Introduction
When traveling to Korea, foreigners may wonder if they need a Re-entry Permit to leave and re-enter the country. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for obtaining a Re-entry Permit and whether it is still necessary for travelers.
What is a Re-entry Permit?
A Re-entry Permit is a document that allows foreigners to leave and re-enter Korea without having to obtain a new visa. It is valid for up to two years and is issued by the Korean immigration office.
Who needs a Re-entry Permit?
Foreigners who hold a long-term visa (E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, F-4, F-5, F-6) and plan on leaving and returning to Korea before their visa expires, will need to obtain a Re-entry Permit. However, those who hold a short-term visa (C-3) do not need one.
How do I apply for a Re-entry Permit?
To apply for a Re-entry Permit, foreigners must visit the immigration office with their passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), and proof of their travel plans. They will then need to fill out an application form and pay a fee of 30,000 KRW.
Is it still necessary to obtain a Re-entry Permit?
As of May 2021, the Korean government has temporarily suspended the requirement for foreigners to obtain a Re-entry Permit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that if you are leaving and returning to Korea before your visa expires, you do not need to apply for a Re-entry Permit.
What if my visa expires while I am outside of Korea?
If your visa expires while you are outside of Korea, you will need to obtain a new visa before returning. This means that you will need to apply for a new visa at a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
What if I lose my Re-entry Permit?
If you lose your Re-entry Permit, you will need to apply for a new one at the immigration office. You will need to provide the same documents as when you applied for your original permit and pay the fee again.
What happens if I do not have a Re-entry Permit?
If you do not have a Re-entry Permit and leave Korea, your visa will be canceled and you will need to apply for a new one at a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
Can I still travel outside of Korea without a Re-entry Permit?
Yes, you can still travel outside of Korea without a Re-entry Permit. However, if you plan on returning before your visa expires, it is recommended that you obtain one to avoid any issues.
How long is the Re-entry Permit valid for?
The Re-entry Permit is valid for up to two years from the date of issue. If it expires before you return to Korea, you will need to apply for a new one.
Can I leave and re-enter Korea multiple times with a Re-entry Permit?
Yes, you can leave and re-enter Korea multiple times with a Re-entry Permit as long as it is still valid.
Conclusion
While the requirement for a Re-entry Permit has been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still important for foreigners to understand the requirements and obtain one if necessary. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellations and delays in returning to Korea.
Do I still need a reentry permit in Korea?
Starting from April 1st, 2022, individuals who hold long-term visas and have finished their alien registration can travel overseas without requiring a re-entry permit. At present, the Korean government cancels the visas of foreign nationals who leave the country without obtaining a re-entry permit.
Do US citizens need re-entry permit?
There is no need for naturalized citizens of the United States to obtain a re-entry permit. It is only required for those who are holding a green card or in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen. As a naturalized citizen, you can travel outside of the country for an extended period of time and still maintain your US citizen status permanently without any concerns.
Who needs re-entry permit in Korea?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, D-2 students who want to temporarily leave Korea are required to obtain a Re-Entry Permit before departing. However, if they plan on returning to Korea within a year of leaving, they do not need to obtain this permit.
Can a US citizen be denied re-entry?
The fact that a U.S. citizen cannot be refused entry is of great importance. It is a rule that U.S. citizens must be granted admission, according to Cope.
What is a good reason for re-entry permit?
The primary purpose of getting a re-entry permit is to prove that you plan to maintain your green card status while traveling outside the country. If you are a green card holder and intend to be abroad for more than a year but less than two years, it is recommended that you apply for a re-entry permit.
Can I leave US while waiting for reentry permit?
It may take around 6 to 12 months for USCIS to approve and generate a reentry permit. If you possess a valid passport and are able to travel abroad, you can leave the U.S. once your biometrics are processed. This information was last updated on February 6th, 2022.
It is also important to note that even though the Re-entry Permit is not required during the pandemic, it may become necessary again in the future. It is always a good idea to stay informed of any changes in visa requirements and immigration policies.
Foreigners who plan on traveling frequently outside of Korea during their stay should consider obtaining a Re-entry Permit to avoid having to obtain a new visa every time they leave the country. This can save time and money in the long run.
Additionally, if you are a foreigner who plans on staying in Korea for an extended period of time, it may be beneficial to apply for a long-term visa such as an E-2 (English Teacher) visa or an F-4 (Overseas Korean) visa. These visas allow for multiple entries and longer stays in Korea without having to obtain a new visa each time.
In conclusion, while the need for a Re-entry Permit has been temporarily suspended, it is still important for foreigners to understand the requirements and obtain one if necessary. It is always better to be prepared and have all necessary documents in order to avoid any issues when traveling in and out of Korea.
