tourist visa philippines to korea

South Korea Visa Requirements for Philippine Citizens

Citizens of the Philippines must have a visa to go to South Korea. Currently, Filipinos need to apply for a visa through the South Korean Embassy.

More about South Korean visa requirements for Philippines citizens can be found below.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for South Korea?

Yes, citizens of the Philippines require a visa to visit South Korea.

It is not possible to get a South Korea visa on arrival from the Philippines. Travelers must apply at the embassy in advance.

Filipinos can usually stay in South Korea for 90 days with a South Korea tourist visa. To study or work in the Republic of Korea, other types of visas are available.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Several different South Korean visas are available to citizens of the Philippines depending on travel plans. Specific requirements depend on the visa type

Travelers from the Philippines need to fill out a visa application form . Basic personal information, contact details, and passport data are required. There are also some health and safety requirements.

Documents Required by Citizens of the Philippines

The full list of required documents differs depending on the visa type.

The following documents are required to apply for a South Korea tourist visa from the Philippines:

• Philippines passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Passport-style photograph
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Payment of the tourist visa fee

Additional supporting documents are required to get a visa to study or work in South Korea .

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa from the Philippines

Filipinos need to make an appointment at the South Korean Embassy to apply for their visa. The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located in Metro Manila.

Applicants may download the visa form and fill it out before their appointment.

They must present the completed application form with all the supporting documents at the embassy. They will also need to pay the visa application fee.

South Korea visa applications from the Philippines can be made between 15 days and 3 months before the departure date. Visa processing times vary depending on the embassy and current demand.

South Korea Entry Requirements for Filipino Visitors

Filipino citizens are asked to present the following documents to enter South Korea:

• Philippines passport valid for 6 months
• Valid South Korea visa

A visa does not guarantee entry. South Korean immigration officials are responsible for making the final decision and they may request additional paperwork.

South Korea transit visa for Philippines passport holders

Filipinos do not need a visa to transit through South Korea :

• Incheon International Airport, Seoul— for less than 24 hours for
• Other airports— when departing on the same calendar day

Passengers must stay in the transit area. A visa is required to leave the airport or pass through immigration.

Visit South Korea from the Philippines

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights from the Philippines to South Korea :

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Daegu International Airport (TAE)
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (INL)

There are also flights with one or more stops to other South Korean destinations such as Jeju Island .

Korean Embassy in the Philippines

Find below the details of the South Korea Embassy in Metro Manila, the Philippines:

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines

Korean Visa Application Requirements for Filipino Tourists in Manila, Philippines (Single / Multiple Entry)

by Aileen Adalid Visa Guides & Immigration , South Korea 302 comments

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LATEST UPDATE: The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in BGC will now be handling all Korean visa-related applications and the release of passports instead of the South Korean embassy (the embassy will no longer process visa applications except for special cases). The good news? There’s NO need to book an appointment and you can just walk in to KVAC directly to lodge your application.

I’m sure that a majority of us Filipinos have encountered Korean influences at some point in our lives, may it be through K-Pop , K-dramas ( Koreanovelas ), cosmetic products, or food (among many others).

Due to these things as well as other factors, South Korea has remained a dream destination for many — but for those who want to make it a reality, there is the question of how our weak Philippine  third world passports can fare when it comes to entry or visa matters. Don’t fret though because applying for a South Korean visa is easy and also FREE!

RELATED READ : – South Korea Itinerary Travel Guide – How to Explore Nami Island, Petite France, and More! – How to Rent a ‘Hanbok’

Looking for Seoul Itinerary Ideas?

Come and check out my ‘ DIY Seoul Itinerary Guide ’ post which features detailed day-by-day activities that you could do, no matter the length of your stay!

The application process is SO simple and starting this 2018, the Korean Embassy is coursing applications through travel agencies (much like how the Japan Embassy does). As such, with the help of this guide, let us make your South Korea travel dreams come true!

…But first, a disclaimer :

NO ONE  can give you a guarantee of your South Korean visa’s approval: not even a lawyer, a consultant, a travel agent, or an embassy employee. Anyone who says otherwise is most likely going to be a scammer. That being said, what I can offer you here is a comprehensive guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that South Korean tourist visa.

Top photo by: Shutterstock

Table of Contents

ApplicationProcess for South Korean Visa

Step 1: determine the type of south korean visa that you need to apply for.

There are, of course, various types of South Korean visas out there that you can apply for: a visa for studying, a visa for business, a visa for joining family, etc.

For this particular guide though, I will only be discussing the requirements for a tourist visa  since it’s an experience that I’ve gone through myself.

If, however, you have a different situation or purpose of visit, it’s best that you contact the South Korea Embassy for more information and for the complete requirements. You can do this via telephone ([02] 856-9210, local no. 270 or 500) or via email:  [email protected]

– – –

Step 2: Prepare the required documents for your application

Depending on your circumstance, click the symbol ‘ + ‘ below to view the corresponding requirements for each section. Make sure that you have authentic, original, and complete documents at all times!

(Section A)  South Korea Tourist Visa WITHOUT  Any Guarantor/Sponsor

• Philippine Passport.  Make sure that your passport is valid for more than 6 months prior to your intended travel date, it has your signature, filled out the emergency contact page, and has at least two (2) blank pages. .
• Photocopy of current Philippine Passport bio page.   This is found on page 2 (the part where your passport photo and other info are shown). .
• If applicable, previous Philippine Passport(s) .  You only need to submit this if you have traveled abroad within the last 5 years. .
• Doing this will help expedite the processing time of your visa.
• When I say ‘original’, this means that you will have to submit the passport(s) that contains the OECD visas and arrival stamps (no matter if they are your old or current passport[s]).
• Only used visas are counted.
• It is said that you are NO longer required to submit an ITR if you have traveled at least once to OECD member countries in the past 5 years — or have traveled to South Korea for more than two times within the last 4 years. .
• Both the IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) and PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) cards are identification cards issued by professional regulatory bodies. The former is for lawyers and the latter is for certified professionals such as nurses or engineers who’ve passed their respective licensure exams. .
• Download the application form here: PDF .
• Print the application form on an A4-sized paper.
• Do NOT write outside the boxes and do NOT handwrite your application form (except for your signature) .
• If anything is not applicable to you, just put N/A.
• There is a part in Section 2 that asks for “Confirmation of Visa Issuance”. Just leave it blank or put N/A because this is basically info that’s only issued in Korea (most likely for Koreans only).
• See here for a SAMPLE filled-out application form: [ click ] and click the tab that says “Visa Application Form Sample”.
• There are sections here that ask for your address/hotel in South Korea as well as your intended date of entry and period of stay. Now regarding this.. .

You are NOT required to present “booked” airline and hotels beforehand because the embassy does NOT require applicants to book it before approval. It might sometimes help to present a flight reservation though, and you can do this easily with One Way Fly with a fee that is as low as Php 900~ only. . Once your South Korean visa is approved, check Skyscanner  to look for the best flight deals. As for hotel bookings, it’s best to do it with Booking.com or Agoda.com . With them, you can reserve a hotel with NO pre-payment and you can even cancel the booking a day before your arrival with NO cancellation charges at all.

• 1 Passport-sized photo.   This should be around 35mm x 45mm, colored, and against a white background. Paste this on your South Korea visa application form. .
• However, if you are a freelancer or if you have missing documents that you can’t submit such as an ITR, a Certificate of Employment, etc. — it is, therefore, a MUST that you submit a cover letter to the embassy to explain your situation.
• As for the itinerary, there have been some cases wherein some applicants were asked to submit a rough draft of their South Korea itinerary; so it’s best to prepare this just in case. .
• Original personal bank certificate: this must indicate your account type, current balance, account opening date, and 6 months average balance (ADB).
• Original or certified true copy of your Bank Statement or passbook for the last 3 months.
• Original Certificate of Employment: this must be printed on your company’s official letterhead and must contain details of your officer or employer’s address, HR landline number (cellphone number is not allowed) , HR email address, your position, your hiring date, and your salary.
• Photocopy of your ITR (or Form 2316)
• If you do NOT have an ITR or any of the other requirements above, write a simple letter explaining why you’re unable to submit them ( examples: you’re newly employed so you don’t have an ITR, etc. ). .
• Original personal bank certificate: this must indicate your account type, current balance, account opening date, and 6 months’ average balance (ADB).
• If you own a business , submit photocopies of your Business Registration issued by DTI / SEC, the company ITR, and your Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
• If you’re a freelancer , provide the latest photocopy of your ITR (or Form 1701A) with a corresponding payment receipt from a BIR-authorized bank and proof of work ( examples: screenshots of your work, a letter from clients, proof of payments for your work, etc. ).
• It is said that the only time you are exempt from submitting an ITR is if you have traveled to OECD countries in the past 5 years.
• Start filing your local taxes as early as NOW — after all, a lot of embassies (not only Korea) require an ITR. So if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience on Philippines tax compliance, I suggest registering with Taxumo because they can take care of literally everything for you: tax forms, payments, and submissions. I’ve been using them for years now and it has been such a time-saver. Come sign up with my code AILEEN and you can get a 10% discount on all their subscription plans!
• Photocopy of your senior citizen ID. .
• Given the way the Embassy of South Korea presents its requirements for visa applicants, it’s best that you acquire a guarantor/sponsor who can provide an ITR. Refer to section (B) below for this. .
• Refer to ‘Section (B)’ below. .
• ELECTED POLITICIANS: Members of the Senate, Members of the Congress, Governors, Provincial Board Members, and Mayors (City or Municipality) — along with their immediate family members only: their parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), and spouse’s parents
• GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: Persons with a rank higher or equal to Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government, and Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police (excluding those in acting duties) — along with their immediate family members only: their parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), and spouse’s parents
• PROFESSIONAL LICENSE HOLDERS: Those holding a valid PRC license ID (IBP ID for lawyer) with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer (including judge, prosecutor) , certified public accountant, pharmacist, and veterinarian— along with their immediate family members only: their parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), and spouse’s parents. .
• Mastercard Gold Credit Card
• Visa Gold Credit Card
• JCB Gold Credit Card
• UnionPay Gold Credit Card
• Diners Club International
• American Express Cashback Credit Card
• American Express Explorer Credit Card
• Mastercard Titanium, Platinum and World Elite Credit Card
• Visa Platinum Credit Card
• JCB Platinum Credit Card
• UnionPay Diamond Credit Card
• Diners Club Premiere Credit Card
• American Express Platinum Credit Card
• American Express International Dollar Charge Cards (platinum, gold, and green) .
• (OPTIONAL) Letter of Attorney.  This is only if you’re planning to course your application through a travel agency, you will need to sign this Letter of Attorney .

* * * * * *

(Section B)  South Korea Tourist Visa WITH  Any Guarantor/Sponsor

This kind of application is applicable for  students, minors, unemployed persons, husband/wife (if one of you will be supporting the other),   self-employed persons/freelancers  (who can’t provide an ITR and have no strong reason why they can’t submit it) or just about any person who will take on a sponsor. This also applies to anyone who would have a company/agency to sponsor the trip.

For submitting the necessary requirements, simply submit the requirements listed in section (A), numbers #1 to #8.   And when it comes to  (#9)   Proof of income or financial stability , you should ask these documents from your guarantor/sponsor as dependent on their profession or occupation — this could be your mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, relative, etc.

Take note though that there are no guarantees of approval if your guarantor is NOT a family member of yours. In fact, it is said that it’s a lot better to have family sponsoring you.

Moving on, you should also submit the following…

• Sponsor/Guarantee letter.  This is a simple letter written by your sponsor indicating and confirming how he/she will cover the costs of your South Korea trip. .
• If your sponsor is a company in Korea, provide a photocopy of their Korean Company Business Permit .

TIP: If your sponsor is your brother/sister, you must also submit their birth certificate to the embassy.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• …resident, you must submit an invitation letter and a photocopy of his/her passport or authentication ID
• …national, you must submit an invitation letter and photocopy of his/her passport or ID card.
• …company, you must submit an invitation letter and a photocopy of the Korean company’s business permit. .
• If you are married, submit a photocopy of your NSO Marriage Certificate. .
• Original school certificate.
• Photocopy of your school ID.
• Photocopy of your NSO-issued birth certificate.
• If your parents are your sponsor, provide a photocopy of an NSO-issued marriage certificate.
• If your sponsor is other than your parents, explain your relationship with that person through a cover letter.

(Section C)  South Korea Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

The South Korean Embassy only issues multiple-entry visas under certain conditions. Currently, there are 2 ways to avail this….

FIRST ,  by being a frequent South Korea traveler. Basically, it is said that if you have visited South Korea more than 4 times in the past 2 years OR if you have visited South Korea more than 10 times in total (with at least 1 of the visits done within the past 2 years), then you are suitable for a multiple-entry application.

SECOND ,  it is said that if you show or submit proof that you have OECD visas in the past 5 years, the embassy can automatically just issue you a multiple-entry tourist visa. (Yet to be fully confirmed but there have been cases in which this happens).

NOTE :  If in case you are a Philippine national living or residing in a foreign country and you wish to avail a South Korea tourist visa, kindly inquire with the appropriate South Korean Embassy in the country that you’re living in.

Step 3: Go to KVAC and submit your documents

Starting September 2023, the South Korean Embassy has officially inaugurated the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC). Going forward, ALL visa applicants must now process their applications through this center either:

• By themselves; or,
• See here for a complete list of these 35 accredited agencies)

It helps to note that visa applications for diplomatic passport holders, official passport holders, and for those who require a visa urgently within 1 to 2 days due to clear humanitarian reasons will be the only ones who are exceptionally accepted at the embassy. Additionally, KVAC is only providing visa processing assistance; hence, the approval or denial of your visa is solely at the discretion of the Embassy of Korea after reviewing your documents.

In my opinion, filing for a visa application by yourself presents absolutely NO issues. In fact, choosing to go through a travel agency primarily ONLY helps if you can’t personally visit KVAC to submit your application. Remember , much like KVAC, travel agencies only facilitate document submission for an additional fee and they have NO influence over the visa application’s decision.

• VISA PROCESSING FEES: A South Korean Visa is FREE of charge as long as you are only going to stay 59 days or less; however, KVAC as well as travel agencies charge for the service that they offer for processing your application. . KVAC currently only charges Php 900 as a service fee (they ONLY accept cash). As for other travel agencies, they typically charge about Php 500 to Php 2,000 as an additional fee on top of the KVAC service fee. (Meanwhile, for stays spanning from 60 to 90 days, the embassy will charge you a fee of about Php 2,000.) .

Take note that the consulate in Cebu still accepts direct applications — you can also course your application through their own accredited travel agencies, the list of which you can find here .

For the complete address details of KVAC and the Cebu Consulate, see below:

KVAC (Korea Visa Application Center) 9F~10F, Brittany Hotel BGC, 6 Mckinley Pkwy, BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila Website: https://www.visaforkorea-mn.com Email: [email protected] Telephone: 02-8248-5440 Operation hours: 09:00AM to 17:30PM (except for Philippine & Korea holidays) . KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Cebu Email Address: [email protected] Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

• CUT OFF TIME FOR VISA APPLICATIONS AT KVAC: 4:00PM
• Please take note that in case you are a group of applicants for a family trip or business trip, one of the applicants may submit ALL of your applications. But if you wish to submit visa applications through a representative (someone who isn’t coming with you on the trip) , you must submit your applications to one of the designated travel agencies mentioned above.

Once you arrive at KVAC, the process usually goes like this:

• Upon arrival, a guard in the lobby will provide you with a queuing number. (Most people will already be here by 8AM to line up, and even though the official opening time is 9AM, KVAC may already start distributing and calling queuing numbers at 8:30AM).
• You can then head to Level 2, a waiting area furnished with chairs and featuring a café station. Your companions can stay here to wait, but only the visa applicants with queuing numbers can proceed to Level 9 when their number is called.
• A staff person will regularly come to Level 2 to call out numbers. When yours is called, proceed to Level 9.
• Another staff person will receive your documents for preliminary checking. Once done, you will be given a new queue number.
• In a separate room, keep an eye out for your queue number once it flashes on the screen with its assigned counter. Once called, proceed to Level 10.
• Take note, any original document that you submit will NOT be returned to you — except for your passport.
• If you like, you can receive your results and passport via courier service for an added fee of Php 300 (within Metro Manila, sent within 3-5 working days) or Php 400 (outside Metro Manila, sent within 5-7 working days).
• If in case you have missing documents, KVAC also has a photocopy and printing service for Php 10 per page (payable by cash only).
• You will be given an Application Receipt with a barcode — keep this because it will be important when claiming your passport and visa application results later.

Step 4: Claim your South Korean visa results

Typically, the processing time for visas is 5 working days , but due to the increased volume of applicants, expect it to go for as long as 10 working days or more .

Rest assured, KVAC will regularly send you the status of your application via SMS.

• If you’re personally going to pick up your visa results and passport, just bring a valid government ID as well as the Application Receipt.
• If someone else will pick up your results on your behalf, the representative needs to present the Application Receipt, a photocopy of your ID, an original copy of the ID of the representative, and a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
• If you lose the Application Receipt, please secure a Police Report with a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

Should your application be approved (yay!), make sure that your South Korean visa has your correct name, passport number, etc.

• Wanna track the status of your application online? Go to this page !

2020 UPDATE: The Embassy will NO longer issue a visa label for visa applications processed in the Philippines as of July 1, 2020. If your application is approved, the embassy will notify you by issuing a ‘Visa Grant Notic e’ on the official website . From there, you can print out the visa document by entering your passport number, date of birth, and other relevant information. . The Visa Grant Notice will contain your personal details including name, date of birth, and passport number, as well as other details including visa issuance number, status of stay, period of stay, number of allowed entries, date of issue, validity of visa, and issuing authority. (Simply PRINT the Visa Grant Notice and present it to immigration officers before your flight and after arrival).

What to Do in South Korea…?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in South Korea which features the best activities and tours to do in places like Seoul, Busan, and more!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended period of stay.

You can apply as early as two (2) months or 60 days before your planned trip date departure.

There really is NO best travel agency out there when it comes to visa approval because they have NO control whatsoever over that matter. Again, these accredited travel agencies simply  ensure that the documents you are going to give are complete. After which, they just pass it to the embassy who makes the analysis and final decision.

In case you are a group of friends with similar plane ticket dates, or if you are a group going for a family trip or business trip, only 1 (one) from your group of visa applicants may submit ALL of your applications. But if you wish to submit visa applications through a representative (someone who isn’t coming with you on the trip), you must rather submit your applications to one of the designated travel agencies mentioned above.

All tourist visa holders of a single-entry visa are permitted to stay in South Korea for a maximum period of 59 days.

There seems to be NO existing rule for a “break period” when you want to enter South Korea again — however, take note that if you enter the country again too soon, that will raise questions and the immigration might not let you in. Also, take note that you should NOT spend more than 180 days total in a year in South Korea as a tourist.

Please refer to the info I mentioned above under step #4.

The embassy does NOT require applicants to submit “booked” roundtrip flight tickets and hotel(s) before applying for a visa. It might sometimes help to present a flight reservation and you can do this easily with One Way Fly which has a fee that is as low as Php 900~ only.

This is NOT required, but it’s always good practice to prepare it just in case. To see an example cover letter, you can check the letter I submitted for my Korean visa application at this link .

The South Korean Embassy did NOT mention any minimum balance requirement, but some people have been saying that you need to have at least Php 10,000 per day of your stay — you can use this as a standard but of course, it’s always best if you have more. The way I see it, there’s no amount that will guarantee approval. Just ensure that you have complete documents and have enough pocket money to support yourself during your trip.

You can go to this page .

Sorry to hear that. Either way, you can reapply again after 3 months.

» Top South Korea Tours «

N Seoul Tower Tour Marvel at the breathtaking views of Seoul!

Nami Island Tour + stops to Garden of Morning Calm and more!

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

Looking for more travel tips for South Korea?

Check out my other detailed South Korea travel guides !

As you can see, applying for a South Korea Tourist Visa is fast and easy — you can do it all by yourself! All in all, I hope the process becomes absolutely hassle-free for you with the help of this visa guide.

Let me know how it goes… good luck!

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Great inputs, Aileen! Very informative and it covers everything one needs to know to get a visa and enjoy South Korea!

Hope it helps you!

Hello! There is a newly opened visa center in BGC that already allows walk in. I haven’t tried it yet and i am interested to go there instead of a travel agency…just saw it in the news. Do you have any idea about how it goes there?

Hey Mariae! Yes, there is! I have already updated this guide regarding this new process. Hope this helps!

Hello, we had visited South Korea last December 2019. We are planning to visit again in December 2023. Do we still need to get a new VISA? Thank you

If you were only issued a single-entry visa, then yes you still need to apply for a new visa. (So unless it says multiple-entry on your visa, then you do not need to apply again as long as it’s within the validity period).

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• • HOME  ›  Visa

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ADVISORY ON RESUMPTION OF PRE-PANDEMIC VISA PROCESSES BEGINNING 01 APRIL 2022

Pursuant to Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 165 dated 24 March 2022, all COVID-19 restrictions on visa issuance are hereby lifted, and all pre-pandemic visa processes are hereby reinstated beginning 01 April 2022, subject to the existing health protocols and requirements prescribed by the IATF , as follows:

Beginning 1 September 2022, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul will be following a new procedure for accepting visa applications for 9(a), 9(b), 9(f), 9(g), 47(a)(2) and 13(a). The procedure may be found here: www.philembassy-seoul.com/ann_details.asp?id=14014

The visa application process for 9(c) (seafarer/crewlist) and 9(e) (diplomatic/official business) visas remain the same, and the applicants or their representatives may personally submit their applications at the Philippine Embassy from 09:30 A.M. to 12:00 N.N.; P.M., Sundays to Thursdays.

Please make sure to bring all the required documents, as listed in this Advisory. The Philippine Embassy reminds all foreign nationals that additional documents may be required if and when deemed necessary by the visa officer.

A Philippine visa is an endorsement by a consular officer on a travel document (e.g. passport) denoting that the visa application has been examined, and that permission is requested from Philippine immigration authorities at ports of entry to allow the bearer to enter and stay in the Philippines for a specified period of time. A visa is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted into the country as admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the Bureau of Immigraton (BI) . Philippine visa holders are, therefore, subject to regular and discretionary immigration control at ports of entry. The BI may deny entry of any visa holder for any valid reason.

Entry Exemption Documents (EEDs) will no longer be required beginning 01 April 2022 from foreign nationals entering the Philippines, provided they comply with all the visa requirements, immigration entry and departure formalities, and other health protocols required by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Nevertheless, all foreign nationals with valid and subsisting EEDs issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Republic of the Philippines prior to 01 April 2022 shall still be allowed entry into the Philippines.

A properly filled-out application form is required from all visa applicants. These forms may be downloaded at www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp. However, 9(a) visa applicants must preliminary submit their applications through the Philippine Visa Online Portal at www.visa.gov.ph

All photos must conform to the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as follows:

• All applicants are required to wear decent clothing for passport photo capture.
• When having their photos captured, applicants may smile, but without showing their teeth and gums.
• Eyeglasses and colored contact lenses should not be worn.
• As much as possible, both ears of the applicant should be visible.
• Any accessories (e.g., earrings, necklaces) should be removed prior to photo capturing.

All documents required below must be presented before the visa officer. Please print all documents using an A-4 sized paper.

Personal appearance is required from all visa applicants, except for 9(c) seaman and crew list visa applicants who may submit through their legitimate agents through an authorization letter.

Non-Korean nationals must submit the original and valid passport, as well as the original and photocopy of their Alien Registration Card (front and back).

All foreign national minors below 15 years old and planning to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by parents must have a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG). Under Section 29(a) (12) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, alien minors who are below fifteen (15) years of age who are unaccompanied by or not coming to a parent, are classified as excludable. In order for them to be admitted into the Philippines, they must secure what is known as a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the BI. They may be allowed admission upon the approval of the WEG application by the Commissioner of the BI.

To obtain a WEG from the Philippines, please visit the BI website at immigration.gov.ph/faqs/waiverforexclusion-ground and at immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/Checklist/9Others/2.%20Waiver%20of%20Exclusion%20Ground.pdf

Alternatively, parents based in South Korea may also follow this procedure:

Submit the following documents at the Philippine Embassy:

Three (3) original duly accomplished Affidavit of Support and Guarantee with Consent to Travel for WEG, to be signed in person by the child's parent/legal guardian at the Embassy;

Valid passport of the minor and two (2) copies of the data page;

Valid passport of the minor's travel companion and two (2) copies of the data page;

Valid passport of the parent/legal guardian who executed the affidavit (2 copies of the data page);

Submit the minor's English Family Registration Certificate [영문 가족관계증명서] if the child is registered at the Korean City Hall; and

Payment for the acknowledgement of the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee with Consent to Travel. Please note that this payment is separate from the WEG fee that will be paid at the port of entry (to be explained below).

Upon arrival in the Philippines, the travel companion will file the application for the WEG Order before the BI at the port of entry with the following documents/payment:

Duly-filled up WEG application form signed both by the parent and the travel companion. A copy of the WEG application form may be found here: www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp

Original copy of the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee and Consent to Travel notarized by the Philippine Embassy and the minor's English Family Registration Certificate [영문 가족관계증명서] if the child is registered at the Korean City Hall;

Photocopy of the return ticket of the minor child;

Photocopy of the passport of the travel companion;

Photocopy of the passport of the minor; and

Payment of PHP3,120 (Philippine pesos) for the processing and approval of the WEG. Please note that BI fees may vary.

All foreign national minors 15 to below 18 years old and planning to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by parents, an Affidavit of Parental Consent and Guarantee of Financial Support and parent's proof of employment/ business must be submitted to the Philippine Embassy.

The following are the visa types which may be issued by the Philippine Embassy:

Applicants of the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) may directly submit their applications to the Philippine Retirement Authority at www.pra.gov.ph

Nationals of the countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business or tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days, provided (i) they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or to their next port of destination, and (ii) their passports are valid for a period of six (6) months beyond their contemplated period of stay in the Philippines.

Nationals of Israel and Brazil are visa-free for a period of fifty-nine (59) days from entry, pursuant to existing bilateral agreements with the Philippines.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, citizens of the below-listed countries who wish to stay longer than thirty days can apply for an extension at the nearest BI office. Alternatively, they can submit an application for a temporary visitor's visa at the Philippine Embassy prior to their departure in South Korea.

All other foreign travelers with passports issued by countries not listed below need to secure an appropriate visa before traveling to the Philippines.

Effective 13 April 2015, nationals of India travelling to the Philippines as a temporary visitor may be granted a visa-free entry for an initial stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days, provided they possess the following:

Either a valid Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Singapore, UK, U.S. visa or permanent residence permit;

A national passport valid at least six months beyond the contemplated stay in the Philippines;

Return or onward ticket to the next country of destination; and

No derogatory record with the BI, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the International Police (INTERPOL).

The 14-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional seven (7) days for a maximum of twenty-one (21) day stay. This type of admission cannot be converted to other types of visa categories.

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines for pleasure and recreation purposes (as tourists or to visit friends or relatives), and/or business (of commercial, industrial or professional character) of a temporary nature without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days , provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay:

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports;

Holders of Macao-Portuguese passports; and

Holders of People's Republic of China passports coming for tourism purposes only and with either a valid Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Schengen, or US visa.

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines for pleasure and recreation purposes (as tourists or to visit friends or relatives), and/or business (of commercial, industrial or professional character) of a temporary nature without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days , provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay:

Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports; and

Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.

• Beginning 15 March 2022, all foreign nationals who wish to apply for 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s visa must file their visa applications via the DFA Philippine Visa Application Portal through the following link https://www.visa.gov.ph .
• Printed online portal application form;
• 2x2 passport size photo (similar to the uploaded photo in the online portal);
• Round trip ticket (open-ended and one-way tickets are not accepted);
• Itinerary with details
• Proof of hotel accommodation or lodging; and
• Valid passport for at least six (6) months from the date of visa application and copy of passport data page.
• Filled out Letter of Guarantee form (available at www.philembassy-seoul.com/forms.asp) , including copy of guarantor’s valid passport. If the guarantor does not have a valid passport, a copy of a valid Korean government-issued ID may suffice. If the guarantor is a foreigner, a copy of his/her valid passport and Korean Alien Registration Card (front and back) are required. Please note that the guarantor cannot be an individual traveling with the applicant.

