Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kaypea]

Hi,

My passport got a little water damaged because it was rained on a little. I'm on vacation in Canada now. When I left Korea, the immigration lady commented that it was hard to scan my passport, and suggested I get a new one, but I got out ok. At Beijing (changing flights) the lady kind of grumbled at my passport, but it was ok.

Will they let me back into Korea ok? The thing is, I thought there would be absolutely no problem, but when I was seeing the lady at the passport office today about it, she said that there's a chance that immigration won't let me back. Now, I have an ARC, valid visa, and all that...

I can maybe get an expedited passport replacement while I'm still here, but I bought some expensive domestic tickets to travel between Vancouver and Edmonton, and I won't be long in either place to wait for the process.

Do you guys have experience getting back into Korea with a current visa and slightly water damaged passport?

Thanks

[oldtactics]

My passport has been covered in red wine stain for the last 6 months and I haven't had a problem coming in and out of anywhere, including Korea, Canada & the US. It should be fine as long as they can still scan it and all your information is visible. Good luck

[northway]

My passport hasn't scanned well for years. At worst they just punch in your passport number. Don't lose any sleep over it.

[Kaypea]

I think it's ok. The lady at immigration at Incheon commented that the passport was dirty and hard to scan, but didn't really seem to think it's a big problem. In China, they made kind of "ew" faces, but nothing else. I didn't worry at all until I went to the gov't place here in Canada and the lady made it sound like it could be a big problem.

I'm going to go to Passport Canada in Edmonton and show them my outgoing ticket and see if they won't issue me an urgent passport. If not, I guess I'll get a new one when I'm back in Korea.

[OiGirl]

I've only had problems with a "damaged" passport on US domestic transfers. And in that case, the TSA agent was extremely reluctant to let me pass. There was no water damage...just horizontal "creases" because the passport was almost 10 years old and I'd worn it for a lot of traveling, keeping it next to my body.

[jayrenegade]

Similar question but slightly off topic. When I had my passport done a couple of years ago I had shoulder lenght hair, now I have shorter hair, and a beard. Will this cause me problems with immigration?

[northway]

[jayrenegade]

Ok thats a relief. Seems like I've got enough to pay for at the moment.