South Korea Expands Smart Entry Gates to 42 Nations

South Korea's Ministry of Justice announced an expansion of its smart entry gate system, now including 42 countries and regions to alleviate long immigration queues for international visitors. Previously, countries like Germany, Japan, and France had access, while the new additions include Canada, Switzerland, Greece, and several others, increasing the total eligible nations significantly.

The ministry cited a surge in international arrivals as the main reason for congestion at entry points, with peak wait times reaching 49 minutes in 2025. The smart entry gates facilitate quicker immigration processing through automation, allowing eligible travelers to bypass traditional queues.

This expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance the arrival experience for tourists as South Korea continues to see growth in tourism. Travelers from newly added countries are advised to confirm their eligibility through official channels prior to their visit.