In a move to strengthen bilateral relations and improve travel convenience, Japan and South Korea have introduced special fast-track immigration lanes for tourists traveling between the two countries.
The initiative celebrates the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties, established on June 22, 1965.
The new lanes opened on Sunday at four major airports: Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Fukuoka Airport in southwestern Japan, Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. The dedicated lanes are designed to speed up the immigration process for eligible travelers and will remain in operation until June 30.
To use the fast-track service, travelers must have visited the respective country within the past year and complete advance registration. The service is available for flights arriving between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
According to Japan's Immigration Services Agency, this is the first time a Japanese airport has designated an immigration lane for citizens of a specific country, highlighting the growing importance of tourism and cultural ties between the two neighbors.
Tourism between Japan and South Korea has significantly increased in recent years, driven by shared interest in pop culture, drama, music, and cuisine. Despite long-standing historical and territorial disputes, both nations remain top destinations for travelers from the other side of the East Sea.
A South Korean tourist visiting Japan with his family said he appreciates the ease of travel and expressed hope for even closer relations between the two nations.
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