Last updated 2023.03.28
Passport & IDs
Passport
Starting July 1, 2021, the Korean Government no longer issues visas with expiration dates past the expiration date of an applicant's passport. As such, please ensure that your passport will not expire until after the end of your award period or your visa will not be of the appropriate length.
Keep your passport immediately accessible at all times while traveling to or from Korea, and in a secure place if traveling and staying anywhere else for an extended period. Report lost or stolen passports to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy immediately. Full-validity passports can no longer be issued at U.S. embassies and consular offices abroad.
Although the passport is the only legally required form of identification, KAEC recommends that grantees bring additional forms of identification that include a recent photograph, such as a driver's license or university ID. Grantees are recommended to keep digital scans of their passport and any IDs on their computer/phone/the cloud for easy access in case of theft/loss.
Keep your passport immediately accessible at all times while traveling to or from Korea, and in a secure place if traveling and staying anywhere else for an extended period. Report lost or stolen passports to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy immediately. Full-validity passports can no longer be issued at U.S. embassies and consular offices abroad.
Although the passport is the only legally required form of identification, KAEC recommends that grantees bring additional forms of identification that include a recent photograph, such as a driver's license or university ID. Grantees are recommended to keep digital scans of their passport and any IDs on their computer/phone/the cloud for easy access in case of theft/loss.
IDs issued in Korea
After your arrival in Korea, KAEC will assist you with acquiring three additional forms of ID:
- Fulbright ID: Provided by KAEC, this identification card certifies your Fulbright Award status and provides an explanation for the terms of your stay in Korean. A photocopy of this ID is sent to Immigration as verification of your award and the dates of your award. Grantees are recommended to carry the Fulbright ID with them while in Korea.
- Residence Card (외국인등록증): The Residence Card (previously known as the Alien Registration Card or ARC) is, for all intents and purposes, a foreigner ID number. It is frequently utilized (and may be required) when making online transactions on Korean websites, setting up a bank account, or obtaining a cell phone in Korea. KAEC will collect completed Residence Card applications from grantees and submit them to Immigration on their behalf. Processing a Residence Card application may take 6-8 weeks to complete. The Residence Card must be returned to Immigration prior to departure at the conclusion of the grant or a fine may be assessed. To apply for a Residence Card, grantees will need to fill out a form, as well as provide the following items:
- 3 cm x 4 cm color passport photo (one for each individual applying for a Residence Card)
- U.S. passport
- ASPE Health Benefits Card/Letter: KAEC will register grantees with the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). You will receive your ASPE Health Benefits card/letter shortly after arrival in Korea. Grantees should keep their ASPE card on them at all times. It is advised to also keep a digital file (a photo/scan) of your ASPE card in an easily accessible online location.