42 Countries Eligible for Faster Airport Entry In South Korea
South Korea has expanded access to its Smart Entry Service, allowing citizens of 42 countries and regions to use automated immigration gates when entering the country.
The system allows eligible foreign travellers to complete immigration procedures through automated gates instead of joining the regular immigration queues.
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice expanded the programme from 18 countries and regions to 42 on March 16, 2026, as part of measures aimed at making entry and departure procedures faster for international visitors.
Countries eligible for South Korea’s Smart Entry Service
The original 18-country list introduced in December 2025 included Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.
South Korea later added 24 more countries and regions.
The expanded list now includes:
- Germany
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Macao
- Japan
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- Mexico
- Czech Republic
- United Kingdom
- Finland
- France
- Hungary
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Greece
- Denmark
- Latvia
- Romania
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Sweden
- Spain
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Ireland
- Estonia
- Austria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Poland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Canada
The newly added countries include 19 European Union member states, four non-EU Schengen countries and Canada.
How does Smart Entry Service work?
The Smart Entry Service is an automated immigration clearance system designed to reduce the time foreign travellers spend at immigration control.
Eligible travellers can use automated gates at participating airports after completing the required registration.
At the gate, travellers scan their passports and complete biometric verification before proceeding through immigration.
For the 18 countries initially added to the programme in December 2025, South Korea required foreign travellers aged 17 and above to register before using the automated immigration gates. The registration could be completed at designated counters at Incheon International Airport.
The Ministry of Justice has subsequently expanded the locations where the automated gates can be used.
Where can travellers use the service?
The programme was initially expanded at Incheon International Airport, where additional registration and arrival locations were introduced.
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice said Smart Entry Service access was also expanded to arrival facilities at Jeju International Airport from March 9, 2026.
The government said the expansion was designed to make the entry process more convenient as international visitor numbers increase.
What about Nigerians travelling to South Korea?
Nigeria is not included in South Korea’s current list of 42 countries and regions eligible for the Smart Entry Service.
This means Nigerian passport holders cannot use the automated immigration gates under this nationality-based arrangement simply because they are travelling to South Korea.
Travellers should also note that eligibility for Smart Entry Service is separate from the requirements for obtaining permission to enter South Korea.
Being from an eligible country does not by itself remove other immigration or entry requirements.
Why did South Korea expand the programme?
South Korea said the expansion was intended to reduce inconvenience caused by long immigration queues and provide a smoother arrival experience for international visitors.
The Ministry of Justice noted that immigration waiting times could reach up to 49 minutes during peak periods in 2025.
The government expects the wider use of automated immigration clearance to make arrivals and departures more efficient while supporting tourism.
The March 2026 expansion therefore represents a significant increase from the 18 countries initially covered by the service.
Foreign travellers planning to visit South Korea should check the latest requirements before travelling, particularly because the list and registration arrangements can change.
FAQ
What is South Korea’s Smart Entry Service?
It is an automated immigration clearance system that allows eligible travellers to pass through designated immigration gates using passport and biometric verification.
How many countries can currently use South Korea’s Smart Entry Service?
South Korea expanded eligibility from 18 to 42 countries and regions on March 16, 2026.
Can Nigerians use South Korea’s Smart Entry Service?
Nigeria is not among the 42 countries and regions currently covered by the programme.
Is Smart Entry Service the same as a South Korean visa?
No. Smart Entry Service concerns immigration clearance at automated gates. It does not replace the visa or other entry requirements applicable to a traveller’s nationality and circumstances.
When did South Korea first expand Smart Entry Service to 18 countries?
The initial expansion took effect on December 1, 2025, increasing the number from four to 18 countries and regions.