What is a SOFA Stamp and why do I need one?

Question

I'm moving to Korea in a month and I was told that both my daughter and I needed to have a sofa stamp on our passports. What I can't figure out is, what this is, and why I need one. Also where can I get one?

Answer 1

You should be able to get it through your local passport office and check out my source link.

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) (Except for Italy):

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Article III, requires that eligible civilian employees and their dependents have a SOFA identification in their official passports. This identification is commonly called a SOFA stamp or SOFA letter. It identifies the bearer as a person who is entitled to unrestricted entry and exit from most foreign countries. Contact the local SOFA office for information about obtaining a SOFA stamp and the requirements of the country where the position is located.

Answer 2

Personnel customer service offices are available to assist military personnel and civilian employees with issuance of passports and NATO SOFA identification.  If you have further questions, you may contact your local personnel customer service office or legal assistance office.  

are you an US citizen ? or married to a US citizen ?

for more infos,

sorry if forgot to add the link :

http://www.21tsc.army.mil/SJA/LegalAssis...

Answer 3

SOFA = Status of Forces Agreement. It's the agreement we have with different countries that, among other things, establish the terms and treatment of hosting our military there.

Don't know where you get a stamp for your passport though.