The Japanese and South Korean governments are reportedly considering implementing a bilateral preclearance system, which would involve conducting immigration procedures in advance at the traveler’s departure airport. This system aims to reduce waiting times for tourists upon arrival at their destination airport. As the two countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties normalization next year, their governments aim to enhance interactions between their citizens by facilitating smoother entry across borders.
Under this proposed system, travelers would have their immigration papers, photographs, and other necessary materials checked in advance at the airport where they depart from. To prepare for the implementation of this system, it is likely that immigration officers will be dispatched from each country to work in the other country.
Interestingly, Japan and South Korea have previously experimented with a similar structure during the co-hosting of the soccer World Cup in 2002. Furthermore, Japan has already conducted a trial run of this preclearance system with Taiwan in February and plans to officially establish it next year. Additionally, Japan has expressed its intention to introduce this system with other countries in the future.
By introducing this bilateral preclearance system between Japan and South Korea, both governments aim to streamline entry processes for travelers and foster greater connectivity between their nations.