Beginning 13 June 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs the public that Chinese nationals applying for 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts will be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.

The submitted Certificate must be registered for at least six (6) months at the time of the submission of the visa application. Exceptions to the abovementioned visa requirement will only apply to Chinese nationals currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education who will be required to submit proof of enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old.

• The following supporting documents must also be submitted to the visa officer during the selected interview schedule. These supporting documents should have been issued within one (1) month from the date of visa application.
• Per Memorandum Circular RSDJR-12-018 dated 12 October 2012, for visa-required nationals without 9(b) visas (transit visas), the passenger/s shall be under airline custody, disallowed from leaving the vicinity of the airport. They shall remain in the airport transit lounge until their actual date and time of departure.
• Original passport and copy of its data page. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
• Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form with visa applicant's signature;
• Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last three (3) months, pasted in the designated box in the application form; and
• Confirmed onward ticket showing flight details of travel from country of origin to destination country via the Philippines.
• Original passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure from the Philippines;
• Copy of the passport data page and must have the applicant's signature on the original passport before making a copy;
• Original Seaman's Book;
• Copy of the seaman's book bio/information page;
• Filled-out application form with picture taken with picture taken not more than six (6) months from the date of application;
• Copy of the electronic ticket;
• Letter of Guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's purpose of visit to the Philippines, indicating the name of the vessel to be joined and the place where the application will join the vessel. The letter must also indicate the date or arrival of the vessel to the Philippines, date of arrival of the crew, date of embarkation and date of vessel leaving the Philippines. The letter of guarantee must be issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application;
• Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the applicant's purpose of visit to the Philippines, the duration of stay of the visit, indicating the name of the vessel to be joined, and the place where the application will join the vessel. The letter must also indicate the date or arrival of the vessel to the Philippines, date of arrival of the crew, date of embarkation and date of vessel leaving the Philippines. The letter of invitation must be issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application; and
• If applying through a representative, the representative must bring his/her copy of passport, Korean government-issued identification card and business card, English Employment Certificate or English Business Certificate. The Representative can only be an employee of the same company or a travel agent.
• Copy of the Vessel Register showing the vessel's name, official number (IMO) and specification particulars;
• Copy of the passport of all crew members. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure from the Philippines;
• Copy of the Seaman's Record Book of all crew members. The copy of the Seaman's Record Book/maritime credentials record must show the page with the latest disembarkation and embarkation log entry. The copy of each crew members' Record Book must be printed in separate pages, and the latest disembarkation of the previous vessel and embarkation of the latest vessel are properly ordered;
• Signed letter from the vessel owner naming the Vessel Master/Captain (full personal data from Passport and Seaman Book), identifying the authorized ship agent (with contact details), and requesting entry crew list visa for the vessel's foreign crew members. This letter should also state the total number of foreign crew members, and indicate the name of the port of entry and the date of disembarkation. If the disembarking crew members are less than five (5) people, please indicate their full personal data from the Passport and Seaman Book; and
• Crew list visa application form and list of foreign crew members. The application form (excel file, not PDF) and all the documents required must be emailed at [email protected] and all information must be filed-out (N/A or TBA is not allowed).
• the particulars of the visa applicant;
• his/her official designation in the mission/consular office in the Philippines;
• his/her expected departure date from the country of origin;
• expected duration of assignment in the Philippines; and
• the complete name and designation of the official he/she is coming to replace (or if he/she is an additional official being deployed in the Sending State's mission/consular office in the Philippines).
• In the case of qualified dependents: that the visa applicant is traveling to the Philippines to join and live with the principal for the duration of the principal's assignment.
• Duly filled-out application form;
• One (1) colored photo, 4" x 4", taken within six (6) months before the date of application with white background, pasted in the designated box in the application form;
• Clear copy of the visa applicant's diplomatic/service/official passport;
• Declaration or Itinerary; and
• Supporting documents to establish family ties, marital union, employee-employer relations, etc. as may be deemed necessary, in order to properly ascertain appropriate visa type per existing rules and regulations.
• Student visa applicants must be a foreign national who is at least eighteen (18) years of age who seek to enter the Philippines temporarily and solely for the purpose of taking up a course of study higher than high school at a university, seminary, academy, college or school, permitted by the BI to accept foreign students.
• Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form with visa applicant's signature; and
• Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last three (3) months, pasted in the designated box in the application form;
• Original and photocopy of the accepting Philippine school's Notice of Admission (NOA);
• Original and photocopy of the Certificate of Admission and Eligibility (CAE) issued by the CHED, if enrolled in courses/programs where restrictions exist due to shortage of facilities (i.e. medicine, dentistry);
• Original and copy of apostilled police clearance issued by the Korean police authorities and translated in English; and
• Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one (1) month from the date of visa application.
• the admitting school/university/college/Higher Education Institution (HEI), for purposes of enrolment and competency level assessment; and
• the BI Student Visa Section, for registration and processing of his/her Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) i-Card application.
• The Philippine Embassy does not endorse applications for admission to any school in the Philippines. Please refer to the admitting school authorities for specific details of their foreign student admission programs.
• Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the learning institution, the foreign national should apply for a Special Study Permit at the BI's Student Desk. Details about the required documents by the BI for the issuance of the Special Study Permit can be found at their website at: immigration.gov.ph/services/special-permits/special-study-permit
• Foreign nationals proceeding to the Philippines to engage in any lawful occupation be it for wages or salary, or other forms of compensation where bona fide employer-employee relations exist fall under this category of entry visa. Applicants may range from various professions, inclusive of medical practitioners, nurses, professors, technical experts, scientists and other skilled professionals for banking, commercial, industrial, agricultural, business, and similar enterprises.
• Prior approval from the DFA is required prior to issuance of a visa under this category.
• The employing corporation in the Philippines shall file the application for a pre-arranged employment visa under category 9(g) of the Philippine Immigration Act, and submit the necessary documents to the BI;
• After assessment and evaluation of the submitted documents, approved applications are communicated by the BI to the DFA; and
• The DFA gives authority to the corresponding Philippine Embassy for the issuance of a 9(g) visa abroad.
• Copy of the passport data page with signature of the applicant;
• Filled-out Application Form with picture taken not more than six (6) months from the date of application;
• Round trip e-ticket (open-ended tickets are not acceptable);
• Letter of guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's employment, purpose of visit to the Philippines (i.e., short business related trip and shall not be employed nor service income in the Philippines), and financial support while in the Philippines. The letter must have the official company seal and/or employer's signature. Guarantee letters from family members, friends or company co-workers are not allowed. The guarantee letter should have been issued within two (2) weeks from the date of visa application;
• Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the purpose of visit of the visa applicant and the duration of stay of the visit (must match the dates in the flight ticket), with a guarantee that until the applicant obtains the 9(g) working visa from the BI, the company guarantees that he/she will not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company and will financially support the applicant. The letter must have the official company seal and/or employer's signature, and should have been issued within two (2) weeks from the date of the visa application;
• Colored copy of the employment contract;
• Colored copy of the receipt for the 9(g) visa fee from the BI;
• Colored copy of the Philippine Alien Employment Permit ID;
• Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one month from the date of visa application.
• Items 37(a) to (d) above;
• Letter of guarantee from the company where the family member of the dependent applicant is currently employed. The guarantee letter must mention the confirmation of the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member employed; and purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); and financial support while in the Philippines;
• Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines where the family member of the dependent applicant is employed, confirming the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member; purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); duration of stay of the visit (similar to the dates in the round-trip e-ticket) and guarantee that the dependent applicant shall not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company;
• Colored copy of the employment contract of the family member currently employed;
• Colored copy of the receipt for the 9(g) Visa Fee from the BI;
• Colored copy of the Philippine Alien Employment Permit ID of the family member currently employed; and
• Original and copy of English Family Registration Certificate issued in the applicant's name;
• A special non-immigrant visa is issued to qualified foreigners coming to the Philippines as professors, scholars, trainees, fellows, students, technical personnel, volunteers, and other participants of certain entities and programs under the auspices of particular institutions, agencies, foundations, and corporations recognized by the Philippines.
• For more information, please visit the DOJ website at www.doj.gov.ph/visa_application.html and the PEZA website at www.peza.gov.ph/documents/visachecklist.pdf
• Original passport and photocopy of the data page. The passport must bear the applicant's signature before making a copy. It must also be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
• Roundtrip e-ticket (open-ended tickets are not allowed);
• Letter of Endorsement from the relevant Philippine government agency;
• Original Letter of Guarantee from the employer confirming the applicant's employment, purpose of visit to the Philippines (i.e., short business-related trip and shall not be employed nor derive income in the Philippines until the appropriate visa is obtained from the DOJ), and financial support while in the Philippines. The letter of guarantee must have the official company seal/employer's signature and a guarantee from family members, friends or co-workers are not acceptable. The letter of guarantee must have been issued within 2 weeks from the date of the visa application.
• Original or colored copy letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines confirming the purpose of the visit of the visa applicant and the duration of stay of the visit, with a guarantee that until the applicant obtains the 47a(2) visa, the company guarantees that he/she will not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company. The duration of stay of the visit should match the dates in the flight ticket. The letter of invitation must be issued within 2 weeks from the date of the visa application.
• Items 41(a) to (c) above;
• Letter of invitation from the company in the Philippines where the family member of the dependent applicant is employed, confirming the family member's employment; relationship of the dependent applicant to the family member; purpose of the visit to the Philippines (e.g., to reunite and support his father/mother/husband/wife); duration of stay of the visit (similar to the dates in the round-trip e-ticket) and guarantee that the dependent applicant shall not be employed by nor derive income from the Philippine-based company.;
• Employment contract of the family member who is currently employed;
• The Philippine Embassy may issue a permanent residence visa (specifically the 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa) to the qualified non-Filipino spouse of a Filipino citizen. The applicant must be married to a Filipino citizen or unmarried children under twenty-one (21) years of age of a Filipino citizen, if accompanying or following to join such citizen.
• Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea South, Latvia, Lesotho, Libya (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Malta (provided that the marriage took place before 24 April 2001 or the couple has been married for at least 5 years), Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Island, Norway, Oman (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia (visa applicant must be a male and married to a female Philippine citizen), Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
• Two (2) original filled-out application forms;
• Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner of the BI from the applicant and the petitioning Filipino spouse/parent;
• Applicant's passport, with validity of at least one (1) year at the time of filing;
• Two (2) copies of the data page and latest immigration admission stamp in the Philippines;
• Passport of the petitioning Filipino spouse/parent, with validity of at least one (1) year at the time of filing, and two (2) copies of the data page. The Filipino spouse/parent should maintain his/her Filipino nationality;
• Four (4) passport-size (2x2) ID photos;
• For spouse, original and 2 copies of the PSA-issued Marriage Certificate. If married abroad, a Report of Marriage duly issued by the PSA. For unmarried children, original and 2 copies of the Birth Certificate which should contain the applicant's name and his/her parents;
• Original and copy of apostilled police clearance issued by the Korean police authorities and translated in English;
• Original medical health certificate accomplished by a General Practitioner. The medical certificate must also include the x-ray results with CD, laboratory reports, etc. The medical exam must be taken within one month from the date of visa application;
• Original and 2 copies of proof of sufficient financial capacity to live in the Philippines, such as, but not limited to bank statement, at least three (3) months, employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary, or certificates of stocks, or proof of business registration for self-employed;
• Original or printed clear scanned copy of other supporting documents proving that your Filipino spouse or parent is currently in the Philippines (e.g., Philippine immigration arrival stamps, certification issued by the local municipality/barangay where the Filipino national resides, or duly notarized employment certificate); and
• If traveling with the Filipino spouse/parent, original and copy of the round-trip or one-way e-ticket for the Filipino spouse/parent traveling on the same flight.

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Detailed Notice on Opening of Korea Visa Application Center(KVAC) and Application of Korean Visa

   The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announces the following details on the opening of the Korea Visa Application Center(KVAC) and application of Korean visa through KVAC.

□ Application of Visa

 ○ KVAC will accept and release all visa applications. 

   - In the case of spouse visas, interviews or Korean tests will be conducted at the embassy only after submitting the visa applications at KVAC.

   - However, visa application for diplomatic passport holders, official passport holders, and for those who require a visa urgently within one to two days due to clear humanitarian reasons will be exceptionally accepted at the embassy.

         ※ Result of visa application received at the Embassy will be released at the Embassy

 ○ Visa Application Schedule of KVAC

   - Pilot operation period : August 14 - 25, 2023

       ※ Only applications with online reservation will be accepted. KVAC application fee is waived.

   - Start of official operation : August 29, 2023

       ※ Application without online reservations will be accepted. KVAC application fee is required.

 ○ Visa Application Processing Period

   - Regular visa processing will take 5 working days. However, in case high volume of applications is received, processing period may be extended accordingly.

        ※  KVAC will provide a free SMS notification when visa application result is available

 ○ Designated Travel Agencies for Visa Application

   - Visa applications will be accepted only if filed in person or through one of our designated travel agencies.

   - However, in case of group applications for a family trip or business trip, one of the applicants may submit all applications as a representative.

□ KVAC Overview

 ○ Official Name

   -  Korea Visa Application Center in Manila

 ○ Address

   -  9F~10F, Brittany Hotel BGC, 6 Mckinley Pkwy, BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila

 ○ Opening date : August 14, 2023

 ○ Opening hours : 9:00AM~5:00PM

 ○ Website and Contact Number

   -Website :  https://www.visaforkorea-mn.com  Telephone Number : 02-8248-5440

□ KVAC Fees and Services

 ○ Visa application fee for KVAC

    -  From August 29, 2023, when submitting visa applications at KVAC, application fee of PHP 900 for each application must be paid regardless of the visa type.

 ○ Visa assistance services

   - "Service Center" menu on the KVAC website provides one-on-one online consultations, Q&A, and various announcements.

 ○ Visa reception counters

   - There is a total of 28 counters, which includes 20 reception counters, 4 release counters, and 4 payment counters. Thus, waiting time for submission of visa application is shortened.

 ○ SMS service for visa application update 

   - Free SMS text message notification will be sent to the applicant when the visa application is received, and once the visa application screening is completed.

 ○ Wide waiting rooms and facilities

   - The 308㎡ waiting space has an information desk, kiosks, computers, photocopiers, writing desks, nursing rooms, and a space for cultural exhibits for a convenient and pleasant waiting time.

 ○ Transportation and other facilities

   - Parking space is available in the KVAC building and SM AURA building. Public transportation is convenient.

    - There are government offices such as PSA and Immigration Office in the building located next to KVAC. Thus, different transactions may be processed at once.

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e-Visa Application via the Visa Portal

Visa application via korean diplomatic missions abroad, confirmation of visa issuance application via the visa portal.

• Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration

1. Application Process

Select “Application” >> “E-Visa(Individual)” on the Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

2. Applicant

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor on behalf of the foreigner

3. Applicable Status of Stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

• Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), and Professional (E-5) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
• Foreign Notional of Special Ability (E-7) visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must be an expert in advanced science and technology and have an official employment recommendation letter (a.k.a. GOLD CARD)
• Short-term General (C-3-1) Visa for a prospective investor invited by a promotion agency of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business and his/her accompanying family members
• Short-term Group Tourist (C-3-2) Visa for Chinese group tourists who can apply for their Visa through a designated travel agency
• Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’ designated as e-Visa agency.

- Qualifications : A foreigner who has entered Korea 3 times or more with a Short-term (C-3) Visa since the implementation of the fingerprint confirmation system for foreigner on Jan. 1, 2012, and who has no history of illegal stay or criminal cases

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details.

4. Required Documents

• Visa Application Form (electronic form on the Visa Portal)
• Scanned image files of passport pages
• Digital Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Fee (credit card for e-Payment)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of visa on the Visa Navigator or to the Visa Information on the website of a respective diplomatic office.

5. Procedure

Application by the applicant

• 1. Applicant - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 2. Applicant - e-Payment (Visa portal)
• 3. Applicant - Submission of Application (Visa portal)
• 4. sponsor (corporation/individual) - Confirmation Invitation (Visa portal)
• 5. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 6. sponsor, Applicant - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 7. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
• 8. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

Application by the sponsor (inviter)

• 1. sponsor - Login (Visa portal)
• 2. sponsor - completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 3. sponsor - e-Payment (Visa portal)
• 4. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 5. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 6. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
• 7. Applicants - Arrival in Korea (Visa portal)

1. Application process

Select “Application" >> "Confirmation of Visa Issuance” on Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

Application must be filed by the inviter (sponsor)

3. Applicable status of stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

• Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4) Professional (E-5) for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
• Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must have an occupation under category 1 (executives) or 2 (professionals or related) of the Standard Classification of Occupation announced by the National Statistical Office
• Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’
• Business Visitor (C-3-6) visa for an invitee of a VIP corporation
• Student (D-2) and Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1) visa
• Non-professional(E-9) and Maritime Crew (E-10) visa

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more detail.

• Application form for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (electronic form on the Visa Portal)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of Visa on the Visa Navigator, or to the Visa information on the board of the respective website of the Diplomatic Office.

• 2. sponsor - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 3. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 4. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 5. sponsor, Applicant - Download Visa application Form (Visa portal)
• 6. sponsor - Submission of Visa Application & Payment
• 7. Visa Consul - Visa issuance (Diplomatic Office)

6. Check the Result of Your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application

You can check the result of your application – through “Application Status” via the Visa Portal, ARS (02-2650-6363), text message or e-mail address you gave us.

7. Visa Application

• The sponsor (inviter) must download Visa application form (for the applicant) from “Application Status” on the Visa Portal, and send it to the applicant via email, or inform him/her of the number and expiry date of the confirmation of visa issuance.
• The applicant must receive Visa application form for the confirmation of visa issuance or its number (expiry date) from the sponsor in Korea in order to apply for his/her visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate General.

Confirmation of Visa issuance is valid for 3 months, and is effective for visa issuance just for once. For any other inquiries, please contact the Immigration Contact center (+1345 without an area code or +82+1345 if you are calling from abroad).

1. Location of Application

Korean Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country (or area) of residence.

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or a visa agency on behalf of the foreigner

• A single-entry or multiple-entry visa for eligible applicants of Diplomat(A-1), Government Official(A-2) Visa
• A single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less), for eligible applicants of - Short-term News Coverage (C-1), Short-term General (C-3) and Short-term Employee (C-4)
• A multiple-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Short-term News Coverage (C-1) and Short-term General (C-3) Visa who are citizens of countries that have multiple-entry visa agreements with Korea.
• Visas issued at the discretion of the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad, such as single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Korean Arts and Culture (D-1) Visa who are planning to engage in cultural arts activities upon invitation of the Korea Foundation or from Korean Culture and Arts Committee

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details

• Visa Application Form (application form No.17, or please click the ‘Application’ menu on the Visa Portal >> Fill out the electronic form)
• Photo (natural color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- You can pay the fee in the currency of your own country only if you receive permission from the head of the Korean diplomatic mission in your country.

The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. Depending on the circumstances of one’s country, the head of the Korean diplomatic mission may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation. Therefore, in the case that required documents on the Visa Navigator do not match with those of the diplomatic mission, please follow the instructions and requirements provided by the respective diplomatic mission.

• 1. Applicant - Submission of Application
• 2. Visa Consul - Reception & Review (Diplomatic Office)
• 3. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
• 4. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

※ For any other inquiries, please contact the consular affair Korean diplomatic missions in your country of residence.

Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration Offices

Korean Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over the area of inviter’s residence

2. Applicants

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor/agency (E-9, E-10) on behalf of the foreigner

• Long-term Korean Arts and Culture (D-1), Student (D-2), Industrial trainee (D-3), General trainee (D-4), Long-term News Coverage (D-5), Religious Worker (D-6), Intra-company Transferee (D-7), Corporate/Foreign investor (D-8), International Trade (D-9), Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), Professional (E-5), Artists/Athlete (E-6), Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7), Non-professional (E-9), Maritime Crew (E-10), Family Visitor (F-1), Dependent Family (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Work and Visit (H-2) Visa for eligible applicants
• Long-term Visa for citizens of countries with no formal diplomatic relations with Korea, or just specific countries (i.e. Cuba, Syria, and Macedonia) designated by the Korean government.
• Other people recognized by the Minister of Justice as needed
• Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application Form (Form No.21)
• Photocopy of passport pages
• Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. The head of the immigration office may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation.

• The employment certificate and a copy of the representative’s ID, and a letter of attorney are required if the representative applies on behalf of the applicant. (Representative’s application may be restricted when further evaluation is required)

5. Procedures

• 1. sponsor - Completion of Application Form
• 2. Visa official - Reception & Review (Jurisdiction office)
• 3. sponsor, Applicant - Sending Confirmation No
• 4. Application - Submission (Diplomatic Office)
• 5. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
• 6. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

6. Notification of evaluation results

7. Visa Issuance

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Protection Policy
• Prohibition of Unauthorized Collection of E-mail Address

Building#1, Government Complex-Gwacheon, 47, Gwanmun-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea ( Immigration Contact Center : +82-1345 )

COPYRIGHT©MINISTRY OF JUSTICE. REPUBLIC OF KOREA. ALL RIGHT RESERVED.

※ Visa portal is optimized for IE7, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera browsers and 1024*768 pixels.

How To Fill Out Korean Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you need help in accomplishing your Korean visa application form? Here’s a complete guide to filling out the form so you can proceed to the next steps of the application process with ease. 

Go back to the main article: How to Get Korean Visa in the Philippines: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Important Reminders

• You can download the form and accomplish it online/electronically. Download the latest version of the application form here.  
• You can also accomplish the form by hand.
• The application form must be printed on A4-sized paper.
• You can accomplish the form using either the English or Korean language.
• Write in all capital letters when filling out the form.
• The Embassy doesn’t have rules regarding font style and size. However, this is a formal transaction so choose font size of at least 12 and font styles commonly used in business letters like Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, Times New Roman, etc. If you’re having difficulty adjusting the font settings, ask assistance from the travel agency so they can provide you with a ready-to-answer application form in PDF format.
• The answers should be TYPEWRITTEN/COMPUTERIZED as most travel agencies no longer accept forms that are handwritten.
• Write N/A if an item does not apply to you.
• A checkmark (√ ) should be used when filling out items with multiple selections.
• The accomplished form should have no erasures.

How To Fill Out the South Korean Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

We’ll teach you how to accomplish the application form by focusing on one section at a time. Take note that RED text in the following screenshots is for emphasis only.

1. Personal Details

1.1 Input your Last Name and then your First Name.

1.2 Indicate your Chinese name if you have one. Write N/A if you have none.

1.3 Put a check on the appropriate space if you’re a Male or a Female.

1.4 Write your birthday in this format: Year/Month/Day.

1.5 Indicate your nationality.

1.6 Write the name of the country where you were born.

1.7 Write your National Identity Number if you have one. Write N/A if you have none.

1.8 Check ‘Yes’ if you have used other names to enter or depart Korea. Indicate your previous Family Name and Given Name. Check ‘No’ if you haven’t used other names and write N/A on the Family Name and Given Name.

1.9 Check ‘Yes’ if you’re a citizen of another country and indicate which country. Check ‘No’ if you’re not and write N/A on the space for the name of the country.

Guidelines for the Photo:

• The picture must be taken within 6 months from the date of application.
• The photo should use a white background.
• Don’t wear a hat.
• Your face should be neutral in the photo.
• Paste the photo on the application form.

For Official Use Only – Leave this section blank.

2. Passport Information

2.1 Put a check on the type of passport that you currently have.

2.2 Write your Passport Number.

2.3 Indicate the country where the passport was issued.

2.4 Indicate the specific location or office where your passport was issued .

2.5 Enter the date your passport was issued.

2.6 Enter your passport’s expiry date. Make sure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity left .

2.7 Check ‘No’ if you have no other valid passports and leave the ‘Details’ section blank. Check ‘Yes’ if you have other valid passports and indicate the Passport Type, Passport Number, Country, and Expiry Date.

3. Contact Information

3.1 Write your permanent address in your home country.

3.2 You should only fill this out if it’s different from your permanent address.

3.3 Write your cellphone number.

3.4 Write your telephone number.

3.5 Indicate your active e-mail address.

3.6 Provide your emergency contact information with the Full Name, Country of Residence, Telephone Number, and your relationship with the person.

4. Marital Status and Family Details

4.1 Put a check on your marital status.

4.2 Leave this section blank if you have checked ‘Divorced’ or ‘Single.’ If you checked ‘Married,’ provide the following details of your spouse: Family Name, Given Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Residential Address, and Contact Number.

4.3 Check ‘No’ if you don’t have any children yet. Check ‘Yes’ if you already have children and indicate the number of children that you have.

5. Education

5.1 Check the highest level of education that you have completed. If you’ve checked ‘Other,’ provide specific details.

5.2 Write the name of your school.

5.3 Write your school’s location.

6. Employment

6.1 Check the type of employment you’re currently under.

6.2 Provide your employment details including the following: Name of Company/Institute/School, Your Position, Address of Company/Institute/School, and Telephone Number.

7. Details of Visit

7.1 From the list of options, check the purpose of your visit to South Korea.

7.2 Indicate the length of your stay for your trip to South Korea.

7.3 Indicate the intended date of entry. Make sure that it’s within three months from the date of application.

7.4 Write your intended address in South Korea during your stay. You don’t need to have prior reservations or bookings.

7.5 Indicate the contact number that you’ll be using during your trip.

7.6 Check ‘Yes’ if you have previously traveled to South Korea in the last 5 years and provide additional details like the number of times you’ve visited and the purpose of your most recent visit. Check ‘No’ if it’s your first trip to South Korea.

7.7 Check ‘Yes’ if you have previously traveled outside your country of residence and provide additional details like the name of the country you have visited, the purpose of your visit, and the period of your stay. Otherwise, check ‘No.’

7.8 Check ‘Yes’ if you’re traveling with any of your family members (spouse, parent, children, siblings). You also have to provide the following information of your companion/s: Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, and relationship to you. Check ‘No’ if you’re not traveling with a family member and write N/A on the ‘Details’ section.

8. Details of Sponsor

8.1 Check ‘Yes’ if you have a sponsor in South Korea and provide the following details of your sponsor: Name, Date of Birth or Business Registration Number, Relationship to you, Address, and Telephone Number. Otherwise, check ‘No.’

9. Funding Details

9.1 Indicate the estimated cost of your entire trip to South Korea. For reference, the average budget per day is around Php 5,000. Make sure that you’ll be able to show that you have enough funds in your bank account for the whole duration of your trip.

9.2 Mention who will fund your trip (including yourself or an institute) and provide the following details: Name of Person/Company/Institute, Relationship to you, Type of Support, and Contact Number.

10. Assistance with this Form

10.1 Check ‘Yes’ if someone assisted you in filling out this form and provide the following details: Full Name, Date of Birth, Telephone Number, and Relationship to you. Otherwise, check ‘No.’

11. Declaration

Declare that all the details and information you have provided in the application form are true and correct based on your knowledge and belief.

Indicate the date you will submit your VISA application and provide your signature. If you’re under 17 years old, your parent or legal guardian will sign the form for you.

Written by Anna Pamela Capistrano

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Anna Pamela Capistrano

Anna Pamela R. Capistrano is an experienced content writer who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in multimedia studies at the University of the Philippines – Open University. She has been working as a freelance writer for over 6 years and has created a wide range of content for various websites. Aside from writing, she also loves cooking, baking, dancing, and watching K-dramas. As an Aquarius woman, she’s passionate about making the world a better place one step at a time.

Browse all articles written by Anna Pamela Capistrano

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KOREA VISA FOR FILIPINOS: Requirements & Frequently Asked Questions

For the latest version of this post, check out: Korean Visa Requirements!

