Korean Job Discussion Forums

[warren pease]

My passport went through the washing machine. The cloth covering is a bit frayed around the edges, there is some discoloration, and the last page is pulling away from the binding. However, none of the pages are stuck together or are damaged in any significant way (aside from the last page). The picture pages is fine, as is the visa page, both essentially undamaged. Honestly, i think with a nice cover the damage would be hard to see, though i haven't been able to find a cover anywhere.

I went to the embassy on Friday and when i showed it to the girl she said that i should replace it, without ever even really looking at it or touching it. She just glanced down at it. When i asked her more about it she said, "I mean, I don't care, but you might have trouble at an airport." She then gave me a renewal form and told me they were closed.

Here's the big dilema. My contract is up at the end of the month, as is my visa. I'm working intensive hours now, basically 9:30am-7:30pm and will have no more free days to get to the embassy. Of course the embassy is only open four hours a day, and certainly not weekends. I live in Sunae, Bundang, probably almost an hour each way and could never make it between classes. The next free afternoon i'll have is August 21st and she said the new passport would be ready in about a week. About a week! I'd need my passport by the 29th at the latest. My flight out is scheduled for the first.

Has anyone tried to travel with a damaged passport? Does anyone actually know the rules on damaged passports? I've looked on the net and have found no definitive rules at all. Basically, it seems to be entirely at the discretion of whoever is working that day. I'm super frustrated and a little bit panicky so any information or advise would be greatly appreciated.

[spliff]

Let it dry out fully...shouldn't be a problem.

[moosehead]

I'd just hand it to them - and if anyone asks - just tell your story and shrug - I wouldn't worry about it - if anyone starts to cart you off remind them they need to make sure they'll reimburse you for any lost flight tkts, etc.

I wouldn't make an issue out of it deliberately - just promise them you'll replace it as soon as you get situated again.

if anyone comments further, look at them and ask point blank, what would you like me to do? please tell me I'll be happy to oblige you.

good luck.

[[email protected]]

I did the same thing two days before i was to fly to France for a rock festival a couple of years ago. I chanced it at the airport and I was refused at departures. The guy said that any sort of water damage on a passport renders it unusable or some such thing.

I was pretty sickened. They may be more lax in Korea about these things though.

[Rae]

[merkurix]

YOU ARE IN A HEAP OF TROUBLE YOUNG MAN!!!!

US Code Title 18, 1543

[dean_burrito]

i did the same thing with my passport. i'm able to use it but i get hassled. i've used it in such condition in hong kong, korea, japan, and the united states. i'm going to costa rica tomorrow. i really hope it works there.

but i was told that as long as the picture is ok that it scans you are ok. luckily mine scans. if your's does not scan you will be in a bit of trouble.

another thing you can do is get one of those plastic passport covers to enhance the looks.

the best thing to do though is to get that new passport. i plan on it after this trip.

[dean_burrito]

Update on my situation.
I flew into Houston and they would not send me to Costa Rica because of my passport condition.
Somehow the plane was overbooked and they offered to let me volunteer my seat to someone else.
Turns out you can get a passport in one day here in Houston.
It does cost 150 bucks to get it that fast.
I don't mind though.
The airline gave me 400$ for volunteering my seat and I'm bling blinging in the Sheraton.
Oh yeah, they also rebooked me for free on a flight to Costa Rica tomorrow.
This in Continental by the way.
Quite good treatment I must say.

[heyrube]

yeah, water damage is a big anyo.