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      Ministry of Justice (“MOJ”) of the Republic of Korea (“South Korea”) has introduced a new pilot program to improve immigration processing efficiency at Incheon International Airport, focusing on automated immigration clearance for foreign nationals from 18 countries. These changes aim to not only simplify the entry process but also to reduce congestion and waiting times, enhancing the travel experience for frequent visitors from the selected countries, including business travelers.

      The initial announcement on November 3, 2025, detailed that the automated immigration clearance would become available to Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao passport holders.1 Following the implementation of the pilot program, a subsequent announcement was made on December 1, 2025, expanding the eligible nationalities to a total of 18 (the new additions being United Kingdom, France, Italy, Finland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates).2,3 Eligible nationalities were identified based upon a number of factors, including reciprocal agreements, diplomatic relations, travel volumes, and other similar considerations.

      The pilot project will run from November 3, 2025, until January 31, 2026, after which the government will assess the effectiveness of the trial program and consider expanding the system to other major airports nationwide.

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      Allowing a wide selection of international travelers to use the automated immigration screening at Incheon International Airport is another new approach by the Korean government to address concerns about entry delays for frequent visitors. According to the MOJ’s estimate, the 18 nationalities eligible for automated immigration screening will cover approximately 40 percent of all visitors at Incheon International Airport.

      The automated immigration screening is thereby expected to reduce waiting times, enhancing the efficiency of travel to South Korea for multiple nationalities.

      The initiative may also improve the experience of foreigners from the eligible 18 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 travel procedures for a wider range of nationalities.

      Key Highlights

      • Travelers from the 18 eligible countries interested in using the automated immigration lanes should visit one of the dedicated pre-registration centers at the Incheon International Airport after arrival.

      • A total of four locations are open for the pre-registration procedure starting December 1, 2025, with entry clearance areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 each having a pre-registration center in both the west and east zones of the respective terminal. The pre-registration centers operate daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

      • Once pre-registration is completed, eligible travelers can proceed to enter the country using the automated immigration gates.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      This pilot program affects only the entry clearance process at the Incheon International Airport for the 18 eligible nationalities. Any other prevailing immigration requirements regarding entry to South Korea (e.g., filing for K-ETA or an appropriate visa before travel) remain unchanged.

      Steps to Consider

      Travel and mobility teams may wish update any eligible employees from the 18 eligible countries of the new automated immigration clearance procedures and monitor updates on the pilot program’s progress.

      What’s Next?

      The pilot project will run through January 2026, after which time the government will assess its effectiveness and consider expanding the system to other major airports in the nation. The government intends to continue to find ways to improve the entry process for foreign passengers also 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).

      FOOTNOTES:

      1  MOJ Launches Pilot For ‘Enrollment and Interview Area for Automated Immigration Gates’ at Incheon Int’l Airport Arrival Hall, Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea, published on November 5, 2025.

      2  MOJ Expands Automated Immigration Clearance Service to 18 Nations, Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea (in Korean), published on December 2, 2025.

      3  Auto immigration system at Incheon airport open to 18 countries, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, published on December 2, 2025.

      Contacts

      so-hyeon-jung
      So-Hyeon Jung

      Partner, ATO

      KPMG in South Korea

      Han Moi Matt Park
      Han Moi Matt Park

      Director

      KPMG in South Korea

      Henna Puumala
      Henna Puumala

      Supervisor

      KPMG in Korea

      More Information

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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.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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