IMPORTANT! We will no longer be making updates to this article. Please refer to our more updated post with the title KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process for Filipinos instead.

We know South Korea is one of the most popular destinations among Filipinos because there’s not a day that goes by without us receiving questions about getting a Korea visa. Hence, we decided to put up this post.

Note that we’re NOT employed by or affiliated with the Korean Embassy in Manila. We’re only writing based on our own experience applying for one. (We have applied three times so far, and everything went smoothly every time.) We’re publishing this simply to have a page that we can redirect users to when they ask us questions about the application process.

And because this post is limited to our personal experiences, we can only answer questions about applying for a TOURIST visa as an employed, self-employed, or freelancing Filipino. For anything outside of this scope, it would be best to contact the embassy directly to have a definitive answer.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What are the requirements for applying for a tourist visa?

We have a dedicated post about that here: Korea Visa Requirements

How to apply? What are the steps?

We have a step-by-step guide here: How to Apply for a Korea Visa in Manila

Do I need a travel agency to apply?

YES, unless you’re applying directly in Cebu. The Korean Embassy in Manila requires tourist visa applications filed starting July 1, 2018, to be coursed through any of their designated travel agencies. However, the Korean Consulate in Cebu is not affected by this and will continue to accept walk-in applicants as they did.

If you’re applying in Manila BEFORE July 1, 2018, you can still work on the application yourself. It’s fast and free. However, if for whatever reason this isn’t a practical option — you live in the province, you just can’t spare a working day for this — by all means, find a travel agency. Just remember that they will charge you a service fee.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

No. It’s not one of the requirements. I’ve tried submitting this before, they removed it from the pile.

How about hotel reservation? Do I need to book hotels before applying?

No. You don’t need it. However, make sure you have an idea which hotel you will be staying because it’s one of the required fields in the application form. You don’t need to reserve, but you need to know where you intend to stay.

Should I stay in the hotel I wrote on the application form?

No. If your application is approved, you can pretty much stay in any hotel or hostel you want.

How long does it take to process the application?

At least 25 WORKING DAYS in Manila, according to the embassy.

But according to the travel agencies we consulted, it’s safer to apply AT LEAST 30 WORKING DAYS before your trip.

That’s how long the embassy takes to process. But you must also allow agencies time to collect, document, sort out, deliver to and pick up the passports from the embassy.

In Cebu, it’s 10 working days.

What are OECD visas?

These are visas granted by countries that are part of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). These are the member countries:

Update (June 12, 2019): Although Japan is an OECD country, JAPAN VISA is no longer honored by the Korean Embassy in reaction to several cases of applicants submitting FAKE Japan visa and stamps.

I have OECD Visas. Does it mean my application will be approved?

Not necessarily. But you have better chances. And that the processing is a lot faster.

How long can I stay in Korea if I am granted a visa?

Regular visas usually allow 59 days. You can apply for a longer stay.

Can I submit just the bank certificate?

No. Starting October 2016, a bank statement showing transactions for the past 3 months is a required document.

So you have to submit BOTH a bank certificate and a bank statement.

How much money should my bank account have to get approved?

I don’t know the minimum amount. I don’t think the embassy explicitly says it. But I have tried applying with P100,000 in the bank for a 4-day stay and got approved.

I guess the key thing to remember here is that how much you have should be proportional to how long your stay is. For example, if you have only P100,000, don’t apply for a 59-day stay because that would obviously raise a lot of questions regarding whether or not you can afford the trip.

To give you a ballpark figure, the Embassy of France requires EUR 120 per day from Schengen Visa applicants. That’s around P7600 per day. Add the cost of airfare and hotel, and that should be the minimum amount in your bank. Again, this is not the official rule. We’re just using the French Embassy’s policy as an example.

I’m a freelancer. I don’t have a Certificate of Employment. What can I submit?

I have tried applying for a visa when I was a freelancer. What I did was, I requested for a letter from my clients that could serve as a certification that I was working for them. The letter also included what I do for them, when I was hired, how much I receive as compensation, and other details.

Here’s the format I followed .

The embassy accepted it, and my application was approved.

HOWEVER, the Embassy seems to have been MUCH stricter these days, so I’m not sure whether or not they still accept something like this.

I’m a student with a part-time job. Should I apply as a student or an employee?

I consulted a designated travel agency for the best way to go about this, and they said that it’s better to apply as a student and submit parents’ docs.

They said that applying as both employed and student can confuse the embassy. They also said that part-time jobs are often viewed by the embassy negatively because it tells them 2 things: one, that you are not as rooted and as financially stable, and two, that there is a possibility that you will work there too.

I don’t have an ITR. What should I do?

I honestly don’t know how to answer this because I’ve always had an ITR even as a freelancer.

But according to some of our community members who have done this before, they included an explanation letter and other proof of sources of income in their application.

How early should I apply for a Korea visa? Can I apply months before my actual travel date?

If you have a target travel date, apply not earlier than 3 months before that.

When a regular visa is issued, it allows the holder to enter Korea at any time within the next 3 months (90 days) of the issue date. So if your visa is issued on July 1, you can enter anytime before October 1.

But if you’re applying in Manila, make sure you apply at least 30 working days before your intended travel date.

Do I need to show up to submit the documents?

NO, usually. You can ask someone else to do it for you IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.

However, every agency can implement their own rules. So it’s best to call the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application to be sure.

I need to explain something. Will they accept a cover letter?

Yes. I did once. They accepted it.

How much is the visa fee?

FREE if your application is for 59 days or shorter.

P1800 for 60- to 90-day stay.

However, travel agencies will be charging a service fee for processing your application. Fee differs from agency to agency, but it’s usually between P700 and P1000.

What is the address of the Korean Embassy?

KOREAN EMBASSY IN MANILA 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines Email Address: [email protected] Contact No.: (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500

KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City Email Address: [email protected] Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

Is it possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa?

YES, but only if you’re qualified. Holders of any of the following credit cards can apply for a multiple-entry visa and are EXEMPTED from providing bank certificates and ITR :

BDO Gold Cardholders: multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years Gold Visa Credit Card Gold MasterCard Credit Card Gold UnionPay Credit Card Gold JCB Credit Card American Express​ Gold Credit Card

BDO Elite Cardholders: multiple-entry visa valid for 3-5years Platinum Visa Credit Card Titanium/Platinum and World Elite MasterCard Credit Card JCB Platinum Diamond UnionPay Credit Card Diners Club Premiere American Express​ Platinum Credit Card American Express International Dollar Charge Cards Cathay Pacific American Express Credit Cards (Standard and Elite)

RCBC Bankard Premium Card: multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years World Mastercard (including co-brands Balesin and The City Club) Black Platinum Mastercard Diamond Platinum Mastercard Visa Infinite Visa Platinum JCB Platinum UnionPay Diamond

For BDO, promo is valid until December 31, 2022. For RCBC, promo is valid until December 31, 2020.

Update: Effective November 11, qualified cardholders must submit credit card statements for the past 3 months + copy of the front side of the card (FRONT only).

Note that you are only exempted from providing financial docs (bank certificate, bank statement, etc.). Employment or business documents must still be submitted.

If unable to provide credit card statements, you must submit personal bank certificate (original) and bank statements showing your history for the past 3 months (original or certified true copy).

What are the common reasons why Korean visa applications are denied?

I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:

• You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip . You probably have insufficient funds or your sponsor is not in a good financial standing.
• You can’t prove that you intend to return (rootedness). You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
• Your intention/purpose in Korea is unclear . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

If my application is denied, can I apply again?

Yes, but only after 6 months.

What does a South Korea visa look like?

What is the Visa Issuance Confirmation in Section 2 of the Application Form?

The Section 2 of the application form calls for details of Visa Issuance Confirmation. This section is only for those with a document called “Confirmation of Visa Issuance.” Many people think it refers to previous Korean visas; NO, IT DOESN’T. The “Visa Issuance Confirmation” is a completely different document, usually issued in Korea.

I have more questions. How do I contact the Korean Embassy?

Feel free to call the Korean Embassy to confirm. Here are the numbers:

Manila : (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500 Cebu : (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

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• HOW TO APPLY for a SOUTH KOREA VISA in CEBU
• SOUTH KOREA VISA APPLICATION FORM
• KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process for Filipinos
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Hi! What if I dont have a personal bank account?

Hi! Currently, I’m unemployed and just waiting for my review for Architecure board exam which will start on Sept 3. I’m afraid my Visa application will be rejected. I already have a certification from my review center which states that I am enrolled and the details of my review. I also have my review center ID. What are the other requirement that I should pass? And also, my father will support my finances for the trip. But he will not travel with me. I will travel with my sister and mother only. Is this possible? I can also produce my own bank certificate for back up docs if ever needed. Would really appreciate for you reply. Thank you.

Hi! I think we have the same situation. Currently unemployed since i am going to review pa starting this nov. Did you apply na ba? How did it go?

Hello. May I ask how did ur applications go? I’m in the same situation kasi. Thanks!

Hello. Ask ko lang if ano nangyari w your applications bc I’m in the same situation rn. Thanks!

Hello! What happened ba sa applications niyo? May plans po kasi ako for travels tapos by that time, ganyan na rin po situation ko. Thanks po!

What if student and 18? Isa lang po yung parent na may bank certif and bank statement okay lang po ba yun? :(

Sa akin tinanggap kahit wlang bank account yung mama ko ! single parent din siya. Pero bank account ko ang ginamit sa pagpasa sa applcation sa SK tourist visa, bali naglagay lang ako nang Cover Letter para maexplain kung bakit akin ang ginamit! atleast na APPROVED naman yung visa ko .

If you don’t have a bank account but travelling or is being sponsored for the trip, then you can ask the person to provide the necessary requirements. I brought with us our yaya for the trip. I just provide a notarized affidavit of support. and in the application form, my name was placed there as a sponsor so in her application form, i also attached another copy of the Bank Certficate, ITR, and Bank Statement as proof. She was given a single entry visa.

What if my applicatio has been denied because of lack of reason to travel And unfortunately my sin has a contest to attend to in south korea and the DEPED will assist all student and parent can they give me visa eventhough i just got denied this august?

Good day Mr. Flores! I just wanna ask, my mom’s just a housewife pero my aunt will shoulder my travel expenses. Will I still get a good chance for VISA approval if I add a notarized affidavit of support and/or cover letter? Thank you!

Hi! I’m unemployed po cause I just graduated last July. My auntie got married with a korean. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. What should I do?

Hello..same with I am also a Yaya or helper.. I need the some info. About how to make a SK tourist visa..but I don’t have bank account. I have a korean employer and they want me to bring there to korea for vacation.but i don’t know how .and also what are requirements needed about this situation?

hi regarding to the sponsor matter. the one who will sponsoring me is my niece since our Birth certificate cannot confirm our relationship that much because she my cousins daughter it will not appear on our certificate that we have same surnames. can i just submit also a notarized affidavit of support?

Then don’t apply, because it’s one of the requirements.

Hi S! Just bring your old passport when you travel. That’s what happened to me, too. I still had a valid visa when I renewed my passport. I asked the staff at DFA and they said even if the passport is no longer valid, any valid visas inside will remain so. :)

ask ko lng kung possible ba na magrenew ng visa kahit hindi pa expired? june 2020 kc expiration ng visa ko gusto ko sana i-avail yung promo ng bdo

Ay, di ko po alam :(

pwede pa kaya un sa kapatid ko may valid single entry pa sya sa passport nya kaso nasulatan accidentally so pina renew ng dfa. magagamit pa po kaya nya ung single entry nya valid pa nmn pa tska hindi gamit together with his new passport thanks po

Hi Louise! Ano yung nasulatan accidentally? The visa page or passport page? Nakapagparenew ba kayo? Or ano ang pinarenee niyo, yung approved visa or passport? Medyo same tayo ng scenario kasi.

Hi Louise, naku, di ko alam. I think pwede pa, pero best to call DFA na lang to be sure sure sure.

Hello Mr. Dimen. Magtatanong lang po ako kung pwedi ba ako mag apply ng tourist visa kahit pay tatak yong passport ko na 68-1? Galing na rin akong Korea.

Hi Jhaja, di ko po alam. :(

If pwede man po, baka mahirapan po kasi may record na. Pero best to consult a designated travel agency po para mas informed po yung advice.

Hi Mr. Dimen. Is there a high chance of approval if may invitation from korean boyfriend but he will not shoulder any of my expenses? just a mere invitation for a trip in korea. Can I still include the invitation letter and copy of his passport as part of the requirements? Thank you.

Hi Dongsaeng, yes, if you’re invited by a Korean, you must submit an invitation letter and copy of his passport.

Re whether or not the chances are higher if may invitation, not sure. But I know na better ang chances if you can show that you can afford this trip and you’re employed, regardless of whether or not invited by someone there or hindi. So I think yes, if financially stable ka naman and employed, better ang chances mo kaysa sponsored ka by someone there.

Hi po ask ko lang po denied po kc yung visa ko for South Korea,makakabpunta po ba ako ng jeju kahit na may tatak yung passport ko?kahit wala pa po ng 1 month?

Hi any update with this situation? Same situation with her.

Hi! For example I applied for a korean visa using bdo gold and got approved on multiple entry. My question is , is it okay if I travel next year ? Thanks in advance. :)

as long as it’s within the validity period of your visa.

Hi! I’m unemployed po and a fresh grad. My auntie got married with a korean and now she’s living in korea. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. I got enough money in my bank account, valid passport, but i dont have COE an ITR. What should I do to be approved in korean visa? What letters should I make?

Hi Krystal, usually sa ganyang case, you can write a letter of explanation why you don’t have a COE and ITR and proof to support your reason. For example, if your reason is kaka-graduate mo lang, submit proof of that. You also need proof of relationship with your aunt.

Note however na hindi guarantee yung mga yan. Pwede pa rin nilang i-deny kahit inexplain mo and may proof.

Hi! May I ask if its exactly 60days for the bank statment requirement? The bank that issued my BS starts from June 15 to Aug 30, 2018 balance. Is it questionable on the part of embassy? Hope you can answer my query.

Hi Cher, the requirement has to be the past 3 months. 90 days, not 60 days.

Hi po good morning ask q lang po twice na q nag apply for korean visa and twice din aq na denied. first is not qualified to entry to korea pero i have a complete requirements 2nd reason why i denied is they said my other documents is fake but is not.. i know nmn n mahigpit cla so why i am submitted a fake documents. this coming nov i try to apply again may i know if the reason why i am denied is naka record ba sknila un? kse kng dun cla mag babase so i dnt have any chance to entry korea.

Did they say kung anong document ang fake daw?

Hi, I have a US visa but I didn’t end up going to the US due to work. Do I still have to submit photocopy even if I don’t have the arrival stamp?

Hi! I would like to apply tourist visa with my 3 children. Do i need to bring them to Korean Embassy when applying for visa?

Hi Ophel! You can apply on their behalf. :)

For my parents since im applying for us.. do they need 2 original bank cert and bank statement for my dad’s? He is retired.. my mom a housewife… since im applying for them will it not suffice?

Hello leslie!

I wonder what happened to your appliction. Do you mind if I ask what requirement did you provide for your parents since we have the same case. TIA!

Can you still get denied if you have a bpi/bdo gold credit card but is unemployed? Is COE still required?

How come you have credit card if you’re unemployed?

Hi.. I’m a freelancer, can I categorize myself as self employed? Do I also need a DTI and mayor’s permit? Thank you

I’m also a freelancer. I registered myself as self-employed with my fullname as the trade name. There’s no need for you to register to DTI or SEC. I also don’t have a mayor’s permit. I was asked to get an Occupational Tax Receipt but the LGU from where I’m living doesn’t know about OTR so they just asked me to get a temporary mayor’s permit so I could register myself to BIR.

Hi po. Pano po kung may invitation letter ako galing sa Korean friend ko. Ask ko lang sana kung sino ang isusulat ko sa Details of Sponsor? Thank you!:)

If your korean friend will sponsor your travel expenses (accommodation, food, transpo, etc.) then you can put his/her name..you also need to submit photocopy of your friend’s passport or ID

Hi what if i’m already 22 and still a college student, tapos walang bank statement ang parents ko but my korean boyfriend will shoulder all my expenses during my day tour. What will i do? Thankyou :)

Hi Monica. Anong nangyari? Mejo parehas kasi tayo ng case, the only difference is yung friend ko na magshoshoulder lahat ng expenses is nasa japan. I hope you reply! Thank you

Hi! I requested a bank cert last january for korean visa but i did not proceed. Can I still use the bank cert I requested last january for my korean visa application this June?

I think you should request for a new one.

hi. I also don’t have a certificate of employment because i’m a part timer, fresh graduate and i’m still reviewing for my board exam. Instead of having a letter written by a client can I instead have it written by my employer? Please answer my question. Thank you so much!

i think it should be ok as long as the COE contains your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s email and landline..the embassy may call your HR to verify your COE..

hi! when is the best time to apply for a korean visa? we are planning to go there by october.

Hi. Dream ko mag tour sa Korea. Pwede ba ako mag apply ng visa kahit “not employed” ?

Perhaps, if you have someone sponsoring your tour.

Hello! What if ininvite ako ng korean friend then sya ung sponsor ko for accomodation, kasi sya ang mag bobook ng plane ticket ko papuntang korea at nasa korea siya. Kailangan ko pa din ba ng bank account ? At un employed po ako, ma approve po ba ?

Kah, same tayo. Makiki kamusta sana ako. Naka pag apply kaba?

Hi! I’m a bit confused about sa OECD Visa. What does it mean? Nakatira po ako sa US pero hawak ko pa rin is Philippine passport. Ibig sabihin po ba nun ay meron akong OECD Visa since taga US ako? Thank you in advance.

hi dream namin makapag- tour sa korean, makaka kuha ba kami ng family ko ng multiple – entry kahit isa lang may bdo gold visa samin?? yung husban ko lang kasi ang may bdo, ako kasi sa ibang mga banks ang credit cards ko and yung daughter ko is 2 years old pa lang

only the person with the card

how about the supplementary?

Hi. I have a supplumentary BDO Gold. Would like to ask if you pursue your application using the supplementary card? Was it accepted even without Bank Cert and ITR? Hoping for your response.

When is the time I can apply for a visa? If let’s say I am travelling by December?

But as long as you have enough time for it to be processed, then around the month of September (2nd week), October or November will be perfect.

The validity of the visa is 3 months. Example: If you’ll be in Korea on the 5-11th on December, you can apply for your visa 3 months before. So, around the 5-10th of September. Keep in mind that if you’re a first time applicant, it takes 5 days to process the visa. :)

Hi..my husband is working in korea and iam planning to visit him early next year ,can i stay there atleast 30 days with 50k on my account though my husband will support or finance my trip?

the free visa can allow you to stay up to 59 days in SK..if your husband will sponsor your trip, then put his name on the application form as your sponsor

Hi may friend po ako. Husband po nya american.. working sa korea for how many years. How many times na rin po silang balik balik sa korea. Pwede po b syang makakuha ng mas matagal sa 90 DAYS VISA.?

Hi, have you tried passing your application for visa while on going pa yung renewal ng passport mo? My passport will expire this Dec 2017 and my travel will be on Oct 2017. I already processed my passport renewal last June 14,2017 (express) kaso may delay si DFA which will cause me to submit my old passport(Exp. Dec 2017) for the visa application next week. Will I be approved or denied? Thanks a lot po.

Hi I know matagal na tong comment mo but may I know ano nangyari? If you were approved. Thanks!

How much travel costs should I write in the application form?

depends on how much is your estimated expenses for the duration of your stay in SK..for example if you allocated $100 USD per day and your stay is good for 4 days, then write $400 USD in your application form..just make sure your bank certificate has a balance that is more than your declared travel costs..

hi po…unemployed po ako,and I was worried na bka ma deny ang visa ko ksi wla akong mpasa na COE..Im doing tutorial as of now..at yn ang source of income ko.slamt po sa sasagot..God bless..

ano po dapat kng gawin.or ipasa kng wla akong.cmpany na.pnpasukan?tutorial lng.po ang work ko ngyn..slmat po sa sasagot

Hi! I wanted to ask what if you are a cabin crew and you wanted to get a visa but unfortunately, you won’t be able to surrender your passport bc of your internat’l flights? Is a photocopy of passport and company ID okay?

I guess disregard this. Ididikit nga pala nila ung visa sa passport. So, di talaga pwede photocopy. Haha. Thanks anw.

I would like to ask, I have a JAPAN Visa dated April 2012 in my old passport. Should I pass it for my KOREA Visa application? I will be applying my KOREA Visa this first week of Aug. Counted pa ba siya on the “5 year period”? Also, yun pa yung huli ko na trip abroad. So, walang ibang nakalagay sa old passport ko.

Hope you can recommend.

Thanks a lot!

Hi! Please help. My bank eastwest do not provide bank ADB and opening date in the bank cert even if I already told them I need it for visa purposes. They said they can give me separate print out of my ADB and prinscreen of my account opening date. Could I just attach these 2 to the bank cert? Do I need to make a cover letter for this? Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi po. Eastwest bank din po ako. Nagpasa po ba kayo ng cover letter or yung Bank statement na lang po talaga? Pinasa niyo din po ba yung print screen?Thank you po.

Hi im planning to get a tourist visa together with my daughter and our friends. But in my case i will used the employment certificate of my husband who is already working in korea he has an e9 visa and one of the req is the itr but my husband dont have the itr is there a chance that my visa application approved?

Hi! I’m currently unemployed, but I do family business na nakapangalan sa mother ko.. Can I use this us my source of income to get my visa approve?

That would be difficult because hindi sya sayo nakapangalan. :|

ask ko lang pano pag un-employed ka tapos wala kang source of income pero nakalagay sa invitation ng korean friend ko na sagot nya lahat ?? wala akong bank account.. ok lang kaya un ??

I’m really worried, the korean embassy just called in our office, sadly there is a problem in our phone so we need to cut the call and we were hoping for another call (for the whole day, but nothing happens). Is there any chance for them to call again? also I we are travelling for 4 and the 3 of us are employed to our mother’s business and we will travel with my mom. However, she has low banks statement (since she use it as an emergency) and I have bigger bank statement that so bothers me. Also she will guarantee my sister. What will I do? is the risk of denied visa is higher?

Hi my sister and I will travel together on October. We’re both still students, however, our parents bank accounts named it under our names, in short the bank accounts we will be presenting will be our own. do we still need a cover letter to explain our situation? They are both self-employed, we can provide the itr, business registration, etc. but the bank statements will be under our names

Hi Kathryn, we believe it’s not a problem.

Hi! Has anyone here got their visa application accepted but didn’t push through due to some circumstances? Do you think it will be harder to apply the second time around?

additiona question kahit 4days tour need pako din visa ? thanks po sa sasagot

Hello!!! I just want to ask about the freelance certification. Do I need a signature of our manager? What if he only sent it to me through email? Do I need to legalize it through notarization?

Hi Grethel, I submitted a scanned version of a signed letter though. I didn’t have it notarized. But make sure your client’s contact details and your employment details are there.

I have a bank account since 2016 that is exclusively for my payroll. Recently (almost two months ago), I opened another account where I placed my personal savings. This is also where I save money, enough for my planned travel to Korea. The embassy requires the original or certified true copy of a bank statements or passbook for the last 3 months and I’m planning to use the account I recently opened. But I would like to know if the bank statement of my recent (2-month-old) bank account is OK for my visa application.

Regarding with you comment a year ago? I’m also currently in that position, may I ask if what happened to your application? i have my payroll account and i recently opened a savings account with 2 months old.

Hi Lou, if I were you I would submit both bank cert and bank statement for BOTH my payroll and saving account to show that I have 2 accounts. That’s what I always do.

Hello, Dito PO ako sa Dubai now nagwowork at may residence visa.Plan ko po na magbaksyon sa Pilipinas sa March.At magtour Ng 10 days sa Korea..Possible po ba na ma approve Ang korean visa ko Kung mag apply ako.?thanks

Hi! My sons plans to go to Korea this November. They are currently working for their fathers business and they have no ITR. They have bank accounts in their names and their father will be giving them a certificate of absolute suport for thier trip. Will it be enough for them to be given a Korean Visa?

Hi. I am planning to go to Korea with my younger sister as a graduation gift. I will be shouldering all the expenses, but I am wondering on what will be the process for her visa application since our parents don’t have a bank account or a business. Will my financial details suffice? And should I make a cover letter explaining the situation?

Your answers will be a great help.

great help,,thank you so much

Hi! My family is planning to visit S.korea end of this year. Im the head of the family, my concern is ” Do i need to submit 5 sets of documents? E.G Business and bank details, or just one set for the 5 of us is enough like the Japan Visa Application. Thank you

Hi. I’ve recently resigned in my full time job a month ago and I am now in transition of becoming a freelancer. I still don’t have any client but there’s a possibility that I will be having one this week. I have plans on applying for SoKor visa on the third week of September. So for the questions:

1. You mentioned that you provided a Certification before when you were a freelancer. If my client is from abroad, will a digital Certification / scanned copy be okay?

2. Since, if ever, I’ll just be starting my work this week or the following week, I will not be able to process my tax obligation yet, right? So will my ITR from my previous work be ok?

Thank you in advance!

I’m in the same situation now. May I ask how your application went? And did you tick employed in the application form or wrote freelancer in ‘Others’? Thank you!

Hi! What if foreign yung company(freelancer ako), do I still have to send the hard copy to them and have it red ribbon? But our boss is here in PH? Thanks! :)

If I am travelling with my family and we are all employed (we’ll support ourselves for the trip), do we still need to bring our birth certificates and our parents’ marriage contract? Thanks.

Sa mga my pbi/bdo gold credit card na ng apply for tourist visa kinakailangan b ipakita mismo sa korean embassy? Sa agency ksi ako ngpalqkad

Hello, I already have a ticket na for Nov 7,2017. When is the best time to apply for a visa? Ok lang ba kung this September na? Naguguluhan kasi ako dun sa validity ng tourist visa, sabi sa site ng embassy 3 months validity daw, sabi naman sa ibang blog 59 days daw. Thank you in advance and by the way, this is a great blog entry you have here. Keep it up and more power!

You can stay in KOREA for up to 59 days, but you should use your visa within 3 months after ma-issue. So yes, pwede ka na magapply ngayon kahit November pa yung trip kasi valid sya for 3 months, but kapag nasa Korea ka na, dapat yung stay mo di lalagpas sa 59 days.

hello, my cousin and I are planning to go to Korea next year. Just a little background, she’s still a student and I hold a Canadian passport. I will be shouldering all our expenses. I was thinking of giving her an Affidavit of Support that she can submit with all her other requirements. You think I need to give her my bank certificate and statement as well? Any insights would be much appreciated! Thank you.

good pm. My family(we’re 6) just got our Korean visa, valid from Sept 8-Dec8, 2017. It’s quite sad coz we wrote the intended travel in Dec 27-Jan 1… I read that the validity is really 59 days but we’re positive that the embassy will consider our planned date of travel. That means visa will expire even before our trip. it’s ok for us to renew but when is the best date to renew? is it ok to renew earlier to give us time to prepare the stuff since its winter, Is October or November ok to renew? Will the embassy get angry with for not leaving on the given visa validity when in fact our travel is really sked during the Christmas season. thank you

under important reminders showing on the SK website, “Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.”

Hi. Just wanna ask re EOCD visa. I had been in France last 2015 and had my Schengen visa valid for 15 days only during our trip. Is it considered under the EOCD Visa you are referring to? Do i still need to submit it to the embassy during our application for South Korea visa? Thanks in advance.

Hello, If I got approved for a single entry tourist visa, is it possible to apply again for a D2 (student) visa again? Thank you sa sasagot.

How to apply tourist visa with family?

hello, question. My COE states that it is for Bank Certification instead of Visa Application. It still has my Compensation Package. Will that be acceptable?

Hi Cristine! Not sure. :( I think it’s still okay, but that’s just a hunch.

