South Korea – MOJ Expands Automated Immigration Screening to 42 Nationalities

Following the pilot program launched in late 2025, the Ministry of Justice (“MOJ”) of the Republic of Korea (“South Korea”) announced that, effective March 16, 2026, eligibility for automated immigration clearance at Incheon International Airport would be expanded to a total of 42 nationalities.^1,2

This marks an increase from the previously eligible 18 nationalities and officially confirms that the automated immigration screening process remains in effect for nationals of previously eligible countries, despite the originally announced pilot program ending on January 31, 2026. The countries eligible for automated immigration screening now include all European Union (“EU”) member countries.

For details on the previous update, please see GMS Flash Alert.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The automated immigration screening is expected to reduce waiting times, enhancing travel efficiency for multiple nationalities entering South Korea. After completing the required pre-registration process at the airport upon arrival, travelers from the 42 eligible countries will be able to use a faster entry process immediately and on subsequent visits to South Korea.

The initiative may also improve the experience of travelers from the eligible 42 countries visiting South Korea on business, potentially increasing South Korea’s attractiveness as a destination for investment and international business. In the long term, broader eligibility for automated immigration clearance may further simplify entry procedures for an even wider range of nationalities.

Key Highlights

The following 24 nationalities were newly added to the automated immigration screening program, effective March 16, 2026:
- 19 EU member countries: Greece, Denmark, Latvia, Romania, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Belgium, Bulgaria, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Poland
- Four non-EU Schengen member countries: Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Iceland
- Canada
- Any eligible nationalities announced previously continue to be eligible for automated immigration screening until further notice.
Travelers from the 42 eligible countries who wish to use automated immigration lanes could visit one of the dedicated pre-registration centers located in the entry clearance areas of the Incheon International Airport after arrival.
Once pre-registration is completed, eligible travelers can proceed to enter the country using the automated immigration gates.

KPMG INSIGHTS

This program affects the entry clearance process at Incheon International Airport for travelers holding nationality from the 42 eligible countries. Any other prevailing immigration requirements regarding entry to South Korea (for example, filing for K-ETA or an appropriate visa before travel) remain unchanged.

Travel and mobility teams may wish to inform eligible employees from the 42 eligible countries about the new automated immigration clearance procedures and monitor updates regarding nationalities eligible for the automated immigration screening process.

The government intends to continue exploring ways to improve the entry process for foreign passengers in the future.

Questions or concerns about the process and/or who qualifies for use of the automated immigration counters should be directed to qualified travel professionals and/or immigration advisers or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in South Korea (see the Contacts section).

ENDNOTES:

1 Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea (in Korean), “MOJ Expands Automated Immigration Screening to 42 Nationalities,” published on March 16, 2026.

2 Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, “Entry Through E-immigration Gates Expanded to 42 Nationalities,” published on March 17, 2026.

Contacts

So-Hyeon Jung

Partner, ATO

KPMG in South Korea

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call

Han Moi Matt Park

Director

KPMG in South Korea

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call

Henna Puumala

Supervisor

KPMG in Korea

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Disclaimer

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in South Korea.

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