Paper immigration forms are officially a thing of the past. South Korea has upgraded its entire arrivals process — and travelers who come prepared will breeze through Incheon in minutes.
 

If you are planning a trip to South Korea this year, one of the first things to know is that the country has fully moved away from paper entry forms. Since early 2025, the electronic Korea Arrival Card has become the mandatory standard for all incoming international visitors, replacing the old paper declarations that once clogged arrival halls.

The digital shift goes further than just a form change. Incheon International Airport expanded its Smart Entry Service in March 2026, allowing eligible passport holders from 42 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan — to use automated biometric e-gates rather than staffed immigration counters.

Travelers who register at arrival submit fingerprints and a facial photo once, then walk through automated gates on every future visit using only their passport and face.

The process is straightforward: travelers complete their digital arrival card before boarding the flight, then register at the e-gate kiosks upon first arrival. On subsequent visits, facial recognition handles the rest in seconds. The system is already being described by frequent Korea travelers as one of the smoothest immigration experiences in Asia.

On the visa side, most Western travelers continue to enjoy a K-ETA exemption through the end of 2026, meaning short-term tourism visits require no advance visa application or fee. Travelers are advised to confirm current exemption status before departure, as eligibility lists are updated periodically throughout the year.