Singaporeans visiting South Korea can now use the auto-gate system to clear immigration quicker at Incheon

Singaporeans can now skip immigration queues at South Korea airports following the expansion of the country’s automated immigration clearance system.

In a Facebook post on Dec 23, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul said the smart entry service auto-gate system has been available to Singaporeans aged 17 and above entering and leaving South Korea since Dec 1.

Travellers are required to complete a one-time, on-site registration when they arrive at Incheon International Airport.

Once registered, travellers may use the e-gates immediately and at any airport in South Korea on subsequent visits.

Registration is currently available only at Incheon International Airport, with a possible extension to other South Korean airports in the future.

The registration remains valid until the traveller’s current passport expires.

South Korea is a popular destination for Singaporeans, with about 380,000 of them travelling there in 2024, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before the expansion of the automated clearance system, Singaporeans had to queue in a lane for foreigners for manual immigration inspection.

Passport holders from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the UK are also among those who will benefit from the automated system.

Note: This article was written by Sherlyn Sim and first appeared in The Straits Times on 23 December 2025.

Source: The Straits Times