South Korea Expands Automated Entry to 42 Countries

South Korea has officially expanded its Smart Entry Service (SES) to include citizens from 42 countries. Effective March 16, 2026, this update adds 24 nations to the automated immigration program, including Canada, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Using biometric verification like facial recognition and fingerprints, the system allows travelers to bypass manual immigration counters.

This expansion aims to reduce wait times significantly at major hubs like Incheon, Gimpo, and Jeju airports, as well as the ports in Busan and Incheon. While manual queues can take up to an hour during peak times, the automated gates typically clear travelers in 15 to 30 seconds.

Who can use the automated gates

The service is available to tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads aged 17 and older from eligible countries. This includes the newest additions from the EU and Schengen Area, alongside previously added nations like Australia, Japan, the UK, and Germany.

Children under 17 are not currently eligible for the automated gates. For resident expats holding an Alien Registration Card, the SES system remains available without needing this specific short-term registration.

How to register for SES

To use the gates, you must hold a valid electronic passport. Registration is free and must be completed in person at an enrollment center upon your first arrival in South Korea. These centers are located within the immigration areas of major airports, such as the desks at Incheon Airport which generally operate from 07:00 to 22:00.

Once your fingerprints and face are scanned, your registration remains valid until your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you will need to re-register. Keep in mind that this system is separate from the K-ETA and the mandatory Q-Code, which you should still complete online before your flight to stay current with visa updates and entry requirements.

Read our full South Korea guide for the complete picture.