VWP Roadmap

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of certain countries who visit the United States for business or pleasure to travel visa-free.  Each traveler needs a passport, must have a ticket for return or onward travel, and must depart the U.S. in 90 days or less.  People who arrive on the VWP are not able to change/adjust status to another nonimmigrant or immigrant visa status while in the U.S.  Further, any person who is permanently or temporarily ineligible to receive a visa, as well as anyone who has been denied or delayed admission to the U.S. at a port of entry should refrain from traveling on the VWP. 

The Governments of the United States and the Republic of Korea agreed on December 15, 2006, to a roadmap charting Korea's path to membership in the Visa Waiver Program. Although the exact date when the Republic of Korea will qualify as a participant in the VWP is not known, the two countries have already begun to cooperate on the law enforcement and security issues that form the basis for participation in the program.  Discussions are ongoing as to how such cooperation can be further strengthened.  Furthermore, the National Assembly passed legislation on February 26, 2008, that allows Korea to start issuing electronic passports (“e-passports”), which will store the passport bearer’s biographic data on an electronic chip.  Citizens of countries currently in the process of joining the VWP will be required to use e-passports for travel to the United States. 

Before additional countries such as Korea can participate in the VWP, the U.S. must develop an air exit system capable of verifying the departure from the United States of 97% of citizens of foreign countries who exit by air.  The U.S. must also develop an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that will pre-screen travelers before they arrive to smooth their admission at a U.S. port of entry. 

The Embassy of the United States in Seoul will continue its efforts to facilitate visa services for all Korean citizens who plan to travel to the United States in the near future. Because it is still uncertain when Korea will qualify for the VWP, we recommend you make an appointment now for a visa interview if you plan on traveling to the United States during 2008.