What is Korea's SeS automated immigration clearance? Following a reciprocal agreement between Taiwan and Korea, Taiwanese travellers can now use Korea's SeS: fill out the online SeS application at a designated location and complete identity verification, and you can breeze through immigration via automated clearance. Today DJB rounds up the application process and 4 frequently asked questions — a must-read for anyone heading to Korea!

Image source: freepik

What is Korea's SeS?

Korea's SeS (Smart Entry Service) is an automated clearance service for non-Korean travellers, using automation to cut down time spent at immigration. With SeS, travellers skip the manual inspection queue entirely, clearing immigration quickly through passport scanning, fingerprint recognition and facial recognition technology.

How do you apply for Korea's SeS?

Applying for SeS requires meeting a few basic conditions, and applicants must register in person at a registration centre.

EligibilityApplication processRegistration locations
1. Aged 17 or older
2. Hold a valid chip passport
3. Short-term visitor
4. No prior entry violations		1. Prepare documents
2. Visit an SES registration centre
3. Complete the electronic application
4. Biometric registration
5. System review
6. Application complete		1. Incheon International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)
2. Gimpo International Airport
3. Busan Gimhae International Airport
4. Daegu International Airport
5. Jeju International Airport
6. Cheongju Airport
7. Busan Port

Eligibility

To successfully apply for and use Korea's SeS, travellers must meet the following conditions:

1. Be at least 17 years old.

2. Hold a valid chip passport: applicants need an ROC (Taiwan) chip passport valid for more than 6 months.

3. Be a short-term visitor: visa-free entry, staying no more than 90 days in Korea.

4. Have no prior entry violations in Korea.

Application process

Applying for SeS is not complicated, but it must be done within Korea. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Prepare your documents: make sure your chip passport is valid for more than 6 months.

2. Visit an SeS registration centre: once you arrive in Korea, go in person to an SES registration centre located at an airport or port.

Image source: creatrip

SeS registration point, Incheon Airport Terminal 1

3. Complete the electronic application: fill out the SeS application form on-site and submit the required information.

4. Biometric registration: your photo is taken and fingerprints collected on-site, used for facial and fingerprint recognition when you clear immigration.

5. System review: the system checks whether the applicant has any prior violations. This review is usually quick.

6. Application complete: once approved, SeS links your data to your passport and affixes an SeS sticker to the back of your passport.

Registration locations

The SeS automated clearance system is currently available at several major airports and ports across Korea:

1. Incheon International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)

2. Gimpo International Airport

3. Busan Gimhae International Airport

4. Daegu International Airport

5. Jeju International Airport

6. Cheongju Airport

7. Busan Port

Most airports and ports accept applications daily, while Busan Port only registers travellers departing the same day.

Image source: freepik

Frequently asked questions about Korea's SeS

Q1: How much does it cost to apply for SeS?

Applying for Korea's SeS automated clearance is completely free — travellers just need to visit a registration centre in person with their passport.

Q2: How long does registering for SeS take on-site?

The whole SeS application process takes roughly 5 minutes. That said, we recommend first-time applicants allow an extra 30 minutes to find the registration point and complete all the steps.

Q3: Does SeS registration expire?

SeS validity matches the validity of your passport or Alien Registration Card. Once either expires, your SeS eligibility expires along with it — so remember to reapply for SeS whenever you renew your passport or ARC!

Q4: Do I still need to fill out other forms if I use SeS?

Yes — travellers registered for SeS still need to complete the Q-Code and customs declaration form! SeS only replaces the manual immigration inspection step; all other entry forms still need to be submitted as required.

Image source: freepik

Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, SeS can dramatically cut down your time at immigration, making the whole entry process simpler and faster. If you have an upcoming trip to Korea, we recommend applying for SeS ahead of time, and grabbing a DJB Korea Wave SIM to enjoy a great trip!

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