Blog South Korea Seeks to Join US Visa Waiver Program
October 6th, 2008According to reports released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, South Korea should be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program by the end of 2008.
Under the Visa Waiver Program, South Koreans would be permitted to visit the U.S. for up to 3 months without obtaining a visa. This report refutes prior rumors that South Korea’s Visa Waiver Program was facing delays due to policy differences between the two nations. Negotiations regarding the Visa Waiver Program between the U.S. and South Korea have been previously delayed due to conflicts over the sharing of criminal records of tourists.
South Korea previously stated that the sharing of criminal records is a basic violation of human rights, while U.S. officials proclaim the sharing of criminal records as a necessary step in combating terrorism, and as a necessary requirement for all countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
In order to fulfill some of the conditions for participating in America’s Visa Waiver Program, South Korea has already begun issuing electronic passports, or e-passports. These e-passports contain a microchip which holds the bearer’s personal data, including any criminal history. The electronic passports are intended to help prevent forgery. There are currently 27 nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program, most of which are located in Europe. By the conclusion of 2008, the U.S. also hopes to finalize Visa Waiver Program negations with seven other Eastern European nations, including the Czech Republic.