Korean Job Discussion Forums

[matesol]

Hello All,

I'm thinking of going to the States next sumemr to spend my vacation there. I heard that Canadians must have MACHINE READABLE passports to travel to the states, i.e. the ones issued by the Canadian embassy in Seoul are not acceptable. Here are my questions:

1) Is this right?
2) Is one obligated to get one's passport renewed from an consulate when abroad, or can you do the mail in thing through Ottawa when overseas?
3) My current non-machine readable passport is only about two years old. Anyone know if it is possible to get a new one, even though the curren one isn't that old?

I did do a search before posting this, but couldn't find out if anyone had already asked this question before.

matesol

[funplanet]

Unless you are entering by air (in which case you will need a MRP or passport w/visa) but entering by land...the rules have not changed...you still need only give verbal declaration (depends on entry point) and birth certificate/Provincial ID etc...

I just talked to my uncle who lives in Alberta...he travels to the States nearly every week and says it still depends on the entry point...he usually enters at Lyndon (?) Washington or a smaller place and most of the time he just gives a verbal declaration and/or shows ID...

Canadians DO NOT need a passport to enter the US by land...and no plans to change that...but you DO NEED to enter by air...

All countries will need MRP by Sept 04 and those which are a part of the Visa Waiver Program will definately need them...if not, they will require a visa...seems that Belgium is having a hard time meeting that deadline...Belgium passports are easy to buy on the black market and most European ID forgers work in Belgium...great place to pick up a passport and national ID card!!! especially Belgium passports...

anyway, don't worry unless you will be entering the states by air...in doubt, call the USEmbassy here in Seoul

[Mr. Pink]

When did USA change the thing about MRP?

I was last there in 2001 the summer before 9/11 and they accepted my passport np.

How different is USA now since 9/11?

I seriously won't fly through their airports again, way too much hassle then, now it would prolly get me arrested when I told some guy to screw off.

[maxxx_power]

Funplanet,

I have an old style US passport (with laminated photo). Do I need to exchange it for a new style high tech one?

You seem like you are in the know.

[tokki]

So if I have a Canadian passport issued in Seoul then I cannot enter the US by air? How can I change my passport to an MRP?

[OiGirl]

How are you not allowed to enter the US? Are you stopped at departure, or when you get to the US and go through Immigration they tell you "this valid passport is no good"?

[schwa]

Theres gotta be more to this. They cant just go turning back people holding valid passports at the airport, with no official notice. That would be chaos.

[crazylemongirl]

actually canada isn't part of the visa waiver scheme and as such canadians don't need a machine readable passport. I don't think overseas canadain embassies issue machine readable passports anyway (my new zealand issued canadian passport isn't machine readable).

from the US embasssy in ottawa

[Zed]

Are there any other countries that require a MRP? Mine isn't one and I haven't had any problems travelling internationally in the past 2 years. Can I expect problems in the future?

[crazylemongirl]

I think it's just the US that has introduced this requirement

[funplanet]

Canadians don't have any problems...and yes, they are not part of the VWP...there is a special agreement between the US and Canada...

As for other nations, the MRP will be required by 09/04...even EU passports...unless it changes...it was due to take effect this past September but was put off a year...YES..even EU citizens will need a visa if they do not carry a MRP...at least that is the new regulations due to take effect..Belgium is having some problem getting updated/they also have a LARGE number of dubious passports out there...it is still possible to pick one up with supporting ID at a fairly decent price...Belgium is a forgers paradise!!!

For MAXXXX...you will get a new MRP US passport next time you renew...I did it throught Seoul Embassy this summer...got it back in 8 days...

CANADIANS do not need to worry...as the agreement reads...your non-MRP will still suffice...but get one when you return to Canada...many countries are moving towards the MRP requirement....only a matter of time...besides, the passports issued here in Seoul are EASSSSSYYYY to change if you lose it or it is stolen...they don't do a very good job of "production" so to speak...the picture can easily be changed by someone in the know....too easy...don't let the Embassy tell you otherwise...they are NOT SECURE!!!!!

at least the USEMB sends your application to the US for processing...you get the more secure, MRP...

anyway...CANADIANS...don't worry too much...you're still our friends!

Lemongirl...the above info you posted was correct as of 08/04 but it will be extended to ALL EU countries...

[jaebea]

Man, it's a bit of a hassle.

I just renewed my passport (vaild for 10 years unless I run out of pages.. which is bloody unlikely) in July. The best thing about the Australian passport is that you didn't need a visa to get into the US for a certain period of time (12 weeks IIRC). But now, this means I have to go through the usual visa process (with attached fees I presume) until my passport expires.

Lovely.. :)

This isn't a real issue for me, since my impoverished state prevents me from jetsetting and living the playboy lifestyle, but I can see this seriously annoying frequent travellers to the States.. :)

jae.