South Korea's automatic entry system and available countries and restrictions

South Korea's automatic entry system and available countries and restrictions

South Korea's automatic entry system provides a fast and efficient entry process, which allows travelers to reduce waiting times upon entry. The system is open to travelers of various nationalities, but is not available to citizens of certain countries. This article provides an overview of Korea's automatic entry system, the countries where it can be used, and the countries where its use is restricted.

1. Overview of Korea's automatic entry system

Korea operates an automatic entry system called "Smart Immigration Checkpoint." The system uses biometric technology (primarily fingerprint and facial recognition) to verify a traveler's identity and is available to citizens of the Republic of Korea and certain foreign travelers. The automatic entry system allows you to complete immigration processing quickly.

2. Countries where Korea's automatic entry system can be used

The countries and conditions where Korea's automatic entry system can be used are as follows:

• Nationals of the Republic of Korea: Korean citizens can use the automatic entry system without separate prior registration. Korean citizens over the age of 7 can enter the country automatically through fingerprint recognition and facial recognition.
• Registered foreigners: Those with long-term stay visas (LTVP, work visa, student visa) in Korea Foreigners holding an automatic entry system can use the automatic entry system through prior registration.
• Citizens of specific countries: Nationals of specific countries that have entered into an agreement with the Republic of Korea to use the automatic entry system You can also use the automatic entry system after pre-registering. Countries that can currently use Korea's automatic entry system include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

3. Countries where the use of the automatic entry system is restricted

Not all citizens of all countries can use the Republic of Korea's automatic entry system. Nationals of restricted countries must follow normal immigration procedures. Examples of countries where the automatic entry system is not available include:

• China: Currently, mainland Chinese citizens cannot use the South Korean automatic entry system. However, Hong Kong and Macau residents can use it after registration.
• North Korea: North Korean citizens cannot use South Korea's automatic entry system.
• Other restricted countries: Citizens of restricted countries designated by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea also cannot use the automatic entry system. These restrictions may apply for reasons such as international agreements, security concerns, etc.

4. Procedure for registering and using the automatic entry system

To use Korea's automatic entry system, a pre-registration process may be required. The registration process takes place at the airport upon entry into Korea.

• Registration process: You can register by submitting the required documents such as passport and long-term stay visa and completing biometric registration (fingerprint and facial recognition).< /li>
• How to use: Travelers registered in the automatic entry system go to the smart immigration checkpoint upon entry, scan their passport, verify their identity through fingerprint or facial recognition, and then go through immigration. Complete.

Conclusion

South Korea's automatic entry system provides rapid entry procedures for Korean citizens and certain foreigners. Citizens of countries that can use the automatic entry system through pre-registration can reduce waiting time upon entry and experience an efficient entry process. However, citizens of some countries may not be able to use the automatic entry system, so it is important to check availability in your country before entering the country.