Korean Job Discussion Forums

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

I'm really lenient with airlines - I generally can't tell the difference, I even liked Aeroflot but American Airlines wants a return/onward ticket to return to Korea. They really look like they make rules up as they go along.

I think they are ...bad. I think I don't need an onward ticket with a E2 visa. Does anyone know for sure?

TY

sojourner1 · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject:

With an E-2 visa you set up from home, you sure don't need an onward ticket out of Korea.

In fact, most fly in one way since their one year sojourn may actually be 53 to 54 weeks long which is too long for RT or open return ticket.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

If you have an E2 visa and you're flying from the USA to Korea, you don't need a return ticket. You should point out your visa in your passport. "Look, this visa says I have the right to live in Korea for the next year. If I want to live there longer, I can renew in Korea. I never have to technically leave. I don't need a return ticket. You don't have Americans flying one way to the EU or Mexico on work visas or work permits?"

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

I had the same problem when I left Australia in September, where I was on holidays. I'd bought a return ticket to Korea in August, within Korea, & because I didn't have a ticket from Korea to Australia, the officious woman at Brisbane Airport started quoting me that the airline could be fined for allowing me to board, & she wasn't going to let me board. When I raised my voice & stated "I don't believe this!", the floor manager came rushing over. She said they normally don't contact the airline, but in this case, they rang Korean Air management, & Korean Air had no objection, so I was allowed to board. Plus I had no E2 work visa at that time.

Both the US & Australia are embroiled in Iraq, & airport / airline security appears excessive as a result.

declan · Joined: 25 Mar 2004

With an E2 visa you do not need an onward ticket out of Korea!!

With a tourist visa it is supposed to be different but again it is not black and white.. I came here twice on a tourist visa (afterwards getting the E2).

The first time was before the rule came in I think and the second time....I was returning from vacation from Aus and was asked ( as I expected) about an onward ticket at Brisbane. I showed them my passport and after contacting the head manager there, they said...oh u went to Korea on a tourist visa before and afterwards got the E2...so we will let u on the airplane..as we are sure u will do the same this time!!!!! Confused

So the main point is...its a little dodgy...The rule is supp, if ur arriving in Korea on a tourist visa u should need an onward ticket..though u could get away with it!!! If u have an E2 visa u certainly dont or shouldnt need an onward ticket!!

The problem usually comes up as u are at the check in of ur origin airport going to Korea...Get through that and u will get through Incheon!!!

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

You can always make a reservation for the ferry from busan to fukuoka... print it off and show it to them. It's free to do and looks official enough...

http://www.kobee.co.kr/reservation/3.asp

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

I have flown into korea numerous times without an onward ticket or even an E2, and not been asked to produce one...

jellobean · Joined: 14 Mar 2006

In the many times I've traveled to and from Korea (both E-2 and tourist visa), I have never actually been asked by immigration to show an onward ticket. The reason the airlines ask (and are sometimes a pain) is because the airline gets fined IF immigration turns someone away for not having a return ticket. I've found that the strictness of the airlines varies depending on how much they have been fined recently. On the one occasion that I had a tourist visa and no return ticket, the airline accepted my Korean driver's license. I think it is often a matter of talking nice to the agents Smile

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

Ty for the replies - I mislead everyone. I do not have a valid E2 visa- I have a valid E2 visa extention with the appropriate ARC and multiple entry permit. the airline talked to the Chicago and DC ROK consulate. according to them my E2 visa is expired and I'm a tourist thus I need an onward ticket. Sheesh