Hi, question. My parents’ trip to Korea will be their first travel out of the country. Is there are a rule or something that they should have a previous travel prior to their Korea trip before applying for a tourist visa?

Nope. It’s okay if Korea is your first international trip. Although there’s a bigger chance of getting approved if may past travel history talaga.

Hi! I recently graduated from college and unemployed. My parents’ grad gift for me is a trip to S. Korea. My question is, what documents should I bring if I am neither student nor employed? Thank you :)

Write a cover letter explaining that this is a graduation gift from your parents, declare them as your guarantor, and then submit their bank/employment papers instead.

Hi. Same sitution. Same pa rin ba ng process ngayong 2019?

Yep! Pwede pa rin yun.

Hi, i have a bpi gold mastercard. Do i still need to submit bank statement (original or certified true copy of BS/passbook for the last 3mos)? Kasi ang nabasa ko bank cert and itr lang ang not needed to be submitted if u have bpi/bdo gold cc?

No need. :)

Hi, I’m really curious. Totally no need to submit any financial document if you have a BPI Gold MasterCard? Maski credit card statement not needed anymore? Thanks!

Hi! tanong ko lang po ilang months po need sa statement ng credit card (bdo)? tia!

Latest billing statements with photocopy of credit card

We have multiple visa till Dec. 2, 2017. Is it possible to renew our visa in korean embassy even if we still have 2 months left? Thanks

hi i would like to ask sana im a fresh graduate i dont have work yet and no bank accounts .. is it possible na maka kuha ako ng visa if ever ung boyfriend kong korean mag ssponsor ng lahat lahat ?? ticket food and sa bahay nila ako titira ??

Hi! It will be very, very difficult. Many of those in similar situations who messaged us were denied.

Hi what if i’m still a college student and graduating naman this october tapps this summer or before graduation gisto ko pumunta sa SK my parents don’t have bank accounts but yung sister ko meron pwede bang un nalang gamitin ko?and also iinvite din ako ng boyfriend kong korean at gusto nya din na mag sponsor sakin what should i do? Thankyou

Having your sister sponsor you might be your best bet. But we don’t know for sure.

Hi! I’m in a pinch right now. I’m a graduating college student who’s also a freelance photographer. I work part-time and earn quite a fair amount per client and I get a lot in a month. My parents will not be funding my planned trip so I plan on submitting the requirements on my own. Do you think this will be okay? Will at least P50,000+ in my bank account suffice for a supposed 4day trip??

Thanks so much ;_;

Hi EOS, yeah, like Kate, we also have friends who had funds a bit north of P50,000 and their applications were approved. Although to be honest, we don’t know how often it happens. What we know for sure is that if you only have that much in your bank account, you need to make sure you have all the other requirements.

hi! what if i only have around 30k in my bank account but i will be writing my aunt’s name in the visa application form as guarantor, will that be okay? i’ll be traveling with her din. thanks!

Hard to tell, but since you have a guarantor, there’s a good chance it will be approved as long as your aunt meets the requirements and can prove she can support both of you.

a friend has 50K for a 3-day trip and got approved..:)

Hi! I got my visa last December 2016 (thru the BPI promo) and planned to visit Korea with my daughter the same month. However, due to a family event that we can’t miss, we didn’t push thru with our trip. This November 2017, I’m scheduled to finally visit Korea, using the visa that I got last Dec 2016 (valid until Dec 2019). Won’t I have any problems/concerns? Will it not be an issue that I didn’t travel on my initial intended dates in 2016? Thanks!

Hi Riza, as long as your visa is valid, I don’t think it would be an issue.

Hi @The Poor Traveler !!!

I stumbled upon this article last summer and because of how detailed you outlined the steps, this made us decide to push through with our application. We applied last Sept. 26 as a group and we got our visa on Oct. 4!!! Hooray!!! Thank you so much for sharing all these information. This help us greatly on planning our SK trip this coming last week of the month, in time for autumn!!!

Wow! Congrats! Enjoy the autumn colors!!!

Hi! Ask ko lang po po kung yung bank is nagbago ng system and yung kaya lang nila iprovide na bank statement is screenshot?ano po kaya kailangan ipacertified true copy ba o kailangan ko magprovide ng cover letter? Thank you :)

Hi Camil! Have it certified. :)

Hi. I’m pregnant and i want to have tourist visa in korea my boyfriend is korean. Is it possible that I can get tourist visa?

Hello, just wanna confirm if I have bpi credit card and bank certificate is already waived does that mean i don’t also need to submit a statement of account? Thanks.

Hello! Do we still need to provide a certificate of employment even though we have a BDO credit card? The details states that the applicant will be exempted from providing financial documents if he has a active BDO credit card. So does that mean we don’t have to provide certificate of employment?

Hi. I’m a student and may problem ako sa requirements ng parent ko about sa bank cert. May nakaindicate sa bank cert kung ano ano yung mga included, hiningi ng dad ko sa eastwest yung bank cert and ayaw nila ibigay yung 6 months ADB kasi yun daw ang format nila and kita naman daw sa bank statement yun. Pano po kaya pwede gawin?

You can still submit that.

hi, ask lang sana po ako. EX OFW po ako, just last 3 months i exited from my work in saudi. Can i still used my final COE even i am not working already from my previous company?? as of now i am still unemployed. thank you

I just want to confirm something. We are planning to go to Korea in December. Originally, we only plan for a 4-day trip but it can extend longer. Pwede bang ilagay sa application na four days lang ang stay. Magkakaproblema ba kung lalagpas ng 4 days ang stay ko? Thanks a lot.

Hi! You can stay longer than what you declared as long as pasok sa validity length nung visa.

Hi, would P30k be enough for a 5-day stay? Also, what if yung ADB ko is not that high. madalas na winiwithdraw ko lahat ng funds ko from my ATM. And, pwede ko bang gamiting personal savings account yung Payroll account ko? Thanks for your assistance.

Hi Sir, what it may savings account po ako nagkakalaman nmn po ung sahod ko po monthly kaso kinukuha ko rn po.tapos lalagyan ko po this month ng 25k.kukuha po kasi ako ng tourist visa for 5days.vacation po ng family ng bf ko.ok lng po ba un?

I have all the requirements for tourist visa application for Korea except that I cannot provide a copy of business permit from the mayor, I have just closed my business last january 2017. What else can I submit in place of the business permit?

I’m scheduled to get the result of my application on 2nd week of Dec. Can I still claim it even after the schedule given or I have to follow the date?

Thank you, Pao

Have a nIce day =))

Yes, if you are not available on the exact release date, you may claim it after the date, JUST TO MAKE SURE WITHIN A WEEK (for example, your original release day is Monday or up to Thursday, you may claim it up to Friday; if your release day is Friday, you may claim it on Monday the following week). I would suggest if you claim it after the release date, claim it PERSONALLY. But of course, I strongly recommend to claim it ON EXACT DATE if you really have a time or you are available that time.

Hello po..april 2018 po ung punta namin ng korea..through travel agency..tapos sila n din ang magpaprocess ng visa namin..magkano po kaya dapat ang laman ng account good for 4 days?this january n po kasi kami magpapasa ng requirements..thanks

Ask ko lng po, balak namen pumunta with the whole family pero si mama at si papa is wlang work at kme lng ng sister ko ang may work pero naka base kme s UAE, parehas may account ang parents ko s pinas at kme ng sister ko ang bank namen is from UAE, tatanggapin kya po nila un for requirement. paano po b kme mag aaply if ever?

Hi Jackie, feeling ko naman tatanggapin naman din un as requirements. Are your parents senior na? If so, may ibang set of requirements sila.

Not sure where you should apply, kung sa UAE or kung pwede sa Pinas. Best to call the embassy.

Thank you for this useful blog of yours. I just have a question:

We only have a marriage license and NSO marriage certificate is too long to process that it may not come on time with the date of our planned Korea trip? Will marriage license suffice. Thank you

Hi Ron. I honestly don’t know the answer to this, but if I were in your shoes, I would submit a copy of the marriage license and write a letter of explanation to justify. :)

I would like to ask if it is my 2nd time to apply for Korean Visa and I was approved the first time, is that considered to be part of the OECD visa requirement or no? Thank you. :)

Hi! Last time I applied, past Korean visas are not counted.

Hello what if my bank account is newly opened?i will open bank account this january and planning to go to Korea in february?

Not advisable. They will see that you just opened the account in the bank statement and it will raise more suspicions.

Plan namin ng younger sister ko pumunta sa SKorea this April, I’m a 2017 College fresh Grad while my sister is graduating high school this May, our mother will cover all the expenses, however, she is a businesswomen, so she doesn’t have employment supporting papers while my father is a government employee. Will an Affidavit of Support and Cover Letter (explaining that this is a graduation gift for both of us and will declare them as our guarantor) be enough to guarantee the approval of our Tourist VIsa?

Nothing can “guarantee” approval. Will you also be able to submit your mom’s business registration docs since she’s a businesswoman? If so, submit those too because they and your mom’s bank records will be required.

Hi po. Ask lang po if may chance po kayang maapprove ung visa namin for a 3days tour in sk.. unemployed po ako pero may enough money naman po ako on hand para sa trip and magsponsor din po yung mother ko. Kaso wala po syang itr kasi housewife lang po sya but may laman po ung account nya kasi every month syang pinapadalhan ng kuya ko na working in abroad. Ok na po kaya ung bank statement and bank certificate lang nya ung iaatach ko when applying for visa? Thanks po

Hi Yan! I think the safer way is to have your brother sponsor you instead?

follow up question po. ano ano pong requirements, kung si kapatid ang sponsor ng travel to SK? salamat po, god bless.

Hi Mervin. Di po namin alam pag unemployed kasi talagang requirement nila ang COE and ITR. Nirerequire pa rin nila yan kahit na sponsored ng iba ang trip.

Hi, I just opened a bank account last Jan.9 and planning to apply a korean visa on April 10. Is there any chance of being aproved? Its 3months old by that time. Hope to hear from you or from anyone here with same scenario. Thank you.

May chance naman but it depends on many other factors.

Hi i would like to knowkasi friend ko mag apply sya ng korean visa but tax exempted na daw sya pano yun wala na syang ITR?

Is this because of the new tax policy? 2018 lang yun na-implement pero ang ITRs are records of the previous year so hahanapan pa rin sya ng ITR from 2016 or 2017.

Hi thank you for the response. pano daw po if hindi tlaga sya na deducan simula nung pumasok sya sa work need ba nun ng letter galing sa employer na wala tlaga syang tax

Hmmm, naku, di ko na po alam kapag ganun. :(

Hi po. Just wanna ask if ok lang ba na local bank account ang gamitin ko for visa req? Or shud i open a new 1.. June po sana alis namin. Thank u in advance.

Yep! Okay lang local bank account.

Hi, I am planning to submit my documents to the embassy, however i am confuse if i need to still state my travel details when I went to HK, one is for tourism and one is just for a transit going to Shenzhen. Concern ko lng po is since hndi na po nag stamp si HK sa passport, need ko pa din po ba siyang state sa application form. Naisip ko lang po na bak mga kabearing since ang mkikita lang pong stamp is yung alis and arrival ko po sa Pinas. Thanks po

What if i already have visa and my flight will be on march but my visa expiration date on Feb. 21 , what should i do?

Hi po..just want to ask.. What if i got a VOID stamp on my Visa more than 3 years ago, and i’m planning to try again, Can i still apply for another one?. And on my application, do i need to declare that i got Void?

hi. i would like to know po. in a multiple entry visa for 3 years, we have 030 days as period of sojourn. what does that mean? 30 days for the whole 3 years? or 30 days per enter in korea?

30 days per trip

hello! me and my brothers are planing to go to korea on march. We are planning to present our family company’s ITR and Bank statement, would it be okay? also, under the details of Sponsor section in the application form, should i check yes for “do you have anyone sponsoring you for visa?” since we are claiming that the company will shoulder all our expenses. sorry if i have a lot of questions. hahaha. thank you in advance.

If you’re declaring that the company will be sponsoring your trip, then yes, you should check yes for that item.

However, based on our experience though, even if we were to be sponsored by a company, they still required that we submit our PERSONAL bank statement and ITR. :)

Hi! I’m a freelancer but the company I’m working for is based in the US. Will the sample COE letter apply to my case?

Yep, that’s okay. As long as they can vouch in a document/letter that you work for them and provide details of your arrangement with them.

Hi! Good day! I will apply for korean visa tomorrow, i have complete requirements. From COE, ITR, bank cert and statement, but I am worried with my amex card, having second thought of submitting it because i have used all my credit limit. Do you think, Will it be a problem? Thank you, your response will be much appreciated.

Hi can i ask if i dont have bankstatement is it fine ? but i have a cash money to support my vacation in korea . Because im my work was giving cash basis salary and i dont have time to go to bank

Based on our experience, they would still require bank statement unless you have other documents that can prove funds. It has to be documented somehow.

Hi I applied last January 23 and I was denied it said “I failed to qualify for the visa category I applied for”. I applied for a tourist visa under the employee category. And I plan to apply again what do you think should I apply under the self employed category because we have a family business.

What documents did you present since we also have a family business I am worried now that I will be denied. Thanks!

Is the family business named after you? Or can you produce any proof that you own that business in part? Because if you can’t, then I think you cannot use that business for your application.

hi. i would like to ask, i’m a student, and my first cousin who’s an OFW ang magssponsor s SK trip ko, at kasama din siya, if anong papers ang pede at dapat naming isubmit for application of visa???

Hello. We have same situation. Planning to apply for a Korean visa on January. OFW ako, and I’m planning to sponsor my cousin. What should i do? How’s your application po? Ok lang po ba mgsponsor ang non-immediate familymember? Hope you reply po. Thanks.

Check out this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/12/korea-visa-requirements-manila-embassy-application/

Note the requirements for students.

In addition, submit your sponsor’s employment, tax, and bank documents. Not sure if non-immediate family members are allowed to sponsor, but if they are, they might also ask for proof of relationship.

hi po. ask ko lang ano ano requirements pag galing ako ng saudi because OFW ko. then end of contract na ko by oct. and nagplaplan kame mgSK for vacation.ano mga need ko isubmit eh that time wala pa ko work. thnx

hi! Ask ko lang po kasi balak ko magapply ng korean tourist visa with my 3 years old daughter I have a Philippine passport but my daughter have a Nepalese passport because her father is a Nepalese. Pede ko Maya xa is a sa application ko Dto sa Korean Embassy sa Pinas…? TIA!

hi! Ask ko lang po kasi balak ko magapply ng korean tourist visa with my 3 years old daughter I have a Philippine passport but my daughter have a Nepalese passport because her father is a Nepalese. Pede ko kaya sya isabay sa application ko Dto sa Korean Embassy sa Pinas…Gusto ko kasi Osama sya.. TIA!

Hi Elijah, I’m sure pwede, but if she’s using a Nepalese passport, there might be additional documents. Possibly, photocopy of ACR I-Card and Philippine visa.

hello po. ask ko lang po sana kung ano ano requirements na ipapasa ko, kung ang brother ko sa italy ang mag sponsor sa akin travel to s korea? thanks po. god bless.

un employed din po pala ako. pero may bank account naman ako.

Hi! I’m planning to visit South Korea with my mom this coming April. She retired early because of health issues back then (breast cancer). This is her 10th year living as a cancer survivor so she decided to visit Korea as a treat. I have a regular job with around 30k salary, but unfortunately I only have 20k on my savings account. She has enough bank savings (around 1.5 m). Will we have a problem, considering that she doesn’t have a job and I only have a small amount of savings? Would there be a problem if she transfers 50k on my account this month and we apply for visa next month? Thanks.

Hi Ciel. I’m not sure we’re the best people to ask because we haven’t been in this situation. How old is your mom? I don’t think your mom is going to have a problem because it’s easy to explain (through a cover letter) that your mom retired early for the reason you mentioned, and since she has big savings in her bank account, that should be enough to cover the travel expenses.

The bigger problem is your bank account. Even if you add 50K, they will still see it on the bank statement. (But I guess that’s better than having 20K).

However, since you have a stable job and this is a family trip, there might still be a chance. If I were in your shoes, I would just have my mom sponsor the trip, declare that on the form, and explain it further in a cover letter. You would still be required to submit your bank documents, but you would have your mom’s bank docs too to support it.

Again, we’re not the right people to ask, but that’s what I would do if I were in a similar situation. :)

Hi. My husband and I just booked a flight to South Korea in May 2018. But he doesn’t have work because I’m the one who is employed. Can he submit my proof of income and our marriage cert when we apply for visa?

Hello po, I’m graduating on April 12 and our flight is on April 21. Will I apply as a student or an unemployed? My parents will sponsor my trip as a graduation gift. Also, I traveled to different countries na like Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia do you think it will increase my chances for the approval of my visa?

I will be traveling with my sister who is already working (pero medyo bago pa lang sa work niya) btw. Hope you can reply kasi we are really nervous po about applying and considering a travel agency na po :(

Apply for a visa before graduation so you can apply as a student. :)

If I am going to apply as an English Teacher in South Korea, what are the processes and kind of VISA I should get?

Hi Jay. I have no idea. We’re only familiar with the tourist visa.

how if you do not have ITR?

Hi! Thanks so much for this blog. We will be applying as a family. Im a housewife also. Does that mean for me and my kids we can submit a photocopy only of my husband’s bank cert, ITR and bank statement? Also, from our bank account, they didn’t specify the ADB but gave us a bank statement/transactions within 3yrs. Will that be ok? Thank you in advance

Yes to the first question.

Re bank account, if by default the bank doesn’t indicate the ADB in the bank certificate, yes, you can submit that regardless. BPI is like that, and it’s okay. But please note that you will still have to submit BOTH the bank certificate AND bank statement.

Hi! What if i’m newly employed (1 month) since i just graduated last year but i have been to korea twice before and have been to OECD countries like Australia, UK and Scotland, will i be denied? This is given that i will present my own savings bank statement and payroll account and other necessary requirements ( i might also attach my parent’s statements). Or is it ok to just submit my parent’s statements and state that they will financially support my trip?

Hi Joanne, even if you submit your parents’ statements, you will still have to submit your own bank docs and ITR. But yep, submitting your parents’ docs and presenting your travel history will help your application a lot. :)

what if i don’t have an ITR yet since i just got employed in my first job?

Write a letter explaining that, but provide other proof of income and employment like COE, payslips, etc. instead. :)

hi did the embassy calling banks to verify?

Ang alam ko hindi, pero pwede silang humingi sayo ng additional documents kung may duda sila.

I am newly employed but i have sufficient funds in my savings. (almost 100k). I will also use my parent’s details as my sponsor for this trip. Thus i will present their gold credit card and transactions, will I be granted a multiple entry visa given these conditions? Also do i need to present my own ITR despite my parents having a gold credit card?

Hello. Can I ask if Korean Visa has expiration if you won’t use it right away? Because I wanted to apply now but can I still use it for next year? Thank you

Your blog is very informative. I also have some questions and I hope you can help me. I am an OFW and I applied for my Korean visa here in the country I am presently working in. I will be travelling with my mother and she will process her application by herself in the Philippines. Kindly give me advise what documents I should present if I will shoulder her expenses. I am planning to send her my COE, bank certificate here in the country I’m working, and birth certificate. Do I still need to provide a copy of my approved visa, plane ticket, and a notarized copy of support to strengthen her application? Or a simple cover letter will suffice?

By the way, my mother is 59 years old, unemployed, with bank account around 50k balance ( Isend her monthly remittance). She has been to HongKong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore. Does she need to present her own bank documents as well? I know it could have been easier if we will apply together in the Philippines but I have a short vacation that’s why I applied here. Or is it better if I will ask assistance from a travel agency? Thank you very much.

Hi JB! A cover letter and notarized copy of support will surely help her application.

Yes, your mom would still need to submit a copy of her bank documents.

Hello! I have already applied for a Korean VISA and received a single entry last August 2017. However, I was not able to use it for the whole 3mos validity due to personal reasons so now, I am re-applying and hopefully get to fly by April 2018. Would like to know if I am now qualified to fill out Section 2: Visa Issuance Confirmation although I have never been in Korea?

Thank you so much! -Maj

NO. The Visa Issuance Confirmation is a separate document, different from a visa. We explained that in another post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/12/korea-visa-requirements-manila-embassy-application/#What_is_the_Visa_Issuance_Confirmation_in_the_Section_2_of_the_Application_Form

But we’ll add na rin to this post. :)

Thanks po for the confirmation and swift response!

I will be invited by my Korean friend. I have the following:

husband’s bank cert & statement (I’m a housewife.) husband’s ITR (Dec 2017) Korean friend’s invitation letter & passport (scanned copy)

Question is: Do I still have to provide my husband’s COE? We misplaced his latest one. :'(

YES. He should get another from his employer.

Thanks so much, Yoshke! You’re an angel! More power to you! :)

Hello po. next week pa mag eexpire visa ko can I apply for a new one asap?

Hi Wee, is it used na? If used na, pwede na. If unused pa, di namin alam. :(

Hi! Just want to ask if the embassy will accept appeals because I got denied but my girlfriend got approved. We submitted the necessary documents needed and we have almost the same answer on the application. The reason for my denied visa was ” The purpose of entry was not explained in detail”. We already have plane tickets and payed our lodging. Will they be considering it? Thanks in advance!

hi po we are planing to visit s korea since my husband is working their. posible po b gamit bank acct ko and COE ni mr? housewife po ako and kasama ko 2kids k. thank u

Submit the requirements listed under HOUSEWIFE above.

For the self-employed, doesn’t the COR serve as a substitute for the COE?

P.S. By self-employed, I mean as a professional instead of a business owner.

Hi. My wife and I both have a stable job in Bahrain. We are planning to travel SoKor next month. We are advised by the Korean Embassy here that we should have at least P200k on both of our bank accounts. Is it really that necessary? Thanks.

The embassy’s rules change depending on the country. The rules in PH is not the same in Bahrain. If the Korean Embassy in Bahrain says you need to have at least 200K, then follow that because there’s no better source than the embassy itself.

But that rule does not apply to applications lodged through the Korean Embassy in the Philippines.

Hi i’m planning to apply tourist visa on August for my November Korea trip however it’s bothering me kase sa july i will file my resignation so yung buong month ng August is nag rerender nalang ako and last month ko na din sa work yun. Okay lang po ba yon? Is the Korean Embassy going to check my status as an employee sa company namin? Hope to get answer to this question. Thank youuu!

Get your documents (COE, ITR, alphalist, etc) before you file your resignation. Tapos tsaka ka mag-apply.

As for kung tumatawag sila, not every time. I think bihira lang un, kapag may duda lang sila.

Hi po, I am a student and my father will sponsor my trip to korea. It says in the requirements for students that we need to provide an Alphalist. My father requested for it but it was not approved, confidential daw po kasi yon sabi nung HR department. Ano po pwede gawin?

We don’t know the answer to this kasi it’s a really new policy and wala pa kami masyadong alam about sa intricacies nung policy :(

Hi! Is it ok if certificate of employment is not original? I mean i will just print the COE sent to me thru email? With signature of company owner? Thanks!!

Hi Juliet, I’ve done this before and they accepted it. But this was last year. Mukhang mas strict na sila now so di ko na alam

Hi! I will be travelling to Korea this coming April 26 – May 1. I have a Multiple Visa but it will end on April 30, 2018. Usually, the immigration will put 30 days of stamp on the passport. My only concern is, will there be a problem if I don’t re-apply for my Visa even though I’ll be coming back on May 1?

Thank you very much.

on my assesment it doesnt matter, kasi ginamit mo ang entry visa mo before it exppires, yun naman arrival visa mo valid for 30 days stay sa korea, so there shouldnt be a problem

hello po. may itatanong lang po ako. kasi po kami po ng mama and little brother ko plano po magbakasyon this month sa busan korea. we are planning to stay there for 59 days po sana. pero po hindi po kame mags-stay sa hotel kasi po don po kami magsstay sa house ng friend ni mama sa busan korea. Kelangan pa po ba ng invitation letter from my mama’s friend from busan korea??? help po please. First time po kasi namin if ever eh. thank you po

Nasagot ko na ‘to sa kabilang page.

Yes, kelangan ng invitation letter and photocopy of passport/ID of nag-iinvite na taga-doon.

Hi, I don’t have a saving account but I have a pyroll savings account more then a year opened. Is that applicable or do I need to open a savings account? Thanks

I think payroll account is okay basta maayos ung ADB and current balance.

Hi! I am applying for a Korean Visa. I have an OECD VISA ( canada) but I wasn’t able to use it for some valid reason. Do I still need to get an ITR?

Hmmm. Di ko sure kapag unused ung visa. :(

Hi. Do they really stop accepting applications when you arrive say for example, at 8am? Like they turn you away form even entering? Or the line is simply long? Thanks

Hi Bibi, they have a maximum number of applicants that they can entertain. When they reach that number, they will no longer accept anyone.

What do u you show as proof that you have a Gold BPI/BDO credit card?

Hi! Is it ok na yung ITR form 2316 walang BIR recieved stamp or certified tru copy stamp. Sabi kasi ng BIR they dont stamp in form 2316 since last year. Ok lng ba yan? I have the alpha list with received stamp pero yung itr wala. Thanks in advance

good afternoon.

we are planning to travel to south korea with my family and my minor granddaughter will go with us. what is the requirement if a child is travelling with relatives without her parents.

many thanks.

Hi! You’ll need a DSWD Clearance. You’ll find the details in this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/dswd-travel-clearance-minors-application-requirements-frequently-asked-questions/

Is it possible to deny kung nag graduate na ng grade 10 sa school, tapos hindi pa ulit nkaka enrol sa ibang school pero may School certification din naman,.

Hi, my mother and I is planning to go to Korea next yr probably in the month of April. By that time, I will already graduate from school and is jobless (bec. I will be a fresh grad). Is it okay to indicate that I am still a student?

Hi! I honestly don’t know the answer to this. But if I were in your shoes, I’ll apply as someone sponsored by my mom then include an explanation letter saying na this is a graduation celebration trip.

Hi! I just applied for our Visa (mine and my family’s). I’m a newly grad and is currently waiting for the commencement exercises. I indicated that I’m unemployed and wrote a letter that I will not be able to provide anything including my diploma and TOR as it will be mailed after a month pa. I also indicated that I will be submitting requirements na equivalent sa student’s and I attached a certificate from the school stating na I graduated na. Got approved naman :)

Hi! I just wanted to ask if it’s possible to enter Korea via Taiwan? We just had our Korean visas approved and my family and I were planning to stop at Taiwan first for a few days then fly to Korea after. Hoping for your reply! :)

Yep, that’s possible.

Hi can i ask?.wla po kc akung itr ia2ply ko plang,nag wo2rk ako sa corporation ng ate ko,ok lang po ba na siya mag sponsor saken,yung bank account ko po lets say 100k po yung lamAn,ok lang po yung amount for 7day na pag stay sa korea,posible din kaya na magrant yung visa ko,thanks po..

Yep, okay lang yung 100K for 7 days. Pero kahit sponsored ka ng sister mo, malamang hingin pa rin yung ITR mo. Yun kasi experience ng teammate namin dati.

Hi, I am working as part timer/freelancer since Feb 2018, my questions are:

1. Is it possible to submit ITR from my previous job? since I am working now as part timer only means no tax, etc. or the ITR and Certificate of Employment with indicated salary should be tally? 2. How long it takes to get a personal bank certificate and original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook? should it be requested this from my bank?

Note: I am planning to apply tourist korean visa by July 2018. My boyfriend is working there 1 year already and invite me to visit korea since holiday there by 1st week of Oct 2018.

Thanks for advance answer!

1. Yep. 2017 ITR talaga ung needed now kasi every year lang un. And yes, pwedeng tingnan nila kung nagtatally ung ITR mo and COE, so my reco is to write an explanation letter.

2. Madalas, within the day or the next day, makukuha mo na.

Hi, may I ask for clarification: if I provide my ITR, do I still need to submit my form 2316 and company alphalist? The requirement posted on the korean website indicates, “ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight your name)”. Thanks!

