Korean Job Discussion Forums

joeheckel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul

I am flying out tomorrow with my gf to the states. She doesn't have a visa and we are going to try to enter without one through the Visa Waiver program. Has anyone utilized this? Post 911, I just dont want any issues entering the country and this seems too easy to be true, right? Has anyone flown into the states with a Korean without a visa pre-authorization?

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

Aren't you still supposed to register online? Seems that this would be something to check out before buying a ticket.

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

Does she have the new passport?

joeheckel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul

We went online and got the authorization number and yes, she has the electronic passport. That was the two requirements I could find online. Other than that, it looks like nothing else is required but that seems too easy!

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

If she has a ticket out of the US within 90 days you are good to go! Enjoy your trip!

joeheckel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul

We bought one way tickets. The agent told us it was ok, we shall see.

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

mc_jc · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Location: C4B- Cp Red Cloud, Area-I

The one-way ticket might be a problem and I emphasize the word might because there are many stories where Koreans had no problems going to the US on one-way tcikets.
To be on the safe side, you might want to look into getting an open ticket with a 90 return date. That way if you want to stay longer, all you two need to do is to pop on over to the Canadian side of Niagra in the east or Vancouver in the west so she could have another 90 days to stay during her visit.

kimdeal54 · Joined: 28 Feb 2008

I second the recommendation of buying either a refundable flight or a cheap flight out of the US. The one way ticket is usually only a problem at check in. I've gone through this drama twice... once when flying to South Africa, and once when flying to Korea. Both times, when trying to check in on a one way ticket, I've been refused and have had to buy another ticket at the airport. The first time, I was completely caught off guard, but the second time I was half-expecting it. A good idea would be to arrive at the airport as early as possible in case this happens. It depends on the airline... but just one more thing... the last time I flew to the US, they were very particular about checking my ticket to make sure that I had a flight out of the country.

Finally... if your airline lets you check in, you should be fine getting through US security... emphasis on the 'should'.

diver · Joined: 16 Jun 2003

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Actual visa in her passport and you can fly on a one-way (with proof of funds to exit the country).

Looking for a visa waiver stamp she WILL NEED an exit ticket (even one to Canada will work) or she will be likely be denied boarding at Incheon for NOT meeting the requirement of onward/return passage.

(the carrier is liable for return passage and subject to fines if they carry someone who does not meet the requirements for visa waiver and that person is denied entry for any reason.)

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blade · Joined: 30 Jun 2007

The OP's girlfriend is only asking for trouble if she doesn't have a return ticket. US immigration officials can be real hard asses and believe me they will not hesitate to deport your girlfriend if they have the slightest doubts about her story.
OP are you from the US yourself? If you are then I highly recommend
against mentioning anything to the US immigration officer you meet about your relationship with each other. It is highly likely that she will be refused entry if they suspect that she is planing on marrying a US citizen while in the US.