-in/checkout. Transit tours available for 6+ hours (Doha city tour, desert adventure, Inland Sea). Room only basis—additional charges for meals, extras, transfers unless included. Record growth: January 2025 saw 10,500+ visitors (58% increase YoY), April 2024–January 2025 period 165% increase, 100,000+ room nights sold in 2024-2025.
• Turkey Istanbul programs offer two distinct options. TourIstanbul (FREE) for 6-24 hour layovers provides FREE city tours with professional guide, meals, transportation, museum entrance fees. Six different tour programs daily, 19 tour routes per week covering Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus. Ticket number must start with 235 (Turkish Airlines stock), both flights on same reservation, connection from one international destination to another via Istanbul. Online reservation at turkishairlines.com/touristanbul entering PNR/ticket number, or walk-in at TourIstanbul Desk. Arrive 30 minutes before tour, allow 1 hour 25 minutes before flight after tour ends. Cannot use both Stopover and TourIstanbul services during same layover. Visa arrangements passenger’s responsibility (e-visa at evisa.gov.tr). Istanbul Stopover (see airline section above) offers free hotels for extended stays.
• UAE Abu Dhabi Stopover combines Etihad Airways program with Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. Free 1-2 night hotel stays at select properties including Dusit Thani, Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La. Complimentary Stopover Pass with up to 15% off attractions/theme parks/tours, free SIM card with 10GB data, city shuttle access. Round-trip Etihad booking required. Apply online at etihad.com/abu-dhabi/stopover with booking reference. Flexible 24/7 check-in/checkout. Attractions include Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• Japan Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program currently SUSPENDED due to COVID-19 as of 2024-2025. Previously offered FREE volunteer-guided tours, self-guided options, bus tours to Narita town, Shinshoji Temple, local gardens with English-speaking guides. Reception hours when active: 9:00-17:00. Website narita-transit-program.jp still active but tours not operating. Commercial layover tour operators still offer private paid tours from Narita and Haneda starting around $200-400.

Visa requirements for major Asia-Pacific stopover hubs

Programs with best value

• Free stopover programs with hotel accommodation: Turkish Airlines (up to 3 free nights business from Americas), Etihad (2 free nights truly no-cost), Emirates Dubai Connect (free hotel/meals/transfers for 8-26 hour layovers), Air China (free hotel + breakfast for 6-30 hour transits in 8 cities). These programs deliver $100-600 value per stopover.
• Best-value paid programs: Qatar Airways dominates with 4-star hotels from $14/night (1-night $14, 2-night $23, etc.) and 5-star hotels from $24/night—representing 70-80% discount versus market rates.
• Free experience programs without accommodation: Singapore Free Tour (2.5-hour guided tours), Taiwan Free Half-Day Tour (4-5 hour tours), Incheon Airport Free Transit Tour (1-5 hour tours), Hong Kong Free Layover Tours (4-hour tours), TourIstanbul (6-24 hour layover tours with meals included). These deliver $50-150 value in guided tour experiences.
• Typical additional costs when hotels not included: Budget hotels $50-100/night Asia. Airport transfers $5-50 depending on city. City transport $5-20/day. Food budget $20-40/day street food/hawker centers.
• Cost arbitrage documented: Middle East routing from US East Coast to Southeast Asia averages $300-600 cheaper than direct. Connecting flights through major hubs are often 20-30% cheaper than direct per Google Flights data. Free hotel programs transform routing into significant net savings when free accommodation value ($100-300/night) exceeds any airfare difference.