Incheon Airport Eases Arrival Congestion with New Automated Immigration Registration Center

As the number of international arrivals continues to grow, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has launched a pilot Automated Immigration Registration Center inside the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce congestion, streamline entry procedures, and help eligible foreign travelers move through immigration faster and more efficiently.

[AD]

A New Step Toward Faster Entry at Incheon International Airport

The Ministry of Justice announced that the new automated registration zone has been installed in Terminal 1, Arrival Hall F Zone, where it will operate on a trial basis until January 31, 2026.

The system is specifically open to travelers from countries with Automated Immigration Mutual Use Agreements, including:

• Germany
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• Macau

Eligible travelers can now complete both the automated registration process and e-gate immigration screening directly inside the arrival hall—without having to visit an external immigration office after their entry inspection.

Why This New System Matters

Until now, foreign nationals had to finish the initial entry inspection and then physically visit an external immigration office to register for automated screening. This process was seen as cumbersome and time-consuming, leading many visitors to skip automated immigration altogether.

With the new pilot program, eligible travelers can register on the spot and immediately use the automated gates. This improvement is expected to significantly ease congestion, particularly during peak travel seasons.

[AD]

Expansion Plans for 2025–2026

The Ministry of Justice also revealed plans to expand the system further. By the end of this year, an additional Automated Immigration Registration Center will be installed in Terminal 1, Arrival Hall A Zone.

Furthermore, the ministry is considering expanding the list of countries eligible for automated immigration, potentially allowing millions more travelers to benefit from quicker entry processing.

Strengthening Security with Faster Screening

In addition to improving efficiency, the Ministry of Justice emphasized enhanced security measures. Officers will be redeployed to operate a pre-screening system that evaluates incoming travelers before they arrive.

This system categorizes travelers based on risk levels:

• High-risk travelers: flagged for strict inspection or denied entry
• Low-risk travelers: processed quickly through automated or simplified screening

This dual approach—speed for low-risk passengers and enhanced checks for high-risk individuals—is expected to reduce bottlenecks and strengthen South Korea’s border security.

[AD]

What Travelers Should Know Before Arrival

If you are traveling from Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau, and plan to use automated immigration at Incheon Airport, the new system allows you to complete registration immediately upon arrival. Travelers should prepare the following:

• A valid passport from an eligible country
• Biometric verification at the automated registration kiosk
• Compliance with Korean immigration regulations

Once registered, you can continue using automated e-gates for future visits to Korea, making subsequent entry experiences faster and more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can use the new automated registration center?

Citizens of Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau—countries with existing automated immigration agreements with South Korea.

2. Is the automated system available for all foreigners?

Not yet. The Ministry of Justice is reviewing options to expand eligibility in the future.

3. Do I still need to visit an external immigration office?

No. Registration can now be completed inside the arrival hall during the entry process.

4. Where is the center located?

Terminal 1, Arrival Hall F Zone (pilot), with an additional center planned for Arrival Hall A Zone.

5. Until when is the pilot program running?

The pilot period is scheduled until January 31, 2026.

---

Conclusion

The launch of the Automated Immigration Registration Center at Incheon International Airport marks a major step forward in improving travel convenience, reducing congestion, and enhancing national border security. As the system expands and more countries are added, travelers can expect smoother and faster entry into South Korea, especially during high-traffic holiday and business periods.