Japan K-ETA Exemption Until Dec 31, 2026: Fingerprints Still Required, Incheon Wait Up to 114 Minutes

Japanese passport holders can enter Korea for tourism without a visa — and without even applying for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). Because of that, many Japanese travelers treat immigration as little more than a stamp in the passport. But at the inspection counter, the officer will still ask you to place both index fingers on a scanner and have your photo taken.

At a glance: Japanese nationals are temporarily exempt from K-ETA for short-term tourism-type stays until December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time) · Even so, under Article 12-2 of the Immigration Control Act, all entering foreigners aged 17 and older must provide both index fingerprints and a facial photo (exempt: under 17, diplomats, and a few approved categories) · Refusing can mean you are denied entry · The ICAO-recommended immigration wait time is 45 minutes, but Incheon Airport Terminal 1 has reportedly seen peak-season waits of 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 54 minutes · Inquiries: Korea Immigration Service hotline 1345.

Under an extension the Ministry of Justice announced in January 2026, nationals of 22 countries and regions, including Japan, can enter Korea for short-term tourism, family visits, or event attendance without applying for K-ETA through December 31, 2026. But that exemption only means skipping the online pre-screening — it does not exempt you from the face-to-face immigration check at the airport itself.

Article 12-2 of the Immigration Control Act requires every entering foreigner aged 17 or older to provide both index fingerprints and a facial photo. Unless you're under 17, or a diplomat or other category the Minister of Justice has specifically approved for exemption, Japanese travelers go through this step with no exceptions. It's a simple procedure — index fingers on the scanner, a quick look at the camera — but it isn't one you can skip.

The biggest risk is that refusing to provide biometric data can mean your entry is denied outright. Travelers who assume that "no visa, no K-ETA" means immigration is a formality, and then refuse at this step, risk losing not just a few hours in line but the entire trip.

The line itself isn't short, either. ICAO recommends a 45-minute immigration wait, but reports say Incheon Airport Terminal 1 has seen passengers wait 1 hour 20 minutes to as long as 1 hour 54 minutes during peak season as passenger numbers have risen. If you can't avoid a busy arrival slot, build extra time into your onward plans, and call the Korea Immigration Service hotline (1345) ahead of time with any questions.