【South Korea】Incheon Airport Immigration Clearance Now Takes Just 12 Seconds! Automated Immigration Clearance

Japanese travelers will also be eligible starting December 2025✨ 

The era of waiting in long lines is over

✈️ Incheon Airport immigration procedures are about to undergo a revolutionary change

Incheon Airport, the gateway to your trip to Korea.

Have you ever felt exhausted after waiting in the long immigration lines?

Starting December 2025, that problem will be solved!

The Automated Immigration Clearance System (Smart Entry Service)

will also become available to Japanese travelers staying short-term🎉

We’ll take an in-depth look at this groundbreaking system, which completes immigration clearance in an average of just 12 seconds.

🌟 What is the Automated Immigration Clearance System?

The Automated Immigration Clearance System is an advanced immigration control system that uses facial recognition technology.

There is no need to wait at the traditional manned immigration counters;

your entry procedures are completed simply by passing through an automated gate.

Until now, the system was available only to Korean nationals and long-term residents,

but starting December 2025, short-term Japanese tourists will also be eligible.

This is a traveler-friendly policy change introduced by the Korean government

to improve convenience for tourists✨

📋 Check the eligibility requirements! Here’s who can use it

✓ Eligibility requirements

Length of stay: Short-term stay of 90 days or less (visa-free entry)

Age: 17 years or older

Passport: Those who hold an electronic passport (with a built-in IC chip)

An electronic passport is a passport with a symbol indicating an IC chip on its cover.

Almost all Japanese passports issued since 2006 are electronic passports, so many people will be eligible!

📱 How to register | Three easy steps for first-time users

Steps for first-time use

Registering at the automated gate is surprisingly easy.

① Scan your passport

Place the photo page of your passport on the automated gate.

② Register your fingerprints

Place the index fingers of both hands on the fingerprint scanner.

③ Take a facial photograph

Face the camera straight on and have your photo taken.

That’s it—registration is complete! You can pass through the automated gate immediately.

The entire process takes just a few minutes. Even first-time users can complete the procedure smoothly.

It’s even easier from the second visit onward

Once registered, you can pass through using facial recognition alone.

There is no need to show your passport, and clearance is completed in an average of 12 seconds⏱️

Visiting Korea is about to become even more convenient💕

💡 Important points to know

No advance registration is required

There is no need to register online in advance.

Simply complete the procedure at the automated gate at Incheon Airport on your first visit, and registration and immigration clearance will be completed at the same time.

Valid for up to five years

Once registered, it is valid for up to five years.

During this period, you can enter Korea using facial recognition alone no matter how many times you visit.

If you renew your passport, you will need to register again.

No entry stamp will be issued

When you use the automated gate, no entry stamp will be placed in your passport.

If you would like an entry stamp as a keepsake or need a record of your entry and exit, you can ask at a manned counter to have one issued.

Currently available only at Incheon Airport

As of December 2025, the service will be available only at Incheon International Airport.

Expansion to Gimpo Airport and Busan’s Gimhae Airport is scheduled to take place gradually from 2026 onward.

In the future, the service is expected to become available at all major airports in Korea✨

🔍 Frequently asked questions

Q. Can children use it?

A. It is available to those aged 17 and older.

Children under 17 will continue to undergo clearance at a manned counter.

Q. What happens when traveling in a group?

A. Each person passes through the automated gate individually.

Even when traveling with family or friends, each person must complete the procedure separately.

Q. What happens if registration fails?

A. If registration or authentication fails for any reason, staff will direct you to a manned counter.

There are no penalties or other consequences.

Q. Can it also be used when departing?

A. Yes. Once registered, you can use the automated gate not only when entering

but also when departing Korea.

🎯 Summary | Make your trip to Korea even more convenient

The Automated Immigration Clearance System at Incheon Airport

is a groundbreaking service that makes traveling to Korea more convenient.

✨ No more stress from waiting in long lines

✨ Complete immigration clearance in just 12 seconds

✨ Make better use of your travel time

✨ Procedures are required only on the first visit and are even easier thereafter

If you are planning to visit Korea after December 2025,

be sure to take advantage of this convenient system.

With less time spent waiting at the airport,

you’ll have more time to enjoy Korea💕

This is wonderful news that will make traveling to Korea even more accessible and comfortable!

Yeppuriko has brought you reliable Korean information to help you feel closer to Korea with peace of mind.

Yeppuriko connects you with Korea, bringing together trends and exciting discoveries.