I processed my visa application. Is it possible to have someone else claim my visa/passport? The thing is I’m far away from Manila and I’ll be busy during the release date/week.

Hi. I’m newly married and I still don’t have any other supporting documents (except for marriage contract) to prove it. All my ids including my passport are still in single status . Should i put it in my application that I’m still single or married? Thanks!!!!

Hi Wy, always declare the truth. So in your case, I think it’s best to declare you’re married. But just make sure you submit a copy of your marriage cert/contract and a cover letter explaining the situation.

hi! i’m still a student and the one who will sponsor me is my father’s brother but my parents aren’t married and i’m using my mother’s surname should i attached a letter with my application about my scenario???

Hi Chinchin, I’m not sure if nag-aapply to sa Korea pero sa Japan visa, what they would recommend sa ganyang situation ay magsubmit ng birth certificate mo + birth certificate ng dad mo + birth certificate nung uncle mo. Having all 3 BCs will prove your relationship with your uncle/sponsor.

Again, not sure if magwowork yan sa Korea. But that’s what I would do rin if I were in your shoes. Tapos add ako ng Cover Letter explaining the situation. I’d write something like, “My trip will be sponsored by (name), who is my uncle. My parents are not married and I’m carrying my mother’s last name, so we have different last names. But to prove our relationship, I’m attaching a copy of my, my father’s and my uncle’s birth certificates.”

Something like that. That’s just me, though.

Thank you po for the info,, eto last na po kaya po kasi kami pupunta ng korea is for a convention with our school ung isa ko po kasing classmate her sponsor is a relative who is an ofw and they don’t even have the same surnames alam niyo din po ba if ganto ung case?? thank you po ulit

Does every one need to submit a birth certificate? I’m not a minor or a student, just an employee. I was invited by a Korean institute which will pay for everything.

Di naman listed ang birth certificate sa requirements pag employee.

HI! 100 thousand per person? because we are three …two adult and one child (5yrs old only) thanks.

Hi! I’m a first time traveller. also a student. and got my invitation letter from Korea, in our Ministry. Paano po kung kaka opened lng po ng parents ko ng passbook s bdo? Is it valid? yun nlang po kulang s requirements ko po eh. flight po sa july 22 na. at mag pprocess n po kmi ng visa this may. bayad n po ako s reg fee ,accomodation, food, and ticket.

Requirement kasi talaga nila yung 3-month history ng bank account. Tinitingnan kasi nila ung maturity and ung activity ng account. If your trip is sponsored by your ministry, you can try getting a letter from them instead and other proof of purpose of travel. Pero walang guarantee yun.

hnd ko po ksi alam noon e. 3 mos po pla s bank account.

Hi! Employed ako pero mom ko yung magsponsor ng trip ko. Pwede bang yung bank statements ng parents ang isubmit? Onting funds lang kasi pag account ko e. Thank you!

Yes, i-declare mo lang that your parents will be sponsoring your trip. Then submit both your parents’ and your own bank and employment documents.

hello, i’m applying for visa and my aunt is supporting me and she is working s an ofw in the middle east but i will not be able to give her coe neither a bank statement will that still be applicable???

There’s a big chance your application would be denied if you couldn’t provide those docs.

Good afternoon,, ung mom ko po is may bank account pero joint account po siya pero sa kanya naman daw po mainly nakaname pwede po ba na un ung ipasa ko???

I’ve tried submitting a joint account bank cert & statement before, naapprove naman. So I think di sya issue as long as okay ung ibang requirements.

Hi! I am employed but my mom will shoulder all the expenses. Need ko pa ba isubmit bank statements nya or any supporting documents from her? Thank you!

Yep, you will need to submit both your own and your mom’s financial and employment documents.

Hi! I tried calling the embassy and tinanong ko if need pa ba ng bank statements of my mom kasi sya yung mag sponsor ng trip ko. Sabi nung nakausap ko, I only need to submit affidavit of support and no need na ng bank statements. I also can’t provide employment documents ng mom ko kasi wala syang work. Parang may business lang kami na nagtitinda ng fruits pero hindi din registered. I am employed btw. I’m confused.

Hi Maria, you can join our support group kasi baka may mga may similar case sayo. The members might be able to help. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Follow up question po. Pano if walang employment documents mom ko? I mean, we own a land and nagtitinda ng fruits and veggies ganon.

Hello! I am a fresh grad, graduated Feb 2018, so technically unemployed right now. I plan on going to South Korea this June 2018 with my friend. My mom is financially capable and will be sponsoring my whole Korean trip, sort of like my graduation gift. I also have been to South Korea twice in the past five years though that was when I was still a student. I plan on applying as a student, following the requirements for students but my main problem is the School Certificate since I am not enrolled anymore. Any advice on what document I can use instead of the School Certificate?

Hi Giselle, if I were in your shoes, I’d just submit a cover letter telling the truth and explaining that I recently graduated and that this trip is a graduation gift from my mom. Then submit an affidavit of support from your mom.

Hi! My Korean visa was denied last November 2017 but what is sadder is that I was granted two Korean visa previously – December 2016 – september 2017. The reason that was indicated on the piece of paper was – reason number 5 (not qualified for the visa that you are applying ) but in the website the reason is number 7 – (the purpose is not clear) I tried figuring out what was the reason why I was denied. Maybe because my money during the third time I travel was only 30k and I don’t have a letter of invitation or maybe I travel too often to Korea……but last night I was talking to a travel agent and she told me that the reason why I was denied was because I stayed in Korea for a month. She said I lied… because in the application form I only stated that I will stay only for 20 days. I can re apply again and I am anxious of getting denied.I want to know based on your experience and knowledge, is it true that it matters that you follow what was said in the application form? I mean the fact that they gave you 59 days of stay – it doesn’t matter how long will you stay as long as you don’t overstay? I work is home-based job and I can work anywhere I want so I can really work anywhere so it is the reason why I can stay longer in any country. Please enlightened me. Thank you

Hi Kat, it could be any of several other factors. We’d need more details to form an opinion. What did you declare as your purpose of travel? To tour or to visit someone? What did you declare as your accommodation in Korea? A hotel or a friend’s address?

I just wrote tourism as my purpose of travel in the application for. During my first and second application ( that was granted ) I also indicated that it was for tourism but with letter of invitation and with a guarantee that my friend will help me with the accommodation( with their home address ) On my third application , I applied without an invitation and with tourism/ travel as a purpose. By the way since I was denied last November , I went to Jeju island last January to experience winter and last April for the cherry blossoms. SO technically i’d been to Korea four times already.

Hi I would like to ask regarding the employee category, since I am a contract of service/ contractual, would I be denied?

Hi Inah, not necessarily. I’ve applied as a freelancer/contract-basis before, naapprove naman. Although, un nga, mas strict daw ngayon. You can submit other proof of income/employment to be sure.

Hi. My korea visa was denied last Jan.6,2020. May duration ba kung kailan pwede mag enter ng Jeju after ma-denied? Kasi I’m going to Jeju on Jan.19,2020. I’m worried if baka di ako payagan ng Jeju Immigration due to denied visa which is less than a month palang. Please help. thank you.

I have no idea about that. Sorry. :S

Hello Yoshke Dimen :) I’ve been reading all your replies sa mga nagtatanong regarding for fresh grad. with no work yet. May I ask, in my case, yung Tita ko mag su-support ng trip as a graduation gift. She will be the one that will make the letter, right? And my supporting files like bank statement, etc., who should provide? From my parents or from my auntie that will sponsor the whole trip. Thank you. :)

Hi Patricia, I’m not sure. I think your tita should provide the docs. For good measure, you can also submit an affidavit of support from your tita. Hassle pero mas binding yun kaysa simpleng letter.

Hi Tanong ko lang kailangan daw ng school certificate sabi ng agency but my son graduated already last March at timing din na enrollment ngayon so the school wouldnt entertain school cert for visa and they would be releasing their diplomas after 6 months pa,whats the best alternative to do?

Hi Mary Ann, it doesn’t need to be a diploma. According to some members of our FB group who were in the same situation, they were able to secure a certificate (a letter) from the school stating that the kid studied at that school within a certain period. The embassy will understand that it’s school break or you can write a cover letter pointing it out. But you will still need some sort of certificate from the school.

I didn’t experience this. Just relaying info.

Hi! Ask ko lang po regarding sa ITR. Pwede ba ung walang BIR stamp? I went to their office and they said it’s already valid even without the stamp. And regarding din sa COE, okay lang ba kahit walang compensation at company address na nakalagay? Or okay lang na gumawa na lang ako ng cover letter to state the missing information? Advice naman po. Thank you!

Hi I’m planning on applying for a visa here in Dubai (and obtaining requirements here) but I’ll be flying to South Korea from the Philippines. Would that be alright?

Hello! I am applying for a Korean visa and I am still a student and I just wanted to ask if it is okay to pass the bank certificate and statement of my sponsor or should it be my parent’s bank cert and statement only? Thank you! Have a great day!

Hi Maya, if your parents have sufficient funds in their account, best if parents kasi it won’t raise as many questions.

Hi! I’m currently working as a caddy but I dont have ITR and ayaw mag issue ng company ng COE cos our job is not considered as their employee. I have my bank account po and my trip will be sponsored by my boyfriend which is korean po. I have all the docs po pati ng sponsor ko yung ITR and COE lg po kulang. May chance po ba ma grant visa ko? Im planning to apply on august. Any help and advice will be considered. Thank you po.

Hi. Nice read! I’ll be travelling to Korea this November and the only OECD country I have visited is Japan last November 2016. I was a granted a single-entry VISA for that. I am a bit confused about the “frequent traveller” tag. I’ve been to Japan only once and have never been to any other OECD country, and from my own understanding, in order for me to qualify as a “frequent traveller”, I must have visited an OECD country “more than once” within the last five years. Since it says in the Korean Embassy website “OECD visa/s and arrival stamps”, I assumed that you have to have travelled more than once. But since I’ve only travelled once to Japan, I’m really confused if i will be considered as a “first time traveller” or a “frequent traveller”. I’m worried that this might jeopardize my trip, because if i consider myself a frequent traveller (btw, i will be applying through a travel agency because i live in Palawan), i might get denied simply because i just fail to satisfy the requirements of a frequent traveller. Do you think i should just apply a first time traveller and disregard my single-entry OECD visa? Do you think I should submit the photocopies of my Japanese VISA and still submit the ITR and the Company Alphalist just to be sure? I would like to solicit your thoughts about my predicament. Thank you very much.

Hi Markie, according to our go-to travel agency, if you have a USED OECD visa, even if you only have one (as long as it’s used), there is no need for an alphalist.

I’m just relaying info, by the way. I’m not sure, either. What I would do though is still get an alphalist if I could, so if in case they ask for it, I’d be ready. It’s so hard to apply these days. Better be ready for anything.

the OECD thing is a little bit confusing, I have been approved for a single entry Visa in Korea last year. The question is, will it be considered as an OECD visa that exempts me from submitting the ITR.

Hi AJ, in the past, the embassy website explicitly says that past Korean visas are not counted as OECD. That bit of info is no longer up on the website so I don’t know if that still applies now.

Thank you for your response. Yes. I’d also secure the company alphalist just to be sure. you’re right, it seems more difficult to apply nowadays. I’ve read horror stories how some applicants were denied a visa when they’ve already been to OECD countries and have a considerable amount in their bank accounts.

Good luck, Markie! And thanks for visiting our blog!

Hi i got an approval on my visa but my husband until now which is 5th day after we apploed doesnt have any result yet. It says in the online when we check is application received. Does this mean he is denied? We check as well his email but no email from Korean embassy if they need supporting documents. Thanks in advance

Hi Mitch, just wait a little bit more. Most applications are assessed individually talaga.

Hi. What do you think is the minimum ADB that they require? Is 10k enough?

They don’t say. But 10k might be too low.

Hi Yosh! I’ve overheard my boss this morning mentioning the words “alphalist”, “embassy” and “2316” while having a phone conversation. Rings a bell. Out of curiosity, I asked him if he would be going to Korea. Turns out he was sponsoring her daughter for her Korean visa application. My boss has a used Australian VISA for his travel last year. Is he exempted from submitting the ITR and the company alphalist? Thank you. Btw, he also has BDO Gold.

Hi Markie, yep, he himself is exempted from submitting an ITR if he’s the one applying/traveling. But if it’s his daughter applying, I think he will still have to provide those unless may supplementary card yung daughter. I’m not that familiar with the rules surrounding the card coz I haven’t done it myself.

Thanks! I just told him to request for a copy of the company alphalist and submit everything. baka masisi ako kapag sinabi kong pwede na OECD visa nya. Hehe. Thanks ule!

Yep! And always better to bring whatever he can kasi mahirap na. Ang hirap pumila sa Korean Embassy ngayon. Sayang ang time if babalik pa.

Hi! My student is inviting me to go to Korea. Their parents will be

sponsoring my trip including round trip airfare, food and

accommodation and other expenses that I need during my stay

there. I plan to stay there for 5 days. My question is, is this an

advantage for my Visa getting approved? They are doing this as a

sign of gratitude for being their children’s tutor in the last 6

Hi Jeny, it all depends on how well you can provide the requirements.

If they can provide all the requirements required from sponsors, that’s fine.

In my opinion though, I believe having someone sponsor your trip complicates things. It’s much simpler to apply as someone shouldering own expenses. However, that only works if all requirements are met.

Hi I have a previous USED korean visa (single entry) is it considered as a OECD visa? that would exempt me from providing an ITR.

Hi AJ, in the past, the embassy website explicitly says that past Korean visas are not counted as OECD. I don’t know if that still applies now.

Hi good day! I am invited by my korean friend to visit in SK June 30 and he will cover all the expenses. I don’t have any bank statements/ certificate to present as it was newly opened account ( 2 mos ago ). Will it be okay if I submit a copy of a bank statement/certificate of my sponsor -my Korean friend?

Our travel date is on September 22-29. Can I apply on June 28? I’m confused if the start date of the visa is the date when you applied or the date it was issued. Thank you.

The date it was issued.

Hi.. schedule ko po sana ng application of korean visa bukas. Ang problema yung bnk certificate ko bukas pa mailalabas kase isa lang nk duty na pipirma na bank officials. Bukas pa mapipirmahan. Ask ko lang if pwede bang to be follow up yung bank certificate providing a letter na maisa submit ko din within the day. Balak ko kase mauna ako sa embassy then yung friend ko ang kukuha ng certificate ihabol nya nalang sa akin.

Please reply. Thank you

Hi! Meron na po ba may alam na case, na after mag apply ng visa (approved) nagresign sa work? Wala naman po bang naging problem? Plan ko kasi mag resign after magpa visa. Thanks!

‘Yung potential na magiging problem mo is Immigration. Usually, ina-ask kung ano work mo palabas ng Pilipinas.

mahihirapan po ba sa immigration pag nalaman na nag resign ka bago lalabas ng bansa?

Pwede, kasi baka isipin nila na maghahanap ka ng work dun.

Hihingian po ba ng COE pag sa immigration?

If you get picked for secondary inspection, pwede sila humingi ng COE.

Hi! My son and I will be applying for a Korean Visa. I would like to ask your opinion regarding the portion for EDUCATION. My son’s graduation is on June 29, 2018, so technically he has no Bachelor’s Degree yet. And under EMPLOYMENT, we checked STUDENT (he already has a certification from the university) Is it right if we will just check OTHERS and explain that he is yet to graduate on June 29, 2018. Thank you.

Hello, I just want to ask if business visa to Hungary is already considered as an acceptable Korean Visa Requirement for visa to OECD country?

Hello, I’ve check bdo website and it says there that they extended the tie up with bdo bank only until Dec 2018.

I also have question about my situation, can I apply for visa even if my visa is not yet expired but already USED?. (Exp on july 26,single entry)

So I can use my bdo gold credit card. Even ifthe I dont have bank statement and bank certificate?

we are applying family visa.. but i forgot to secure school certificate ng anak ko kc bakasyon na.. report card is okay kaya? or any proof na shes studying on that institution?

You can write a letter explaining just that. But yes, if walang school cert, you can submit other documents to prove it.

Your blog is very informative! Thank you!! By the way , I have some questions tho..

* Is there a possibility that you’ll get denied sa visa application if less than a year ka pa sa new work mo? Even though you can submit your ITR from your previous employer.

* Since I just got a new job this year. For the alphalist with BIR stamp. What alphalist do I have to submit? From the previous or current company? I’ve heard na e attached yung alphalist mo sa ITR. I’m confused.

Please advise. Thank you so much!!

Hi Drazzel,

Regarding being with your company for only less than a year, I don’t think that would be a problem. On my 2nd application, I was in the same situation. I just moved from one company to another. So I just wrote a cover letter explaining that.

Same with the alphalist. I’m not sure which one is the right one to submit, but either way, just write a cover letter to clear things up.

Hi! I don’t know if you have any experience on this but I would like to ask a question regarding application. I will be applying for my 4th Korean visa (first 3 were approved) but this time, I only have a few days left before my actual departure to Korea since the trip was spontaneous.

I am leaving on July 6, 2018 (Friday) but I will be applying for visa on June 29, 2018 (Friday), so exactly a week before departure because one of my requirements will only be issued on June 28. I have OECD so the processing time will only be 3 days so by July 3 or 4 I should be getting the result.

My question is, the fact that I am applying only a week before my actual departure date, will it negatively affect my chances of getting an approved visa? I am confident that my requirements are complete and I have sufficient money to shoulder the trip. It’s just that the trip was really spontaneous.

Hi Anne, no. They’re used to cases like that. Yung last application ko ay tight din.

Hi, I would like to ask, we will going to Korea, next year pa naman. Kasama ko mom ko and Lola. My problem is, yung mom ko is plain housewife, she have a bank account naman pero di ganoon kalaki. Pwede ba na gumawa ako ng affidavit of support na ako yung mag ssponsor sa trip namin? Kahit parehas na first time kami na pupunta ng korea? Kasi i have all the requirements, and i have bank account din na enough para samin dalawa. And yung lola ko naman, ganoon din she is 59 years old. No work and bahay lang. Pero she have a Bank account na kaya niya mag tour ng korea. Possible kaya na madeny siya? Tatlo kaming pupunta. Thank you! :)

Hi SP, I think makakatulong yung Affidavit of Support kasi I think binding naman yun if notarized. I would do the exactly the same if I were in your case.

Then write a letter explaining why you want to travel with her and that this is a family trip. They’re usually more forgiving to families traveling together. :)

HI, ARE MANILA RESIDENTS CAN APPLY IN KOREAN EMBASSY – CEBU ? I WILL BE ASSIGNED IN CEBU FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THANK YOU

Hi! Will it be ok to go to SK a few days before the end of the validity of the visa? I plan to stay for a week and my return would be beyond the validity of the visa. I read somewhere that your return to the Philippines should be within the 90 day validity period issued for the visa.

Hi! Would you know if, for the Bank Statements, I can use the ones generated by BPI Express Online? The requirements kasi state “Original or certified true copy of bank statements” — which I’m not sure would cover something I printed off from BPI’s portal. Thank you!

PS – Would you have any idea how much “show money” would be somewhat acceptable for a 12-day stay? I’d be super grateful for any input!

Hi Michelle. I haven’t tried submitting a BPI account for a visa application, but from what I know, if BPI Express, you will still need a copy from the bank itself. You’ll need to call the hotline and request for it, and then pick it up at a BPI branch.

Regarding show money, #12 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/south-korea-visa-filipinos-frequently-asked-questions/

Hi…i have a problem with my dti..there is a discrepancy in my middle name…what should i do? Will i be able to apply for a korean visa?

Regarding the new rules with Korean Embassy. Does it affect the Visa promo of BPI and BDO Mastercard holder? Can I still apply directly in the Embassy using one of the MasterCard?

Hi Tezah. Via agency na rin yung BPI and BDO promos, I think.

Hi! It is said that we can still apply directly to the Embassy in Cebu. Can my cousin run the application for us? Thank you for your answer.

Hi! I think so, yes. Basta complete ang requirements.

Hi Good Day!

Yung HR po kasi namin nasa ibang bansa, magkakaproblem po ba ako kung yung phone number na ibibigay ko sa CoE eh landline galing sa ibang bansa? Marami pong salamat! :)

Hi! Okay lang po yun. ‘Yung isang apply ko, nasa Singapore yung office na binigay ko sa COE.

Marami pong salamat! Pwde din po kaya na yung office address sa SG yung gagamitin ko? Or pwde po ba na hindi magkaparehas yung office address sa ITR tska sa COE? Lumipat po kasi kami ng office.

Hi! I’m a fresh grad po, and still reviewing for my board exam this upcoming September, and I will also take the NMAT on October for medical school admission next year. My family plans on going to South Korea on December. Basically, for the time we’re supposed to apply for a visa, I do not have any work yet. But my parents are going to support my finances. I’m scared of not having my visa application approved. What documents do I need to present to the embassy in my case? I’d really appreciate any replies, thank you very much! Hope you could help me.

Hi Icy, what month will you be applying? If I were in your shoes, I’d write a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and your situation (that you’ve just taken the NMAT, etc.) and then submit proof. I’m not familiar with NMAT but is there anything that you can submit to prove that you’ve just taken it and is just waiting for results?

May I ask if a Manning Agency can apply Transit Visa for Seafarer through walk in application ? Thank you

Hi Rodelyn, naku wala kaming alam sa transit visa. :(

Hi! Currently, I’m unemployed and just waiting for my review for Architecure board exam which will start on Sept 3. But our travel date will be on August 31. I’m afraid my Visa application will be rejected. I already have a certification from my review center which states that I am enrolled and the details of my review. I also have my review center ID. What are the other requirement that I should pass? And also, my father will support my finances for the trip. But he will not travel with me. I will travel with my sister and mother only. Is this possible? I can also produce my own bank certificate for back up docs if ever needed. Would really appreciate for you reply. Thank you.

Hi vek, I think you still have a shot at having your application approved. Just write a cover letter explaining that you’re traveling with family and that you’re currently taking a review program for the board exam. Then send a copy of your review center ID and certification. I don’t know anyone who’s in the same situation but I would certainly do that if I were in your shoes.

Note that you might still need to submit your own bank cert in addition to your dad’s documents.

Hi good eve po..ask ko lng po sna pnu kung ung bf ko mag invite s akin punta ng South Korea anu po dpat gawin wla n p nmn me work..thanks po

Hi Mhey, if unemployed, mahihirapan talaga maapprove unless may valid reason (retired, student, etc.).

I am currently working at Dubai and wishes to visit Korea on September 14, 2018. One of the requirements on applying visa here overseas is your Dubai visa should be valid for 6 months on the date of travel other wise you should get visa from your country of origin if youare not a uae national. My visa will expire on march 01, 2019 so i will be short of 2 weeks. how do i process my visa in the Philippines if I cant do it personally. Also, if I can how are the procedure and requirements?

hoping for your assistance. thanks

Hi Daryl, you can contact a travel agency or ask someone (a relative or a friend) to ask on your behalf sa travel agency pa rin. Di naman kelangan ng personal appearance pag nag-aapply. As for the requirements, same lang din ng requirements as listed here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/new-korean-visa-requirements-application/ .

If hindi nagaapply, kung ano equivalent sa Dubai. Example, instead of ITR, you can send a copy of nung tax docs mo dyan sa Dubai.

Hi. My boyfriend and I are both freelancers. Our travel date is Aug 16, 2018. We are music teachers and we offer home based lessons so wala po kaming ITR and certificate of employment na mapapakita. We’ll just make an explanation letter regarding our concern pero ano pa kayang pwede namin ipakita na proof para ma-approve kami? Will it help kung may friend kami na nasa Korea tapos papagawa kami ng letter of invitation sa kanya? Would really appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Hi Gen, kahit na may letter of invitation kayo, they would still assess your application based on your personal situation (financial, employment, etc.). You can try making an explanation letter bakit wala ka ITR and then hingi ka ng letter from your clients (or sulat ka tas papirmahan mo lang sa kanila) certifying na hina-hire ka nila as music teacher. Pero no guarantee yan. Mahirap kasi talaga pag walang employment proof.

I’m a Filipino passport holder, residing in the Philippines. I will be attending a conference in Korea, August this year. However, I’m coming from Japan since I have a 10-day short course there.

Can I apply for a Korean passport here in the Philippines? Or I have to apply for a Korean Visa in Japan?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Cherry, you can apply here in PH. Just make sure you’ll give your application enough time before you leave for Japan so you have your passport with you.

Hi! I have a friend and na deny ang Korean Visa nya this July lang, but sabi nung agency nya mag re-apply daw agad ulit after a week yung friend ko sa Korean Consulate sa Cebu at yung agency parin ang magpprocess. Is it possible na pwede agad mag re-apply kahit hindi nasunod yung “after 6 months” na rule?

Hi Tala, as far as I know, may 6 months na rule talaga. I’m not sure if di nag-aapply yun if sa Cebu mag-reapply.

Hi i have a business here in Philippines and i also complete all the documents they need for tourists visa i provide bank certificate, bank statement, Business permit, DTI, ITR, i have money to travel i have business here in Philippines i can prove to go back here i also went to other countries here in Asia. My reason to travel is just for tourists. I am wondering why they denied me they also ask me one year bank statement i send to them but they didn’t approve my visa application. My question is why? I would like to ask too who are in charge in korean embassy (filipino po ba) because i am really wondering why they should give me reason why they denied me. Can i call the korean embassy to ask what category of visa do i need to apply for. Thank you and i hope to hear you soon.

Hi! How many days yung inapply mo?

But yes, you can call the embassy to ask kung ano category dapat apply-an mo.

Hi! Good Day! Tanong ko lang po, may branch kasi yung office namin dito sa pinas pero yung HR namin sa SG. Okay lang ba na SG telephone number yung ibigay sa CoE? Marami pong salamat! :)

Hi Nie, explain mo lang yan sa cover letter para malinaw sa kanila. :)

Hi Yoske! We’ve been to South Korea 1st week of July 2018, thanks to your great blog! However, is there a timeline when we could apply again for SoKor visa? Since it’s a single entry visa, we might want to try applying for multiple entry. Pwede bang mag apply agad after ma-expire yung single entry? If not, how many days or months? Thanks in advance and more power to you and your blog!

Hi Sam! Ang alam ko, wala namang rule sa pag-apply ulit if granted and used naman yung previous. Pwede ka apply ulit anytime basta expired/used na ung visa. Yun ang alam ko. :)

Hello Yoshke. I will be submitting our (family of 5) requirements here in Cebu. I just want to be sure if the cover/explanation letters should be addressed to The Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu. Thanks!

Yep! Sa consulate naka-address :)

Hi! I have a live in partner who’s working in Singapore for almost 8 years now,we have a son turning 6 this August,we are applying for a korean visa and plans to go together, what are the requirements needed for a housemom with no work,no itr but i do have a bank account the source of income is from my live in partner in singapore. Do i still have to request for affidavit of support for me and my son? thank you in advance..

Hi Bianca, I don’t know for sure but yes, I think you would need an Affidavit of Support. I’d also write a cover letter and explain my relationship with the sponsor, if I were in your shoes.

Hi ask ko lang po kasi mag-apply po kami ng visa sa December and yung flight is Jnauary next year. Yung mama ko po kasi employed siya kaso wala po silang HR. Bale yung pinka-boss siya na rin pong tumatyong HR at nagpa-process ng pag-recruit at payroll. Paano po kaya ang gagawin sa certificate of employment?

I-explain na lang po nung boss nya dun sa Certificate of Employment yung situation. Make sure na lang na andun ung mga required details like contact number ng boss nya. :)

Just wanted to ask if you have tried submitting a bank statement that is downloaded online but signed and certificated the branch of account? I have a BDO account and downloaded my transaction history for the last 90 days (limited by online banking). When I went to my branch of account to request for a bank cert, I asked one of the staff if they can certify my downloaded statement and she agreed. She stamped the last page with Certified True Copy and signed it free of charge. Would that be okay to submit as Statement of Account? Thanks!

Meron po ba nakaranas dito na approved ung Korean visa tapos nag resign after. Paano po pag sa immigration? Thank you

Me! Our trip was from August 22 to 25, 2016. I applied for a visa on July 29, 2016 and got approved on August 2 or 3, 2016. Then I resigned on August 5, 2016. Hehe! Wala namang anything major na tinanong sakin sa immigration. Parang wala akong maalalang tinanong ako about my work actually. Pagdating sa Korea, I remember wala din masyado tinanong sakin. Parang wala ngang tinanong e. Tinignan lang mukha ko and yung photo ko sa passport. You’re safe. Basta poker face ka lang. lol

Hi po! Ask ko lang if pwede po ang 50k na show money for 4 days na travel sa South Korea? Thanks

Pabasa na lang po nung #12

Hi! I am a fresh graduate, currently unemployed and reviewing for board exams (which will be on November 2018). Travel plans will be around end of Nov to December but only for just 3-4 days. I’m going to apply for the visa through the BDO card promo and I have the card on my name and I also have a recent travel to the US. I have a bank account that my OFW mom regularly sends money in. Is it okay if I apply as an unemployed and just provide the bank statement that would cover all my costs? Would those be enough or should I include a cover letter explaining my circumstances? Thanks!

You need a letter to explain that you just graduated and you’re reviewing for board exams and attach proof.

Hi sir, is it helpful to show that you have a credit card? Hindi po sya bdo/bpi. If so, anong kelangan iattach dun? Thank you!

Hi Jane, I think it can be helpful basta it shows na you’re paying diligently.

Hi. Is there a chance to get visa approval if the certificate of employment has no landline number since the province where im working has no landline yet?thanks

If the company can explain that in the certificate, that would be helpful.

Hi! I am also a freelancer (virtual assistant). I have an ITR (Self-employed) and also have a Certificate of Registration. I want to be on the safe side and also submit certifications from my clients. In your visa form, did you declare self-employed or employed since you are submitting a COE similar document?

Self-employed. I explained it din in a cover letter that I would be submitting letters/certifications from clients.

The Embassy asked us to submit parents consent, does that mean we are already approved after we send that or not yet?

Hi Shin, no idea. Parang not necessarily.

That what we thought too, since we are 19 already, our requirements are complete but the korean embassy asked us to send a parent consent to them. we are sponored by our parents for our trip.

Hi, I have Korean friend, soon to be part of our family. He invited me to go to Korea, since he will be needing my help to prepare a lot of things specially his soon to be wedding with my sister next year. He would like me to stay at least 2 – 3 months. I am currently employed, I can produced ITR and bank statement. Will my visa application gets approved for that period of time? He will pay and provide accommodation including food during my stay. What would be the best option for me? I can deposit maybe around 100k on my BPI account. Your advice is highly appreciated.

Hi Moon! Make sure you have an Invitation letter from your Korean contact (make sure it explains why he’s inviting you) and a copy of the inviter’s passport.

It’s also great that you’re employed and you have ITR, COE and bank statement because you will still have to submit them even though your trip is sponsored. However, I’m not sure about the length of your stay. I have no experience applying for a stay that long. But since you’re employed, I think you will also have to submit leave of absence proof. Not sure. Best to consult the agency where you’ll be applying through.

By the way, when is your trip? If your travel date is near, don’t deposit 100K into your account. It will look fishy and highly suspicious.

Hi, I’m a freelancer so I ticked ‘Self-Employed’ on the Visa Application Form. Although I’m not sure what to put under Employment Details, Name of Company and address of company. What did you put in yours? Should I put my client’s details? By the way, my trip is for one of my clients so they’ll produce coe, letter, etc, for me.. I’m just torn on whether I should put their details in the application form. Please help!

Hi Andz, if you’ll have COE and the trip is for your client, I think it’s best to declare you’re an employee, not self-employed.

If you tick self-employed, make sure you have business registration documents.

Thanks so much for your helpful answer. The client is based overseas though, not PH. Will it make any difference? Thanks again!!

I’ve done that before. My client was also based overseas. I declared EMPLOYEE kasi they issued a COE naman for me. I just made sure that my employment arrangement was explained clearly in the COE. Na-approve naman. But this was before they turned over much of the process to the travel agencies. I’m not sure if nag-strict na sila about it though.

I’m a freelancer po. Yung company po ng client ko is registered sa Belize pero, sa Thailand siya nakatira ngayon. Ano po ang Address at contact number na ilalagay sa COE? Yung sa Belize po ba or yung sa Thailand?

Belize po yung address, kung saan nakaregister ung company. Sa number, kung anong number best macocontact ung client mo. If may physical office sila sa Belize and kaya nila iconfirm na you work for them, sa Belize na lang. Pero if yung nasa Thailand talaga best na kausap, number nya na lang although medyo weird. Di ko sure ito ha, ito ay sa tingin ko lang.

Pwede po kaya na certificate of earnings na lang from upwork?

Makakatulong yung certificate of earnings + letter of explanation but best if meron pa ring COE from your client pa rin, complete with details so they can confirm.

Hi. Ask ko lang, I was denied last April 2018. Mag aapply kasi ulit ako sa January. Minimum lang sahod ko, makakaapekto ba yun sa pag apply? and first time ko lang mag oout of the country if ever.

Hi Cherry Anne, did they tell you the reason for denial?

Reason is “you failed to quality the visa category that you applied for”

I submitted all the documents that they need, but my COE dated January 2018 then March po ako nag apply pala. Akala ko pwede pa yun. Then ung money ko 40k lang sa bank acct kasi nakakabasa ako ng mga first time out of the country pero naapproved naman. But ngayon po plan ko taasan ng 80k bago ako mag apply ung bank acct ko and papainvite po ako sa bf ko., kaso worried lang ako kasi first time out of th country ko if ever and 10k minimum lang sahod ko

Naku, maaaring combination ng maraming reasons kung bakit ka nadeny. Yung COE + mababa yung funds + walang travel history.

If may bf ka sa Korea, maaaring naging factor din yun. Mas mahigpit sila if may kakilala ka dun lalo na if bf/gf.

Ilang days yung inapply mo dati?

And when you said tataasan mo to 80K, paano mo tataasan yun? If biglaan yun, fishy yun para sa embassy and magiging dahilan din yun na madeny ka ulit.

salamat po. update ko po kayo once na magokay visa ko hopefully po :)

may ipon po ako sa savings ko hindi naman po sya biglaan na nilagay lang po dun. before po hindi po ako nagpainvite sa bf ko , mas ok po ba kung hindi din ako papainvite sakanya this time na mag aapply ulit ako?

It’s simpler and mas walang complications kasi kapag walang nag-invite pero okay lang yun kung kayang magstand ng documents mo on their own. Syempre mas maganda if truthful ka sa application.

Hi, i have two passports. Taiwan and Philippines. Can I leave PH using my PH passport and then use my Taiwan passport upon entering Korea since it doesn’t need a Korean visa. Then when leaving Korea, I’ll use my Taiwan one and PH when arriving in the PH?

The Philippine Immigration would ask for the Korean VISA in your passport at the immigration counter before boarding your flight. Even though you have Taiwan passport, you will be leaving the Philippines using your PH Passport and they’ll probably be looking for your Korean VISA in your PH Passport.

Hi Marlene, sorry but I have no idea. :(

Hi Yoshke :) im a graduating student and i have part time job. Im planning to apply for kr visa next year po. Can i use my personal bank account and COE then just include my certificate of enrollment? TIA!

Hi Pudding,in my opinion, it’s better to choose just one, ideally one na stronger ang supporting docs mo. If mas maayos ung supporting docs ng parents mo kaysa sa’yo, safer to apply as a student. That’s just my hunch, though.

If you choose to submit docs to prove you’re both employed and student, best to write a cover letter to explain it.

UPDATE: I consulted a designated travel agency for the best way to go about this, and they said that it’s better to apply as a student and submit parents’ docs. They said applying as both employed and student can confuse the embassy. They also said that part-time jobs are often viewed by the embassy negatively because it tells them 2 things: one, that you are not as rooted and as financially stable, and two, that there is a possibility that you will work there too.

I’ll add this to the FAQs above too.

Quetion po regarding:

“No. You don’t need it. However, make sure you have an idea which hotel you will be staying because it’s one of the required fields in the application form. You don’t need to reserve, but you need to know where you intend to stay.”

Paano po kung sa bahay ng korean friend ko ako magi-stay at hindi sa hotel? Tsaka di na sana ako magbo-book ng hotel. Pag po ba sa immigration hahanapan ako ng proof ng hotel accommodation? Thanks po!

If invited ka and magse-stay ka sa Korean friend, you need to submit an Invitation letter and a copy of the inviter’s passport. You also need their address and contact details for the visa form.

Sa immigration, you will need an invitation letter and in some cases, proof of relationship.

I hope you can help me on this. I already purchased a round trip ticket to Korea and my flight is on November 21, 2018. However, I am unemployed for almost 2 years, no savings or current bank account, but I have more than enough money (Php X,XXX,XXX.00) on hand. Do I still have a great chance of granting a visa? Hoping for you prompt response. Thank you!

Hi John, it’s going to be tough because for the Korean embassy, it’s not just about the money. It’s also about strong ties in PH.

By any chance, do you have a credit card?

Will having a credit card, help?

Hi Yoshke! I was invited by a Korean friend at siya ang magsponsor ng expenses ko dun. Sa invitation letter ba anu dapat nakalagay? Na sponsored nya ung trip ska magiging boss ko sya or sponsored trip lng? Thank you.

Hi Julie Ann, di ko alam yung usually hinihingi ng Korean EMbassy re invitation letter. Di ko pa kasi naranasan mag-apply for Korean visa na invited. Pero in general, invitation letters should have the inviter’s details, your details, your relationship with the inviter, and the reason for the invite.

Mentioning na magiging boss mo sya though might not be a good idea kasi baka isipin nila na magwowork ka dun.

Hello! I’m a student and isa sa mga requirements ay yung copy ng bank statement and certificate ng parents. What if yung mother lang po yung may bank account? Will it still be valid? Thank you!

Hi Janella, ang alam ko okay lang pero di ko sure. :S

Hello. It will be my first time to apply korean visa and i’m quite nervous ‘cos i have a lots of what if. Ask ko lang po, I’ve been employed for 2.5 years pero kaka-open ko lang ng personal account ko sa bdo. Some of the requirements kasi is Bank Certificate w/ 6 months ADB & Bank Statement for the last 3 months, I think di ko kaya maprovide yun. Is there any way na pwede kong ipasa para ma-approve lang? I have 1 credit card from Security Bank (Classic) & 1 upcoming from BDO (I think classic lang din to) Will it help po ba?? Thanks a lot

Hi Ellen, naku, mahirap yung ganyan. Major requirement kasi nila yang bank statement for past 3 months. Di ko po alam kung paano dapat gawin.

Need mo na ba talagang mag-travel pa-Korea soon? If I were in your shoes kasi, I would wait na lang and apply kapag okay na ung bank accounts ko. Mahirap din kasi ma-deny, nasa record mo na yun pag nagkataon.

Hi good day! We plan to go to Korea this December 10-14 for a short vacation and to celebrate na rin my daughter’s birthday. I’m a housewife and my husband and I just recently opened a joint account for our travel savings (Last august lang), and kaka transfer lang din niya sa new work niya that same month. We have enough savings nman for a 5-day trip but I’m scared kasi to apply baka ma deny because of those reasons (ie: newly opened account and new work less than 6 months). Less than 6 months kasi yung maturity nun account but can produce 3months worth na bank statement. Would it help if we submit another bank account (sa husband ko lang) pero current account siya and not savings? Or credit card statements? Thank you!

Hi Katz, yung current account nya, okay naman yung laman nya and maturity?

Hello po! What if po may error sa marriage contract ng parents? Magaaply po ako ng tourist visa under student category. thank you po in advance!

Hi Leyn, naku, di ko po knows. best to contact na lang the travel agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply. Andito ung mga contact numbers: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/korean-visa-travel-agencies/

If i apply then got approved but decided not to go, magiging block listed po ba ko?

Di ko po alam, sorry. :(

Hi, we hqve submitted our application for visa on Nov.20, pwede pa bang magpahabol ng explanation if walang HR landline na nakalagay sa COE?

Hi Nic, di ko po alam. Ang alam ko, di na pwede. Best to ask the agency kung saan po kayo nag-apply.

Hi, I have a 5-yr multiple entry visa. What happens if for example I already consumed the no. of days granted by the embassy on the 3rd year and I want to go there again? Do I have to apply again for another visa? Thanks

Hi Vicky, naku, di ko alam pag ganyan. :(

Hi! Ask ko lang po kung may idea kayo kung gaano na po ba dapat katagal na active ang credit card (bpi/bdo) before magamit for visa application? Pwede kaya kahit yung wala pang 1month? TIA!

Hi Joy, wala ako idea. Huhu. Sorry. :(

Hello! Just want to ask if group po yung kukuha ng visa, individual ba dapat kami may savings account? Or dapat isa lang? Thank you in advance.

Hi Thine, family ba kayo? If hindi family, yep, individual ang bank account.

Hi! If meron na akong visa but I intend to max the period of sojourn, would I have problems with the immigration? I have bought a return ticket as well and have booked all the hotels I will be staying at in the duration of my stay. Is it still problematic to stay that long or is it something other tourists do normally? (Note that I applied for a regular visa not a 60- or 90-day visa. Hope someone can help. Thanks!

Hi Iza, you’re staying for 59 days?

Technically, okay lang yun. Pero malamang magtanong ang Immigration kung bakit ganun katagal and proof na kaya mo isupport yung trip na ganun kahaba. In that case, make sure you have all the supporting documents.

Hello! Gonna ask po sana paano po kung first time lang po to travel sa Korea, yung as in ngayon lang po magttravel tas mag aapply po ng Korea Visa, may chance po ba na madeny yun? Or ma accept

Hi Mary Joy, parati namang may chance na madeny. Depende din kasi yun sa strength ng documents na isusubmit mo. Pero malaking advantage yung travel history. Pero di ibig sabihin na pag first time mo, denied agad.

hi po! ask lang po ako. last July 2018 po nakakuha ako ng 3 year Multiple Entry na Korean Visa. dahil po sa BDO Gold Credit Card. ang tanong ko lang po hindi po ba siya mavo-void kung hindi ko siya magamit within 1 year? ang balak ko po kasi mga bandang October-November pa po ako mag-travel to Korea. meron din po kasi nakapagsabi na sa ibang bansa po yata like US pag di yata nagamit agad within 1 year na-eexpired.

salamat po! :-)

Hi Fevie, di po ako ganun ka-familiar sa multiple. :(

I’M travelling this coming january 13, 2019 po and 1 of the requirement is the ITR. wala p kc naiissue ung company namin n ITR for the year 2018. baka daw by february pa. bka pomay alm kau n option if 2018 ITR is not yet available

Okay lang po yung for 2017 kasi gets naman nila na wala pa ung 2018.

Hello! I’m currently a college student and I plan to travel to South Korea with my cousin on May as a graduation gift. The thing is, I will officially finish my degree by April but graduation is still in June. My parent’s will also be the one to sponsor my trip. Can I still apply as a student or am I supposed to apply as unemployed?

Also, my family and I traveled to South Korea last March 2013. Should I still include that I visited Korea in the last 5 years?

Hi Pancho, apply for a visa in or before April (before you finish school) para less complicated and you can apply as a student. :)

hello, we are planning to travel to Korea with my whole family that includes me, my husband, our daughter, my sister and my parents, but my husband and i lang ang nagwowork sa family. how much is the bank statement needed for a 4days stay to get approved?

See FAQ #12 above tapos pa-compute na lang po.

If you have already booked a flight and hotel, do you have to deduct that to your “Estimated Travel Cost” at the application form?

Or do you still have to include it?

Hi James, since hindi requirement ang flight and hotel booking, I think kasama pa rin sya dapat sa cost. Minsan kasi, kahit na magsubmit ka ng flight booking, tinatanggal nila, so mawawala yung context.

Yung sa akin, 2x ako nagsubmit ng flight booking diretso sa embassy pa noon, tinanggal nila both times.

Hi, currently my friends and I are in ojt already and we are planning to go to Korea after grad on May. So mga around June kami aalis. But our parents will support all our expenses and it will be a graduation gift. If we will apply for visa before May, would they know na pupunta kaming korea after we graduate? Need ba magpasa ng proof like kailan kami exact aalis? And what if only my mother has bank account?

Lastly, will the embassy ask kung ilang araw ako magstastay dun? For example.. Can I say 3 days only pero I’ll be really staying for 5 days or so.

Hi Nads, yes, i-aask sa form kung mo balak magstay and kailan yung trip.

hello, ask po ako if pwd ba ung bank statement (from a foreign bank) ng mother ko abroad for visa application? Or needed talaga ng Philippine bank. And pwd din po ba ung mag susuport saakin is my girlfriend’s parents? Pwd bang ilagay sa affidavit of support? Thank you po.

Hi Jays, according to the travel agency we talked to, ang best talaga na sponsor ay immediate family. Yun ang pinaka-ideal scenario. Mas ok daw yung chances pag ganun kaysa di kamag-anak ang sponsor.

Pero oo, makakatulong talaga yung Affidavit of Support.

I think okay lang na foreign bank yung statement. Di ko sure though.

Good Day po! Pupunta po kasi kami korea this july po then tita ko po ang mag sponsor sakin as a graduation gift po. Pwede po ba yon? and ano po yung mga requirements na kailangan? Thank you po!

Hi Maria, I don’t know for sure, but if I were in your shoes, I’d write an explanation letter saying that you just graduated and that it is a graduation gift and submit proof that you just recently graduated and proof of your relationship with your aunt (Birth certs).

hello po, graduating po ako this coming june and meron na din po ako work na mapapsukan, maybe on july may work na ako.. and ang plan po kasi mag apply ako visa for september 7 to 14… any tips po para sa application ko, and sa bank meron din po ako bpi and landbank.

Hi! Explanation letter lang kung bakit wala kang ITR (I’m assuming wala ka pang ITR kasi new pa lang sa job.)

Hi guys. I applied in Cebu Embassy and got approved <3 Meron po ba dito na makakapagbigay sakin ng format ng invitation letter if ever gagawa ung bf ko kasi 20days ako magstay in Korea. and other documents na need ipakita sa immigration sa airport kapag may magsponsor sa trip ko pagdating don. salamat

Pag mababa ang Gross Income na ngreflect sa ITR ay makaaapekto sa chances na maaprove granting na okay naman ang funds at kumpleto and papeles?

Sa tingin ko po, pwedeng makaapekto po yun.

gragraduate po ako this june ng college and mga june din po ung alis namin (parang grad gift po). ask ko lang po kasi april or may ko po balak kumuha ng visa so technically di pa po ako graduate nun pero di ko rin po sigurado kasi kung mabibigyan pako ng school certificate ng school by that time. Pano po kaya maganda gawin po in this case?

Thank you po

Explain nyo lang po sa letter na graduating kayo and na gift yang trip, tapos submit din kayo ng proof na gagraduate kayo soon.

ano pong proof ang pwede ibigay po? kasi yung diploma ko po baka di ko din po makuha agad, Thank you po

I’m planning to visit SK this October and me plan din kami ng mga friends ko to travel to japan this Dec, kung kukuha ako ng bank statement and cert ng August 15 for SK, pwede ko pa siyang gamitin for Japan kung mag apply kami for visa ng october diba? Iniisip ko kasi na isang kuha na lang ng bank cert and statement.

Thank you in advance.

Are you familiar on the process of transferring a vslid Korean visa to a new passport?

Hi Donna, we’re talking about tourist visa, right?

As far as I know, there really is no need to transfer. You should just bring both the old passport (with the visa) and the new passport when traveling. According to the embassy’s website, “Applicants who possess valid Korean visa in their old passport and have since renewed their passport may travel to Korea with BOTH passports.”

But if you really want to have it transferred, that’s possible too. The details are here: overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761440

I’m a fresh graduate and still unemployed but I want to visit SK for a 5 day trip with my friend. I have OECD visas and my mom will sponsor my trip. The thing is, she is also currently unemployed but a permanent resident in Japan. We finance ourselves using savings. What are my chances kaya?

Hi! Might be difficult. If I were in your shoes, I’d find another immediate relative to sponsor.

I would like to ask if possible pa rin kaya maapprovan yung visa ko if in case na yung savings account ko is hindi ko nadeposituhan due to my tuition fee last March. I’m planning to apply pa naman on May for visa. Is it okay ba na ibigay ko din ung bank statement ko for may payroll? kumbaga 2 yung ibibigya ko sa knla na bank statement? Kasi my friends told me na atleast daw every month nakikita na may transaction sa savings account though may savings I guess is enough for 6-day vacation there.. Please advise.

Hi Jessa, yep, okay lang na dalawang bank accounts ang isubmit. :)

Hi! I am planning to visit South Korea on October, I will be travelling with my husband and my sister. I will be the primary applicant. Ask ko lang, our bank account is under BDO but it is a JOINT ACCOUNT – me and my husbands’. Is it okay? Will there be any problem with that or is it required to have an account under my name only? Thank you very much

Hi Sheila, joint account din ginagamit ko pag nag-aapply sa Korea. Okay lang yun. :)

Hi, kakahired ko lang last January so yung payroll account ko is bago pa, plus hindi ganun kalaki yung pumapasok na pera kasi minimum wage lang ako and winiwithdraw ko lahat pag sahod namin. Ok lang kaya yun gamitin ko? or pwede kaya ko sponsored ng father ko since he’s working abroad? Thank you :)

I think yung best option is magpa-sponsor na lang sa father mo. Pero you will still have to submit your own docs.

Hi I check the portal yesterday which is Friday from 2-6 which I saw Approved but wen I checked it back around 8:30 it’s was changed back to application received. I want to ask if it’s usually happens because am nervous already and today is Saturday I need to wait till Monday pls if u av anytin to share regarding dis po

Hi! I’ll be graduating once I apply for a visa. I’ll be traveling alone and My father will be the one to sponsor my trip. He has his BDO credit card which is eligible for a multiple entry visa. Can I use that when applying for a visa even though he won’t be applying for one?

Hi Pat, ang alam ko ay di po pwede.

Hi po! Question lang. My tumawag kasi cp ko around 4:47 PM and 4:48 PM using also a mobile phone. And tomorrow naka schedule para pick upin ko yu g passport ko sa agency. Worry lang ako kasi hindi ko nasagot yung call. Possible na embassy kaya yon? Pero kasi tomorrow ko na kukunin sa embassy ko yung passport ehh nagpprocess sila ng late minute? And tumtaag ba talaga sila sa cp using mobile number din? Thank you so much!

hi pwede parin po ba ako mag travel sa korea kahit mag eexpire na yung multiple visa next month?

Hello, I’m planning to travel to Korea on December pero by October lilipat ako ng company na pagtatrabahuhan, ano pwede kong gawin para hindi mareject yung visa ko?

Hi, can I ask po kung unemployed ilalagay okayl ang po ba? kasi kakagraduate ko lang ng april as of now nagrereview pa lang ako for boards and hindi ako nagwwork. ano po need ko na mga requirements? Thank you so much!

I will be applying for a Korean Visa in August but I’m having a dilemma weather or not I should submit my Form 2316 from 2018. I am still working in the same company but as of June 1 but I recently switched from being a full time, office based employee in one of the company’s provincial branch to being a home based worker for the main branch of the same company.

I contacted our HR to get a copy of my Independent Contractor Certificate and they had informed me that the hiring date that they can put there is the date I started as a home based worker which is June 1, 2019 and advised me to ask for a Certificate of employment from the branch that I previously worked in.

My plan is to submit my form 2316 form 2018 and make an explanation letter about my working situation in the company and attach my COE from the previous provincial branch I worked in and the Independent Contractor Certificate form the main branch.

Would this be a good idea or would it be confusing? Would it be better if I just forgo submitting my ITR and claim that I am recently hired?

Hoping to hear you opinions on my dilemma,

Best, Paula

pwede ba gumamit ng previous school id simce next year pa daw next na issue ng ID? sa school po for visa, if not, ano pong pwede kong gawin?

Hi! If you’re a freelancer, what should you pick? Employed or self employed?

Hi Cathy, I think depende sa docs na meron ka. If registered ka with DTI/BIR, choose self-employed. Pero if hindi pero meron kang sort of COE document from your client, choose employed.

Na-try ko na pareho. I submitted a letter of explanation too. I didn’t encounter any problem. But di ko alam ngayon kasi medyo naghigpit na sila. Best to call the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application.

Hi. I have a question regarding sa SK visa application for OFW. In my case, I’m here in Taiwan, and our company only allowed to have a vacation once a year at least 2 weeks or exact 14 days vacation in the Philippines, because if ever, I’m planning to direct flight from Taiwan to Sk. If I applied visa in the Philippines, visa processing for 7 days and I can only allowed to travel in SK for the next 90 days. I tried to apply Korean Embassy here in Taiwan but they don’t accept SK visa application. So, as an OFW what is the best way how to apply a SK visa knowing in my case. Thanks.

Hi Frankie, di ko po alam kapag ganyang case. Pero sana ung ibang makakabasa nito, makasagot. :(

Pede nyo rin po i-post sa FB Support Group namin here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler

Hi, I have korean visa till oct 2019, may plan kmi mag travel this oct 2019, need ko pa ba mag apply ng new visa or valid padin ang visa ko? thanks!

Hi po nabunot po kasi ako sa raffle para sa isang kpop concert ngaung October po, ask ko lang po if pwde ko po kaya gawing supporting document yung confirmation email pona pinadala sakin para sa visa application ko po,? nag applied po kasi ako last year pero for tourism lang pero na denied po ako kaya medyo parang natatakot na po ako.. pero all in all po kumpleto nman ung magiging requirements ko. Thank you po sana masagot nyo ako. Avid reader here :))

Hi Vanessa,

Makakatulong naman yun. Pero mas maganda kung hingi ka talaga ng letter from the organizers ng raffle na addressed sa embassy stating na nanalo ka nga, para mas formal and mas convincing.

Possible bang ma approved yung visa application pag fiance palang ang iisponsoran ko. Plano kasi namin mag travel few days after our wedding. One of the requirements for wife sponsor is PSA marriage certificate which will take time bago makuha.

Hi Mark, hindi ako sure ha, pero if I were in your position, i-push ko pa rin then I’ll write an explanation letter and submit other proof that you just got married. :)

Ako lang yan ha.

Hi!! Ask ko lang po if mahihirapan akong kumuha ng visa if newly employed ako or worst walang work sa time na kukuha ako ng visa but I will be travelling with my family, and I can support my trip naman (I have my own bank account) and my mom can support me as well since I am with her. It’s just that I have a plan kasi to resign after this year ends, so most likely wala akong job sa time na mag a apply ako for visa to sokor.

When is your trip? Apply for a visa before you resign.

Hi! What if newly employed and under probationary pa, will my employment status affect the visa application? thanks.

It could affect, but if your other supporting documents are strong, they can make up for it.

Hi po! Yung intended date of entry sa form kailangan po ba sundin yun? or pwede i-move yung entry date sa Korea? Feeling ko kasi parang hindi aabot sa travel date yung pag release ng visa.

hi.. may I also ask please,

I was given a single entry visa and the duration is until novmber 30, me and husband will travel on november 1-4, then suddenly we have a company sponsored tour to korea on the 3rd or 4th week of november, can i apply for a new visa for the next trip even if i have not used the first single entry visa? Or should I travel first then apply again for a visa? or if the visa can be amended to multiple entry because of the situation?

Please help.

I am not sure about this. But I think most countries do not allow a passport holder to have 2 valid visas at the same time. Usually, if may existing visa na tapos need to get another, the old visa will be revoked. Ganun ang most countries. Pero not sure if ganun din ang Korea.

Ang usual is, travel and use the first visa then apply again for another. Baka kapusin ka lang ng time if sa Manila ka mag-apply.

Hi, scheduled date of processing of our visa application would be October 1, 2019 pero yung bank stataments ko from June 12-Sept 12, 2019. Okay lang ba yun? Or need na mas close pa sa date ng processing ng visa yung 3months na banks statements?. Thank you

Hi. I am a first-time traveller to Korea, yet I have travelled already to UK from 2011 to 2014 (ofw for 3 years), UK is an OECD member. Can I include my previous visa to support my Tourist Korean visa application even if it is already beyond 5 years? After that, wala na akong trinavel abroad. I got denied already for 2 times, i complied all the requirements naman eh.

Di ko po sure ha pero ang alam ko po when they say OECD visa, they mean tourist visas lang. Di ko rin alam if pwede if beyond 5 years na pero I doubt it kasi specifically nakalagay na past 5 years lang and knowing how strict the Korean Embassy is, malamang kung ano talaga yung rule nila, yun lang.

Hi. My husband also got his visa denied just today. Does he need to submit the Alphalist together with his Form 2316 kung wala syang ITR? The reason why wala syang ITR is that he is a minimum wage earner at hindi sila taxable. First time nya to travel Korea and has never travelled abroad for the last 5 years. Last time he only submitted the Form 2316 (no stamp-received from BIR) and no attached Alphalist. He has enough savings and in good financial standing naman but he got his visa denied too. Need ba nya mag submit ng Alphalist, Form 1604-CF at Form2316? Are these documents talagang need may stamp-received from BIR?

Since last year, the alphalist is no longer a requirement, so I don’ t think that’s the reason.

But wait, di ba yung Form 2316 is the ITR form? So what do you mean wala syang ITR pero nagsubmit sya ng Form 2316?

2 questions po:

I’ve read sa previous responses mo na joint accounts are acceptable. Me and my husband submitted our joint account (statement and certificate) 1 copy lang kasi according sa agency, pwede na daw yun, Then our own individual accounts. Yung joint account has sufficient amount for our stay kasi tntransfer namin dun money namin but for our individual accounts, medyo maliit. Naiisp ko to just submit yung joint account kaso lang, it was newly opened last June lang. Would that be a problem? If yes, do you think having stamps to other countries would help?

Another question is the number of days.. nasakto kasi na nag extend sila nung nag pasa kami requirements. 15-20 days na daw. According to the agency, the release will be Oct. 15 and our travel date is Oct 17. Sobrang magkadikit yung dates. Will there be instances na mas napapaaga ang release?

Thank you very much!

1. Not sure if this is right, but if I were in your position, I would probably submit both the joint account and the individual accounts, and I’d probably write a letter explaining that we recently opened a new joint account which is why our individual accounts have lower balance. Ako lang po yun ha.

2. Yes, may mga instances na earlier ang release. Pero mahirap pa rin masabi talaga.

May i know in Cebu, is it possible to apply personally for both myself and my brother? Meaning, I will bring the documents of my brother?

Yes, you may apply for your brother. Just make sure the requirements are complete.

Totoo bang kelangan sumulat sa Korean Embassy kapag hnd ka nagtravel sa Korea after mag expire Korean Visa mo? Kung totoo eto, saan po ung reference link from the official Korea website?

Gusto ko lng sana verify. Salamat!

I don’t know for sure because I haven’t experienced having an unused, expired visa.

Even people who have experienced reapplying after not using a visa have conflicting accounts. Some claim na hindi need ng explanation letter. Meron ding nagsasabi na kailangan daw. Meron ding nagsasabi na may additional fee. Medyo magulo.

I don’t know if the Korean embassy’s website has info on this. Many of the Korean Embassy’s rules are not published on the website. Some rules are cascaded only to designated agencies through direct email, at least at first. The best way to confirm is to either call the embassy or call a designated travel agency.

Ive been to South Korea last 2016. I met a lot of new friends there and enjoyed it so much. Gusto ko sana bumalik, pero dahil sa budget, until now di pa ako nakabalik. Pero try nyo sa Taiwan, visa free po sya, and I would say that it has everything that Korea and Japan has to offer. Palaces, bullet trains, coastal area na may mga resto pwede ka kumain Ng fresh sushi. Meron din po sila Cherry Blossoms… At ang sarap ng street food.

Thanks for sharing! Fave din namin ang Taiwan! Mura pa!

Hi. I plan to travel again to korea next year feb 5 to feb 11 2020. But my visa will expire feb 9 2020. Can i still enter to korea with that visa validity?

Usually ang nakalagay naman sa visa is yung FINAL ENTRY DATE, so as far as I know, pwede pa rin.

Confirm mo na lang din with your travel agency to be sure.

Hello, I would just like to inquire. My cousins and I will be travelling to SK on June pero we’re kind of hesitant na to pursue since our sponsor will be our aunt. 7 kami mag ttravel with our aunt pero sya yung sponsor sa visa namin, so her documents will be submitted for 7 of us. Do you have any idea if it’s allowed to sponsor as much as people?

Hi Isa, as far as I know, that’s fine as long as your aunt can prove rootedness and that she has the funds to sponsor all of you.

Hello! Good day. Im currently working here in saudi arabia at may plan po akong pumunta ng korea, okay lang ba na dito sa embassy ng korea sa saudi na ako magprocess ng visa ko po? Salamat po.

I have approved korean visa (single entry) but unfortunately due to corona virus i wont be able to use it and will expire by April 30 2020. My ticket was rebook to June 25 2020. Can I apply for a new visa?

Question for the BDO gold credit card promo, are supplementary card holders still allowed or only principal holders only?

What if I want to go back to South Korea after 1,month.csn I apply again for another tourist visa ..with invitation of my Korean friend

Hi, Just want to ask regarding our valid Korean multiple Visa in old passport. We have already new passport. Do I need to inform the korean Embassy here in Philippines? or just to bring the old passport together with the new passport when going to Korea? Thanks in advance

Hello po ask ko LNG po paano Yong gagawin if may sponsor po or invite sakin Korea pero dto po ako Mongolia need ko parin po ba punta Ng imbassy Ng Korea dto SA monggolia

hello tama ba yung pagkakainitindi ko, validity period is 3 months from issue. like sa sample mo above, from july 1 to oct 1, pwede pumasok sokor until sept 30? na basa ko rin kasi sa website korean embassy, pero kasi finland so i dont know kung applicable sa atin. sabi: On the paper there is ‘Validity period of visa’ that will be usually 3 months from visa issuance date. It means  you can enter to Rep. of Korea until validity period of visa above . After entry to Rep. of Korea,  you can stay within ‘Period of Stay’ described on the paper from actual entry date .

mag travel kasi kami ng friend ko validity ng visa nya is Jun 15, pwede ba kaming mag schedule ng june 13?

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Philpad » Visa » Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines

Updated Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines 2020. The requirements on how to get a tourist visa for Korea if you are a Filipino or a Philippine passport-holder are shared in this page. How much is the processing fee? How long will the visa be released?

Good news, South Korean embassy has simplified the requirements to attract more tourists visiting South Korea. This 2020, all applicants can now apply for a tourist visa through an accredited travel agency. See the complete list on this page: List of Accredited Travel Agency for Korean Visa.

Unlike other travel visas from OECD countries, getting a tourist visa for Korea is faster. Visa processing takes only 5 working days for first-time travelers. Much quicker for frequent travelers because it takes only 2 working days to get the visa.

Meanwhile, travelers who are in a rush also have the privilege to apply for an Express Visa which can be applied and submitted at the date of application. This type of visa is released in 2 working days excluding the application date.

Take note that this post is about tourist visa only, some requirements may be different for fiancé visa, student visa, working or immigrant visa, seaman and many more.

There are separate pages for them. Select your travel agency who is authorized to process your visa for you to comply with all the rules and requirements.

Primary Requirements:

Table of Contents:

• Tourist Visa Application form – this can be downloaded online from the Embassy of South Korea’s official website or just get a form from your travel agent. You must properly fill it out and sign it.
• 1 passport sized colored photo
• Passport plus photocopy of the first page – make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months
• (optional) Photocopy and original previous or valid visas to US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand or Korea

Download Tourist visa for South Korea Application Form

Those are the primary requirements. If your status is employed, self-employed, student or someone who was invited by a Korean friend or relative, there are additional documents required. Check them below.

Additional Requirements:

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Employed Individuals

• Employment Certificate (Original)
• Personal Bank certificate (Original)
• Income Tax Return (ITR) photocopy or Form 2316 from the previous year
• ACR or ICR (if you are a foreigner resident in the Philippines)
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

Korea Tourist Visa Update

The embassy announced that , the following requirements are strictly needed:

• Certificate of Employment – must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address
• Bank Certificate – must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)
• Bank Statement –  original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
• Income Tax Return copy –  with personal TIN

All documents must be issued within 3 months on the date of application.

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Businessman or Self-employed

• Business Registration from SEC or DTI and Mayor’s Permit
• Personal Bank Certificate (original)
• Bank Statement
• ITR (photocopy)

If personally invited to Korea by a friend, relative or a company in Korea:

The applicant is requested to submit original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the Korean national who invited him. If invited by a Korean company, submit original Invitation Letter and photocopy of the said company’s Business Permit .

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Students in the Philippines

If you are still a student and you will travel and visit South Korea for tourism purposes, you are required to pass the following documents aside from the primary requirements mentioned previously:

• School certificate (original)
• School ID (photocopy)
• Birth Certificate (photocopy)
• Copy of parent’s passport first page
• Parent’s Bank certificate (original)
• Parent’s Employment certificate (original)

Korean Tourist Visa Fees

• 59 days or less stay in Korea – Gratis or Free!
• 60 – 90 days stay in Korea – P2,000

Korea Tourist Visa Processing

• 3 working days (for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years as tourist)
• 5 working days (for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years)

Depending on the Consul’s decision, processing of visa takes about 5 working days for first timers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. Releasing of visa is from 2-4pm . Interview may be required before the result or issuance of visa depending on the Consul’s decision.

• Single Entry visa or short term visa for tourists is also called C-3.
• Double Entry C-3 visa is issued for those who plan to visit SK twice within 6 months thus this kind of visa has a validity of 6 months.
• Multiple Entry visa have certain requirements for qualification. Should you wish to know more or apply one, just go to the SK Embassy.

Tips in applying for a tourist visa for South Korea

To have a smooth visa application and approval, make sure your requirements are all complete, signed and dusted before you apply. That being said, it is convenient and helpful if you prepare extra photocopies so you can use them when you apply to other countries. Make sure your personal information are all consistent and that they tally with each other.

Double check the info you have put in the application form and other documents like your complete name, address, birthdate, family info, TIN, passport number and the like. Also follow the procedures discussed above.

Korea Tourist Visa Exemptions

• If you have Philippines Official and Diplomatic passport
• If you are a national of these countries
• If transiting only to SK and going to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and with confirmed onward ticket to those 3 rd countries.
• If going to Jeju Island only, you can stay there visa-free dor 30 days. There’s no direct fight though from the Philippines to Jeju. You can do this by going through a 3 rd country in transit like Hong Kong or Japan.
• If you’ve been to Korea for 4 times within the past two years with C2 or C3 visa or if you’ve been to Korea for more than 10 times (wow)

Share you tourist visa application experience with us by commenting below. God bless!

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List of Accredited Travel Agencies for Korean Visa in the Philippines

Fehl is the founder of Philpad and has been writing online for 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Accountancy and a background in Finance. She is a licensed Career Service Professional and author of a poetry book at Barnes & Noble. In her spare time, she likes to travel and discover new places.

629 thoughts on “Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines”

We are travelling with our son who’s 8 yrs old. Do we need to furnished original documents for his application as well such as bank statement and certs, ITR, marriage contract? I hope you can also have answer to this query.

Many Thanks, Lawrence

Hi po… Last July lang po ako na-hired and I can’t provide COE kasi nag-rerelease yung company ko after 3 mos. of employment then wala ring ITR kasi minimum wage earner daw po ako.. No past ITR din kasi unemployed ako for more than a year.Letter of explanation lang ba need or may other documents na hahanapin? By the way, invited kami for a workshop and may invitation na ipprovide.

hi … na approved ba Visa mo nang wala ka COE?,, thanks

My Sister in South Korea wants to invite me for about 2 weeks tour. May i know what are the requirements needed?

Hi. Im an OFW for 6 years in Riyadh as a Nurse. Im having plans to end my contract in my current employer and to seek another job offer dito pa din saudi arabia. Pahinga sna muna 3 months and plano sna mgbakasyon south korea. Do u think mabibigyan ako ng tourist visa in my case? 🙁

Hello. I’m also working here in Saudi. How’s your plan to get a tourist visa for Korea? Ok po ba? Plan ko kasing mgKorea during sa 1month annual vacation ko. I wonder if possible ba ako magrant ng visa in my case.

Hi Did you got an answer for this question? and what you did because i have the same matter. kindly please help me what did you do? thank you.

Hi , Did you submit COE when you applied the Visa … i am an OFW too ,…

Hi po student po ako. Daddy ko po employed. Pero wala po syang bank account. Pero may mag sponsor naman po sa trip ko yung tita ko. Pwede po kaya yun? Na ang submit ko documents ng tita ko.

Hi! I have the same situation as you. I emailed the embassy about that and their reply to me is that I need to submit my parents documents together with my uncle’s document since my uncle will support me for my trip. ANyway, have you already applied for the visa? Pls help me if you already have. Thanks!

Hi! I have the same situation. My uncle will fund me. Im also a student.. have you processed your visa yet? Pls help me if you have. Thank you!

Hi. I really need your help! I’m currently a college student. My brother and I are planning to visit S. Korea this end of March, my brother is an OFW by the way and he already applied for visa in the country he is in now. On my part, my mom who is also an OFW will be the one supporting me for this trip, my dad is currently unemployed. I read in other blogs that OFW’s does not have an ITR because they are exempted to pay. So what should I do in terms of the ITR requirement. Also can I submit both my personal bank certification and statement along with what my mom’s bank certificate and statement that she had delivered for me? It will not be a problem right?

Another question is about the Affidavit of Support. Since my mom will be financing for my trip, does it mean she needs to go to the Embassy or consulate of the Philippines in the Oman to asked for the Affidavit of Support or I could just gave her the format, have her signed in it and I could personally asked an attorney to validate it? Sorry this is my first time applying for a visa by myself. Though I have a lot of travel history. Please help me!!!!!

Hi Jessie! Ill share my first experience when I applied korean tourist visa as a student.

I just send Application form School certificate original photocopy of school id Birth certificate photocopy My personal bank certificate and bank statement original Valid passport for 6 monts You dont need an ITR if you have all this requirements.

And now Ihave 5years multiple visa in korea ☺️

Hello, I’ve been having anxieties because I wasn’t able to pass the marriage certificate of my parents. My mom is a housewife and she’s the one who will be sponsoring of my trip. I submitted her bank certificate to prove that she’s financially capable. My step dad is the one who’s giving her money and all. Is there a possibility that I will be approved for my visa application?

Hi are you working or unemployed so I can give an advice on how to apply korean visa,

Hi… Need ko po ng advice. Di ko po kasi alam kung anong aapplyan kong visa (student or fiance visa)

1. Im currently 3rd year college, may sarili po akong bank account na kakaopen ko lang last few weeks ago which i have more or less 30k na inipon ipon ko from my allowance. since parehas senior citizen and both unemployed ang prents ko at wala silang bank account parehas di ko alam kung tatangapin ba nila kahit wala bank account ng parents? (at kung may kaylangan pang ipasa na requirements aside sa bank account nila).

2. may boyfriend ako and invite nya ko sa SK to meet his parents kasi may plan na din kami mag pakasal sa SK january 2019 employed sya nag wowork sya sa company if ever na may invitation letter ako galing sa kanya at bukod sa basic requirements may kaylangan pa po ba akong ipasa?

3. Kaylangan ko po ba hotel booking and travel itenerary? Kasi napag usapan namin na sa bahay nalang nila ko mag i stay for 1 month if ever.

Thank you in advance. I look forward for your response. (para sa pag ibig)

Hi! It’s now school vacation and enrollment is scheduled a month later. What can be submitted in replacement of the school certificate for Students? Is report card for example accepted? Thanks

pa advice po… im employed pero wala po akong itr kasi minimum wage earner lng nman po ako.. but i have savings in my bank account nman po. what shud i do po.. thanks.

I am a US citizen with SOFA status working in Korea and would like to bring my Fiancée to Korea. What do I need to bring to the Korean Embassy in Manila.

My boyfriend has same working status like you. My visa was approved. Have you already reached korean embassy in manila? I’m assuming yes since your message was posted last Feb.

ma’am, i am unemployed but studying now… wala po akong bank account and ang mother ko po is matanda na and walang bank account. but the one who will sponsor my trip is my brother.. can i use his passport and his bank statement po instead of my mother? i hope you can help me since i am applying for a visa this week.

May balita kba dto kung pwede? Kc ako din mag sponsor ng parents ko but they are unemployed.. matanda na sila kc.

Hi, i have applied a south korean tourist visa last 2015 and they granted me one. I declared my sister as my sponsor as my parents couldnt afford.. And I was still in my third year in college that time.

Hi! Ask ko lang kung anong parent’s documents and sinubmit mo? Kasi last week I went to the Koream embassy and tried to submit my application but I only have my sponsor’s financial documents. Di nila tinanggap yung papers ko kasi hinahanapan nila ako ng parent’s documents but I don’t know kung anong documents ang ipapasa ko especially my parents are both unemployed. I’m kind of hoping your immediate response. Thank you 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl,

Ask ko lang po if ano minimum ADB amount? And regarding sa ITR exemption kahit past korean visa lang meron ka like no other OECD visas exempeted pa rin ba from submitting ITR?

Hello 🙂 I’m applying for a Student Visa, our school schedules a study tour in seoul south korea this November 2017. I would like to ask if paano po kung yung father ko po yung mag sponsor ng financial support ko pero he already resigned from his work since July 2017, and his company id po kailangan ibalik sa company kasi nga since he resigned. Pwede po ba yung requirements na ipasa ko is for housewife (bank cert. and marriage cert?) Thank youuu.

Hello po! If I am entering Jeju from Shanghai, do I need a china visa?

hi ms. fehl, good day…thanks po sa very informative blog ninyo…ask ko lang po sana advice ninyo, me and my husband were both OFW po currently working in KSA, we’re planning to apply as family visa sa Pinas since andon po ang anak namin (minor, 5yo), plan po namin ipadala ang lahat ng papers namin and passport sa pinas (visa application forms, coe, original bank certificate and statements certified by philippine embassy, certificate of tax exemption issued by philippine embassy, nso marriage certificate, birth certificate ng anak namin)…we planned to apply in SK embassy in Philippines kasi po ang anak namin eh walang iqama (saudi alien ID card which is a requirement if mag apply dito sa SK embassy sa KSA)…ano po kaya ang magandang gawin? kailangan pa po ba ng letter of explanation kahit complete na ang lahat ng requirements? sa Nov. 6 po kasi kami uuwi ng Pinas and nakabook na kmi ng ticket to SK for Nov.12. Hope maka reply po kayo ? thank you and Godbless

Hello, any update on this. As i am on same scenario as yours. Natuloy po ba kyu?? Ddting kmi april 20 and our flights booked to korea on 2nd May. Please advise. Thanks

This website is very helpful. However I have a concern. I wonder if you can advise me. I reasigned last june 2017. After 7 years of working I decided to stop to get a vacation since i never had one in 7years. Never had international vacation. However embassy told me that i need to present recent COE. I do not have one now but I have funds from June 2017- now because of my tutorial jobs. I also have savings. I wonder why others only have 20k in their bank balance and they get approved quickly. Mine was returned and said complete the requirements.

hi Grace, i hope you can get this message. i have the same scenario its actually for my fiance and we are planning to go to sokor on october. now he resigned from his work as an ofw for 7years and now he is coming back to philippines for good. could you help me what are the requirements you pass to get a visa even unemployed?

paano po kung yung ITR ko has married status at gamit ko yung surname ng husband ko pero sa passport ko gamit ko is maiden name ko.. magkakaproblema po ba ko sa visa application ko for tourist? we are planning to visit SK next year school holiday sana.. hope to get a reply from you.. thank you po

Yan din yung problema ko, kakasal ko lang this march 2018 and magapply ako this first week ng july sa korea. Ang kaso sabi skn mkukuha ko pa ung PSA 3-6 months, sabi nmn skn ng agency declare ko daw na single as long as na single lahat ng mga ids ko and passport which is oo. Mgkakaproblme ba sa ganito?

Gusto po nmin isama ung ksambahay kso wla syang bank accnt.pano po un?

Hello po nabasa ko yung blog nyo about visa.. ask ko lng po 5 yrs na po kmi dito sa doha with same company bali 3 po kmi ng katrabaho na sabay magbabakasyon sa pinas next yr. so balaka po namin mag tour sa korea for 1 week tapos babalik din kami sa doha qatar. Pero ang problema po wala po kaming ITR excepted po kmi mga ofw. Ano po pwede gawin? Tsaka bali 3 po kmi

hello po need rin po namin ng sagot dito… naapprove po ba visa nyo without Itr??

Hi, waiting for your reply. Pano if wala po ITR? I’m currently in Doha but mag apply po ng visa from Ph. Thank you

Pwede ka mag attach ng letter explaining kung bakit wala kang maipprovide na ITR.

Hi Fhel. My parents are both unemployed since they are already senior citizen but my father was an electrician. But my sister will gonna pay for my trip. Can you help me about this? Thank youuu.

Hello. What if po the parent’s are both unemployed since they are senior citizen already? But my sister is gonna pay for my travel?

My situation is I’m unemployed right now and resigned from my previous job last May 15, 2017 due to my training until July 2017. My friend and I will be travelling in Korea on August 31, 2017-September 7, 2017.

But with the help of my parents they will pay for my trip, advance gift to me when I pass my board exam on November 2017.

Will you help me advice what to bring documents aside from my passport, personal bank statement & certificate, i have my latest ITR with my previous job, my parents affidavit of support, my parents bank statement and cerificate, and other documents from them e.g business permit, mayors permit, dti and ITR.

Are those mentioned above documents are enough to present in korea embassy?

ask ko lng po kung ano requirements pag unemployed . meron syang passport bank cert bank accnt passport bio page 2 bank certificate.. wala po syang coe and itr ksi driver sya ng jeepney na business ng uncle niya.. and ang mag ssupport sa travel niya is yung mother and sister niya na nasa london. . kasama po niya ako mag ttravel and i have my visa na po and kakagaling kolng ng sk nung may 31.. ano po kaya maganda nyang gawin. thankyou po

Hi,i hope you can still read this? May i know what happened sa visa application ng kasama mong unemployed? What documents did the embassy require him to submit? Thanks

hi! i have a problem with my ITR. OFW po ako noon. exit na po ako nun 2015. Last year employed po ako sa isang dental clinic up to present and below minimum wage lang po ako. Klngan ko p bang magfile ng affidavit of non-filing of ITR or pwede bang gumawa na lng ng letter of reasons for tax exemption ung boss ko?

Hi po i need your help po.. work po ako at my mini grocery na nakapangalan saken pero wala ako ITR pero meron po ako pera sa bank.at my boy friend po ako na mg invite saken us army sibilyan po sya my sariling appartment sa sk. Bali ang problema kopo ay wala ako ITR.first visit ko po ito sa korea in the past 7years..so its counted na sa first timer..my possibility po ba na ma approved ako kahit wala akong ITR..?? I NEED YOUR ADVICE PLSS PO…

Letter of explanation will do

Mam, paano po pag recently employed ako as booking coordinator sa fmaily business namin kasi part sa training ko to pra sa business namin ksi ng own kami ng rent a car service po. I have an ITR from my previois employer last year sa 2016. Mkkagawa rin nmn ng COE ang mama ko na emloyed ako officially. Ok lng po ba yun? I have enough funds po sa bank account ko rin po.

Hi Ms. Fehl, I’m planning to visit my husband in SK, ofw po sya don (legal po),, I just want to ask if may additional requirement for acquiring visa po.. Thank you po

same hir po..d po ba pwede mgapply ng visa if factory worker on korea ung husband ko?

Hi po. Ano po kailangan ko na rqmts pag wala po ako work at yung kapatid at asawa nya lang nya lang ang meron? We plan to visit SK kasi ng kaming tatlo. Thank you.

Hello tanong ko lang po, employed po ako mag 1 year na next month, I can provide most of the requirements but mag-oopen pa lang ako ng bank account since atm lang meron for payroll savings account ng company namin. Kailangan ko po ba iprovide lahat ng requirements if invited ako ng isang korean citizen? in addition this is my first time to travel abroad and applying for a visa since I’ve graduated 2 years ago hihi, need advice and suggestions.. thank you very much for any reply 🙂

Hello Fehl, ask q lng po if ever mgapply po q ng visa q s pnas by last week of jan.2018 pro pauwi n po q pnas for good my possibility po b n maaprove ano need q requirements since finish contract q ok lng po b na ung valid n passport q nlng present q at bank statement.kc wla q itr.pls help me wants q lng po pasyal for 7 days since kya q nmn provide pngpocket money q ever.ano po b iba need q req.n ipasa? Thanks po

Good day. Question lang po. I was invited by a KOrean company and may invitation letter naman from them. Kaya lang, kakagawa ko lang ng bank account and 1 month pa lang yung bank account ko. isang bagsakan yung pagdeposit ko . Yung ITR is kakakuha ko lang din. Tourist visa aapplyan ko. Ma-approve po kaya ako? thank you!

Hello, ask ko lng po need pa ung 210mm×297mm[백상지 80g/㎡(재활용품)] sa baba ng bond paper na dinownload ko mula sa internet? kailangan po talga na na 80gsm? ung bigat ng bond paper?

Hi, good day!

Tanong ko lang po, Pano po pag employed pero online job at hindi makapag bigay ng COE ang employer ko, may alternative po ba na requirements na pwede e follow? Tyaka wala po kaming tax. employed po ako dati sa isang BPO company (tax applied),

looking forward for your response that will surely help me a lot. 🙂

I do have the same problem. I just resigned in my previous company. Kaso wala akong Tin number so wala akong ITR and yung sa previous work ko, is minimum salary lang din. Can I still apply for a tourist visa?

Yes, submit a letter explaining why you don’t have ITR. Embassies are considerate naman when you explain

Hello maam.i do have a question po..magapply po sana ako tourist sa korea for 90days and kumpleto napo mga req.ko ang kaso ang inventor kopo ay sibilyan army amerikano po sya maam.he lives outside the army base sa korea po.pwede po ba sya maginvite saken if yes! Ano po dapat ilagay friend or boy friend? Plss help po..thanks po

hi po mam fhel, ask ko lng kung mkakakuha po b ng visa khit nsa 2 months plng bank account, mag aattend po kasi kmi ng conference sa korea. merun na po invitation letter abd company bus. permit sinend ung sa conference. thanks po sa reply.

Hi po. I’m newly employed and I don’t have ITR as well kasi minimum wage lang po ako. Kakaopen ko lang din po ng bank account ko last month. Also mgaapply po kami as family with my cousins po. Isang student po and employed po yung isa and been to OECD countries po. Is it possible na magrant yung visa ko po?

Good day po, ask ko lang po, ofw po ako from Oman and planning to visit my sister in Busan. I have my ticket na, need b ng ofw ang ITR? wall po kasi ako nun uwi aq july 1 then flight ng july 17, aabot po kaya. what are the requirements for OFW? Sana po matulungan nyo ko Thank you so much

Hello po, tatanong ko lang po sana if kung ako po ang gagasto ng trip ko pa South Korea pero studyante palang po ako bali yung expenses ko dun sa allowance ko kukunin na binibigay ng mom ko po, kasi nung nag submit po ako ng bank statement ng mama ko hindi po tinanggap kasi international daw po di daw nila ma verify, pwede ba po yung sa akin nalang na bank vertificate at bank statement ipapakita? Nag aaral palang po kasi ako tas walang ako nung ITR. Ano po ba tamang gagawin? Salamat po 🙂 sorry dami kung tanong hihi

since you are student you dont need itr 🙂 just send a certificate from your school pwde mo namn gamitin yung bank account mo . mas na aapproved ang mga student 🙂

hello zoey! ask ko lang kung anong nangyari sa visa application mo? especially duun sa international bank ng mama mo? anong gnawa mong alternatives? please reply parehas kasi tayo ng situation. Thankyou

Hi Maam! Just wanna raise some querries here with regards in applying for SK. Me and my friends are planning to have a 4 days vacation in SK. Meron na po akong US Visa 10 years multiple entry I was travelled last February, I am currently employed sa government been in some Asian country din, but I was denied last October when we applied for Japan Visa my two friends was granted a visa. We dont know why but maybe because I just presented a newly account that has 50k instead of presenting my payroll account and I submit my application separately. Now we want to try to apply for Korea, and I am afraid that I’ll be denied again just like in Japan. Is there any chance I can be approved? And how much money would I need to have on my account? thank you so much maam!

Hello Ms. Fehl, ?

Possible ba na ma approve kami ng husband ko for Visa going SK, Wala akung work ( As in Housewife lang ako) pero ang husband ko sya may work at my US multiple Visa siya. Malaki kaya ang posibilidad na ma approve kami? Kasi sya naman ang gagastos sa travel namin at iba pang gagatusin. $2500 or higher pa? kasya na ba yan sa aming dalawa just incase lang po? SANA ma approve.

Your response is highly appreciated. Thank you so much ? God Bless.

Yes, you don’t need to worry as long as you provide the complete requirements, they will approve your visa.

Hello Fehl.

Hope all is well. I really think I need you to shed me some light here. Ayaw kasi mag load ng Korean embassy website sakin both sa phone at laptop. Someone commented kasi dito back in September 2016 saying na she didn’t have to submit ITR since she’s been to Korea 4 years ago.

Is it true that it’s indicated sa Visa Announcement Section ng Korean embassy website? I get na you have to be in any OECD country within 5 years to be exempted sa pag pass ng ITR. I don’t have that. I only have Korean Visa 3 years ago.

I’m currently unemployed kasi but I can move our family business under my name. I just don’t want to deal with the ITR thing if I could avoid it.

I’m hoping to hear from you. I’d really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance.

Yes, it’s a consideration for those who have visited OECD countries in the past 5 years.

good day ms fehl, here is my case.. OFW po ako and planning to visit SK in Dec with my mom. dito n po ako kukuha ng visa s SK embassy in Qatar. ok lng po kaya n pag nag apply ng visa ang nanay ko dyan s pinas i attached nlang nya mga documents ko for more chances of approval ( COE, Bank statement, Bank Cert, OECD VIsas) she will provide her SEnior citizen ID, her own bank certificate and statement, my birthcerticate.. she will apply alone in the embassy. pls i will really appreciate your reply. thanks

We have the same case, was your Mom’s visa approved?

Hi ms fhel.. Ask ko lang kung pwede kaming makakuha ng daughter ko(8yrs old)ng sk tourist visa. Kaso unemployed ako at si hubby is working sa sk. May possibility kaya na magka visa kami kung ung employer nya ang mag invite samin?

Yes, just complete the required documents

Hi, ako din po, my husband is US CITIZEN, and ako po is dto pa sa philippines, uuwi po kasi sya at gusto namin mag travel this feb sa SK, wala din po akong work, maaapprove po ba ako ng visa? Sya naman po lahat din gagastus? At im still using my single name kasi dahil naka file ako for spouse visa sa US bawal pa ako magpalit. Mataas po ba chance na makakuha ako ng tourist visa? Pls help ?

Hello po Miss Fehl,

Isa po akong kasambahay at korean po employer ko dto sa pilipinas.. Ask ku lng po kung ano po mga requirements na kailangan.? Kc gusto po nila ako dadalhin sa korea for vacation pero wla po akong bank account. At itr paano po yun? Need ku po help nyu..salamat po.

Hi, good day! Question lang po. Planning to travel SK on January 2017 for 15 days, I am employed all requirements ma cocomply ko naman, Question ko lang is need ko pa ba state sa visa form yung address ng tutuloyan ko kasi may friend ako dun na pwedeng tirhan para iwas gastos sa hote., then also my husband is working there. Inaalala ko baka hingan pa ko ng additional requirements like COE of my husband since employed sya dun. And one thing pa, may chance kaya na deny application ko kasi working si hubby dun?

Legal ba ung husband mo dun sa sk?

Good day poh… ive been working in sokor under e9 visa(4yrs&10mo.)ended last march 30 ds yr.. do you have any idea madam na e grant nla aq for tourist visa… Wla p kc aq nbsa rito n nagcomment na galing e9 visa then nagtour…..6mo. Pa lng aq d2 s pinas…pls need ur advise poh..meron bang certain time bago pwede n mgtour?..

Hi! me and my friends are planning to go to SK next year but all of us are OFW’s, do we need to present ITR? Because we don’t have that here in riyadh…

Hi! possible ba na isponsor ko yung friend ko? student pa lang kase siya eh. vacation lang kami for 5 days

I am planning to go to sk and its my first time for applying tourist visa. My concern is that i am an ofw and recently finished my work here In Riyadh. Is my Coe still valid? In my case, Is there any additional requirements? Thank you.

Hi i have the same case pero next yr pa plan nmn mag travel with friends, any update?

Just sharing my experience. Sana makatulong.

At first, I applied as UNEMPLOYED but my parents are paying for my trip. May family business kami na kung saan tumutulong ako dun but I still applied as unemployed.

Here are the list of requirements I submitted:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate 6. Affidavit of Support

My Parents’: 7. Business Registration (DTI) (Copy) 8. Mayor’s Permit (Copy) 9. Bank Statement (original Copy) 10.Bank Certificate (original Copy) 11.Income Tax Return (Copy)

Ginaya ko yung requirement ng HOUSEWIFE/HUSBAND plus I did some digging online. May mga nakapasa kasi kahit unemployed.

Pero sa kasamaang palad, hindi tinanngap yung documents na pinasa ko kahit na may Affidavit of Support. Dapat daw nakapangalan lahat sa akin. Then I explained na may family business kami and asked her kung ok lang kung parents ko gumawa ng Certificate of Employment and she said it’s ok. So nabuhayan ako ng loob, ngayon ITR naman ang problem ko.

Buti nalang I read their VISA ANNOUNCEMENTS and found out na hindi required magsubmit ng ITR yung mga nakapunta na ng S. Korea in the last 5 years. Luckily, I went there 4 years ago, so I don’t need to submit ITR.

So, on my second try, I applied as employed and here are the list of requirements I submitted: 1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5: Certificate of Employment 6:My Bank Certificate 7: My Bank Statement

8: Photocopy of my old visa 9: My old passport (na kung saan andun yung old visa)

I got my passport today and I was granted a visa.

Hi just wanna ask anu naka indicate sa COE mo? thanks

Hi! Ask ko lang po kasi i’m having a problem regarding sa visa application. Wala ako work i’m just helping sa business ng tita ko ayaw nya kasi ako magwork para don lang ako sa business nya magwork i don’t have ITR pero pede daw ako gawan ng COE, okay lang ba na wala ako ipresent na ITR? Thanks.

hi I have been in korea 2x , last year student ako nun nung nag apply ako ng visa ngayon may work nako mag to twomonths palang ako bali ang problema ko ngayon wala akong itr wala pa kasi akong tin number saka minimum lang din sahod ko . nabasa ko kasi Kung nakapnta na ng korea in last 5 years no need na ng itr. tanong ko lang kanino or sino nagsabi sa website ba nila un o sa embassy mismo? salamat sa sasagot 🙂

Hi ask ko lang po if you had other OECD visa or past korean visa lang po talaga tapos na approve na po kayo sa visa?

Hi fehl! What if my passport was just extended. Recently, I used in Hong Kong and Macau and it was still in effect. It was extended up to November 2017. I am supposed to renew it already though it is still in effect until November 2017. I heard from a friend that somebody has been denied of a visa because it has just been renewed. Can I still use my passport although the validity was just extended?

Thank you and more power!

Hello mam. Korean po ang husband ng sister ko at gusto nila imbitahan ang nanay ko sa south korea para mag-alaga ng 1yr.old na anak nila.Senior citizen anga nanay ko at dati siyang vendor ng seafoods. Kailangan pa ba siyang mag submit ng itr?

Hi po ask ko lang graduate na ako ng college last may pero nung nag apply ako ng visa school certificate parin ang pinasa ko may chance kaya na ma deny ako ?

Hello good evening. I would like to ask regarding a single entry visa- C3. I applied for this at Korean Consulate Cebu this month but sad to say it was DENIED. Their reason was “I failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea”. I doubt if I filled out the wrong purpose in the form since nobody was guiding me. My purpose was “visiting family/relatives/friends”. Then there is this box stating “TOURISM/TRANSIT”. Did I check the wrong purpose? I really don’t know what else they want me to prove. Wala naman prob sa funds kasi sponsored ako then I am employed as well. Please help with your advice po. I will reapply this November 2016 kasi. Maraming salamat po.

You should have check Tourist/leisure purpose. If you’ve chosen to visit family/relatives you should have provided more documents from your family or relatives in Korea and if you failed to submit those, you’ll be denied

I see. May nabasa po akong blogsite..she stated in there she ticked two different purposes (TOURISM/TRANSIT and the other one OTHER then she elaborated as VACATION) and her tourist visa was approved. is it possible TO TICK TWO? Is “TOURIST/LEISURE PURPOSE” the same with “TOURISM/TRANSIT” as written in the form? Enlighten me.

SECTION 9. DETAILS OF VISIT 9.1 PURPOSE OF VISIT TO KOREA 1. TOURISM/ TRANSIT 2. BUSINESS TRIP 3. TRADE/INVESTMENT/INTRA-CORPORATE TRANSFEREE 4. DIPLOMATIC/ OFFICIAL 5. MEETING/ CONFERENCE 6. STUDY/ TRAINING 7.VISITING FAMILY/RELATIVES/FRIENDS 8. MEDICAL TOURISM 9. WORK 10. MARRIAGE MIGRANT 11. OTHER

INFO: My boyfriend from US is currently working in Korea and inviting me to spend vacation with him while touring some parts of the country. Siguro naman hindi na ako e deny ng SK Consulate Cebu kung dalawa ang e check ko or ano po nararapat. MARAMING SALAMAT PO. ^_^ God bless to me

Those you mentioned are the same purpose and meaning that is why I think it was ok

Thank you po. Bali malinaw na okay pa la kung mag check ako ng dalawa since same purpose naman si #1 at yung “Other-Vacation”? Salamat

Hello! Nakapag apply ka pa rin ng visa? Thanks!

Hi Ms. Fehl.

Hope you are doing well aside from profiting in stock market 😀

My brother is working in Korea and he wants my mother and father to go to there for 5 days. My mother is just a housewife and my father is only a tricycle driver. Aside from my brother’s original invitation plus copy of passport what else they should submit to the Embassy to be approved?

Thank you and more blogs to come.

Hi Miss Fehl,

I hope na mabasa mo ito and matulungan mo akong masagot yung mga tanong ko. We have a US Military Brother stationed in S.Korea and gusto nya kaming magvisit don for 1 week. 3 kaming magkakapatid, isang student and 2 unemployed. Ano po sa tingin mo yung chance namin na maaprove sa visa since ung brother ko naman po ang magfifinace lahat ng gastos and do you think enough na po yung invitation letter nya para maaprove kami? thank you so much maam in advance.

Ask lang po ako do I need to get SoK visa even if my US tourist visa ako? Thanks po.

Hi Philpad,

I’ve been to Korea thirteen times and my visa expired two months ago

“”If you’ve been to Korea for 4 times within the past two years with C2 or C3 visa or if you’ve been to Korea for more than 10 times (wow)””can I ask where did you get this info?

Can I go to Korea without a visa?

Hi, im a Filipino and I want visit my korean girlfriend in SK. What will I do? She will invite me? by using invitation letter? they will approve my visa?

hi!did u get approved visa??what other supporting documents u had?

Hello! what if I put 4 days on the travel stay but the truth is 5 days talaga balak ko? does it affect? because 40k lang laman ng bank account ko and Ive heard na depende ang show money kung ilang days ka magsstay sa korea. Mind you If I ask how much is the amount of your bank account and how many days you stayed? I look forward to hear from you soon.

Hi Ms fel. Hope I will get your attention. . My sister and i wanna have a vacation in Korea this coming April for 3 days . Were just trying to complete our papers this middle of March so we can submit our papers. We take an agency to make it easy for us to assist. My sister is engr in solar company for 6 years until now.. she’s nearly finish all her papers.. I just wanna ask her bank account it is ok if she has 90k or 80k this is her first time to travel.. I’ve been to korea before I have E6 visa just came back last end of Sept. Now I’m still no work. But I’m getting enroll this first week of March. So I’m a student now.. it is ok if my bank account have 30k only.. thanks I will look forward for your answer.. thanks God bless.

I think that’s ok if you’re traveling with your sister who has funds as well and you will only stay for 3 days. Good luck!

hello po ms. fhel ask ko lang po ung bestfren ko po may frend xang korean and balak nya po mag work as factory worker duon.,ung frend nya pong korean e may factory po duon…anu po ba ang kailangan nya bukod sa invitation letter para makakuha ng visa?tnx po

Hi, the requirements above are for Tourist visa. What your friend needs is a Working Visa. The requirements are different for that type of visa

Hi Fehl, I don’t know if you’ll be able to help me, but here’s my question. I am an English guy going to work in Korea through my English company. I will be working on a UK visa for 3 months at a time. I have a Fillipino girlfriend who still lives in Philippines. How would I go about obtaining a travel visa for my girl please? I’m asking as I noticed the listings only show being invited by Koreans. Any help would be appreciated.

This is tough one with your situation. The only thing I know is letting your girlfriend apply as a tourist but she needs to complete the requirements

Thank you for comment Fehl. My girlfriend will visit a tourist agency who assist with visa applications.

Hi, which city you are going to teach? My boyfriend is from UK too and will start working in Korea as English Teacher. I got my visa thru agency. maybe i can help, do you have any question?

I am not here to teach. I am working in Samsung shipyard Goeje Island as a supervisor. Which agency did you use? My girlfriend is in Angeles City.

Hi duby, ani lahat yung mga requirements mo?

Wow! Really? The manager of the agency has also bf who is working in Geoje. The agency I used is ARC TICKETING, try to find on facebook or google the website.

good afternoon po ma’am , ask ko lang po kung may chance na ma approved yung visa ko . ininvite naman po ako ng boyfriend ko at ng parents na mag tourist sa bansa nila .. since 6months pregnant po ako mahihirapan po ba ako na ma approved yung visa ko ? aboout sa financial yung boyfriend ko naman po yung sponsor dahil wala nga po akong work . salmat po

Hello! Me and my friend just want to ask, it will be our first time to travel abroad and possibly want to go to SoKor. Do we have a chance to be approved for tourist visa? Minimum amount ng bank account namin roughly 30k. Okay lang ba yun ? And is it necessary to put plane itenirary and hotel reservation as well? I have read on other blogs na hihingin nila ung contact number ng hotel. I hope for your answer. Thank you so much! Great blog!

Ask ko lang if I have a chance to be approved. I just graduated last May 2015 and started working as a dentist last July2015 in our family clinic which is owned by my sister. This august, nagopen po kami new clinic but this time, under corporation na po siya and I’m one of the incorporators but not the main one 🙂 Mag apply ba ako as a self emplored or employed? 🙂 Then problem ko po, wala pa po kasi akong ITR since kakastart ko lang po. lilit po ba ung chance na ma approve ako dahil wala po ako itr? Ano kaya pwede maging alternative for the Itr? I’ll be attending a dental scientific congress po sa Seoul this coming April. Should I choose meeting/conference for my purpose of visit? And at the same time tourism din? 🙂 thank you so much.

Not sure with your case but it would be easier if you had DTI and mayors permit since you’re self-employed professional right now

Meron po ako copy ng SEC and mayor’s permit. Ang name po ng clinic nakalagay dun. But through put the copy of SEC, nakikita naman po ung name ko na isa ako sa mga incorporators 🙂 Okay lang po kaya un? Need ko din po ba ng diploma to show na kakagraduate ko lang kaya po wala akong itr?:) thank you.

A Korean invited us to visit their country for 3 days only. I want to visit him pero I don’t have any bank account pa, hindi pa nga ako graduate pero may job na po ako pero contractual pa lang. My mom is going also at sya naman senior citizen na ang may ipon naman kami sa bank kahit papano ang 40 years na siya nagtratrabaho sa isang government institution. Can those factors help me get my visa? Again, invitation letter from a Korean and my mom is a gov’t employee. Btw, my dad is an OFW and nag-iisang anak lang po ako so kahit papano may financial capacity naman po kami.

I think you have a chance na ma-approve ang visa since employed ka although contractual, employed kapa din and your mom is employed too. Just complete the requirements and if may sponsor kayo from Korea, submit the requirements too

Again po wala po akong bank. Employment certificate lang po ang maibibigay ko.

Hello, thank you for your article. Got a question though. I promised to someone that I’ll bring her with me to Korea but she just graduated in college and won’t be able to pass requirements like Bankt Cert, etc. What should we do? Answers will greatly be appreciated! Thanks!

I just invited my fresh grad niece in college she doesn’t have a bank acc.but I sent mine instead but they didn’t accept her application cause she is not my own family the embassy says that I can invite only my parents and sisters/brothers only…I’m not sure if my answer will help you just tried though! ~^^~

About your reply. Really? They don’t allow nieces? Kasi I am planning to bring my niece to SoK as a graduation gift sa kanya coz she is a Kpop fan. I hope Ms. fehl can clarify this. Thanks

Hi! May I ask what are the requirements you passed for you niece? I am also planning to travel with my daughter to SoKor because it’s my grad gift for her. She recently graduated and still having her vacation. Hoping for your reply. Thank you 🙂

Hi. Are you still active replying queries? Meron lang po ko itatanong and i hope na mareplyan nyu po ko since super confused na po ko.

I’m going to travel korea by oct2016 po for 9days/8nights. I have no ITR since meron po kong tax exemption (below minimum wage lang po salary ko) but kukuha ako ng certificate sa BIR or khit sa employer ko nlng kung bkit wala akong tax na binabayaran. Pero when it comes to expenses naman po pagdating ko sakali sa korea, meron naman po ko tska sapat sa no. of days ng pag stay ko.

Bale kung yung ipapasa kong requirements is COE, BC, BS, Cert. of Non-filling tax; i doubt po na magrant parin yung visa ko po since sa salary pa lang sa work ko po e mababa although may ipon naman ako sa savings ko po. Pano po kung magpa support ako sa Boyfriend ko pra lang iprove as assurance na babalik po ko dito sa pilipinas, need ko parin po ba magpasa ng Bank certificate/statement? ano po yung requirements kung magpa support po ko sa bf ko? Salamat po. Sana maka response po kayo..

Since employed ka, I suggest follow the embassy’s requirements even if you will pass exemption certificate from BIR. Your Bank certificate and statement will prove your financial capacity anyway. The boyfriend thing is usually for Korean sponsor

Hello po… ask ko po sana kung updated ITR at COE ang kelangan ipasa? Pano po kung one year na po akong walang work at nagsara na po yung dati kong work kya wala silang mabigay na ITR? paano po pag unemployed? Ok po ba kahit walang ITR at COE? Korean naman po bf ko

Yes they require the latest ITR. If you have a Korean sponsor, follow the requirements for sponsorship

ano po requirement sa sponsorship?

Hello ask ko lang na approve ka ba even if your salary is below minumum? Ganon kasi ang case ko ngayon.. pero i can provide good bank cert that i can finance my trip.. will also include my parent as a sponsor.. please give me feedback please??

having a six-figure or more bank account will help you get approve. Doesn’t matter if your salary is low as long as you can finance the trip and your docs are genuine, those are what matter most

hello ms fehl., ask ko po sana ilang months ang validity ng documents from korea like sponsorship letter.

3monhts po^^

THank po sa reply..do you have any idea po if what kind of proof of relationship ang pde kung e submit kc i have my korean friend who will sponsor my studies in korea just for 3mos. Thank you po

Proof of relationship such as Birth Certificates if you are a family relative or joint account if you are a fiance. For friends, I don’t think of any

how about pictures Ms. fehl and guarantee letter ??

hello ms. fehl. what are the other possible req. to prepare to prove your strong family ties to your country home esp. if your not currently employed.?? tnk u po

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of your children if you have any

Hello Ms. Fehl. Im planning to apply SK Tourist Visa to visit my bf working in Korea. Ang account po na gagamitin ko is may payroll account of which I always withdraw all the money during payday. So walang laman ang account ko, I’m worried na baka madeny application ko because of that. So, would it help po ba if I put my bf as my sponsor? Ano po additional requirements? He’s an American working in Korea. Another problem kasi if ilagay ko sya as sponsor, he is married and his divorce is still on process, would it complicate things?

Another concern ko po is the ITR/Form 2316, since hindi pa vailable ang 2316 for the year 2015, can I use my 2316 covering year 2014?

I would really appreciate your reply.

Hi Ms. Fehl, my ask po regarding po sa application ko sa tourist visa , employed po ako sa family business namin, sa sister ko po pinangalan yun family business . kailangan ko pa rin ba ng coe and itr? and the Same din po ang nilagay ko sa application ko na address at telephone no. since same address lang po yun house at business namin . Magkakaroon po kaya ng problema sa application ko?

Hi mildred, Did you pursue your application for visa? What did you submit as requirements? We have the same situation kasi. Thanks

My sister applied on her own , she got denied, I have the same situation, natakot ako kasi ssiter ko dentist pero denied so II applied through agency, they were helpful namangood luck guys

Hi Rd. Bakit denied sister mo? Does she has her own clinic or employed siya? Anong requirements pinasa nya? Thanks. At ano reason for denial ?

hi guys pleas help me. I have British boyfriend that work in Korea. I’ve been Korea before Nov 5 2013 -Sep 27 2015 i have E6 visa before. I want to go back to Korea as a tourist this coming Chinese New year or stay with him for 1 month Feb 5. I have also bank account but just already last Oct. I don’t have any work now. so I really don’t know where i’m gonna start and i really don’t know what is the requirements. Its is possible to have a vacation even if just came back home. I really love Korea very much. Hope Somebody helps me Thanks.

Good day Miss Fehl…aside from visiting mainly the SK embassy to the Philippines peraonally is there any url or personally known information regarding applyinh for multiple visa entry? Km currently in SK now.

Eh pano po kung kaoopen lang ang bank account wala pa po syang 3mons,makakakuha po ba kaya kmi ng bank cert.?tsaka pano po ung itr ko eh andito nmn po aq sa abroad?

Thanks for your blog. This is very helpful! Hi, this is Ronie. May gusto lang po akong itanong kasi, me and my friend is going to apply for tourist visa this coming next week And we;re just waiting for our bank Cert, and we’re good to go. But, I’ve seen in my ITR, there is a small mistake, is that they input a wrong date of my birthday, yung date lang naman po. And mahirap na po kung ibabalik ko pa po, at kuha ulit ng ITR. Ang tanong ko po ay, Hindi naman po ba ma question yun, mam? Secondly, Yung sa Bank Certificate, tungkol dun sa ADB. Kasi nag open kami ng account only for that show money, last Aug 28, 2015, saktong 3 months na po nung Nov 28, 2015. Ngayun po, d po namin makuha kung ano yung sa ADB, eh ang sabi nyu po dito sa blog nyu is 6 months. Ano po ibig sabihin po nun? Thanks

ADB means Average Daily Balance, Nilalagay yan sa Bank Cetificate. Yan magpapatunay na hindi mo winithdraw yung savings mo. if you have 50k savings for 6 months tapos hindi mo winithdraw yung ADB mo is 50k din. In my case i had 49k. My ADB is 1500 kasi panay withdraw ako tapos deposit ulit. 😀

Good luck sa application! 😀

Hi so did you get approve?

Hi, question lang po…possible po ba na maapprove ako ng visa kapag wala akong bank statement..sabi kasi ng bank ko, ndi sila nag-issue ng bank statement for savings account..although kaya ko makapag-provide naman ng bank certificate..? TIA!

Hi, Tin. It’s strange that you are not given a bank certificate. Did you tell the bank manager it is for visa purposes? I wonder what bank it is? The bank statement is also the Statement of Account where in you will find your transaction history while the Bank Certificate is more of a formal one, a formal certificate bearing the seal of the bank indicating you are indeed a bank client for ____ period with money amounting to ______ for example. With your question, it is better you provide all the docs requested by the embassy.

Hi! there can I ask if I can apply on line for the visa thingy???

Hello po! im planning to visit korea next year but i have doubts with my average bank statement foe my application. But i’ll be travelling with my boyfriend & since he already has a visa since he was granted witj mutiple entry visa last year whem he vsisited. In this case, would it be better to pass the tickets that we will be travelling together and maybe his bank statement of account? Or do you have a better suggesstion? Kindly advise. Thanks po!

hello ms fehl i found it very informative and helpful tong blog mo, i was hoping you could also help me .in my situation, i have my sponsor in korea and wants me to study korean language so he enrolled me just 1semester (last for 3 mos.) so i will fall in C31 visa which is tourist visa.i am currently unemployed so i dont have itr,and coe. i have my bank account which just only 2mos opened. now i have gathered this req. my bank cert not less than 80k, my sponsors bank cert.sponsorship letter,, his bus.registration and itr i have also the Seoul national university admission letter and the school rgstration.would it be all enough??

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDYING ABROAD

1. Application Form 2. Passport Original (6months valid) 3. 1pc Passport size colored picture 4. Copy of Passport First Page 5. Original & Copy of valid visa and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6. Philippines Last School Record Original 7. NSO Birth Certificate 8. Financial Supporting Document (if no scholarship grant) – Original Employment Certificate of Parents (issued within 30 days) – Original Bank Certificate of Parents/Applicant (issued within 30 days) : D2 visa (master or PhD) – amount should be USD 13,000 or more : D4 visa (Korean language course) – amount should be USD 5,000 or more *the amount may be changed if the applicant paid the tuition fee – Photocopy of Parents’ ITR (Income Tax Return) 9. Original Admission Certificate from Korea (issued within 3 months) 10. Business Permit of the University in Korea 11. Scholarship Exchange Agreement (For Exchange Student only) 12. Recommendation issued from Philippine School (For Exchange Student only)

■ Visa fee: Php 2,700 ■ Processing time: 5 working days

hello ms. fehl panu po pag 3mos. lng yung admission mu sa skul anung visa ang e bibigay sayu.?? kc pag d4 6 mos yun..

Hi ms fehl. Just want to ask po kung ano po pede kong ipasa na requirements im not employed. My bf is working in Korea, can i just use his documents like bank account etc? Since he is the one who will finance me. Thanks

Same here ! Please inform me how. Thank you

Same also me.. let me know if you have some info.. thanks. 🙂 have a nice day

Hi, I am a US immigrant currently staying on Guam. My husband is in the US military and he is currently stationed in South Korea. I am planning to visit him next year. I will be flying from the Philippines to South Korea, What would be the requirements or visa type I need to show to the airline staff or the immigration in the philippines to avoid delation if there is I need to present. Thanks

Hi po, I got my tourist korean visa laready..My possibilities pb n quqeustionin ako ng immigration?

hi miss. fehl, this is renalyn tanong ko lang po pwede po bang kumuha ng tourist visa kahit wala akong sariling bank account, pero i have a bf working in korea i want visiting there ang ipapakita ko po sana na bank account eh, yong sa bf ko ano po bang mas magndang gwin para mapbilis po ang processing ng visa q, wla din po ako itr, bank account and passbook. pwde po bang passbook, at account ng bf ko yong iprepresent q sa embassy please reply to my gmail reynalyn.0423gmail.com

please help me miss. fehl.

Please reply. I plan to go to South Korea within this year or next year. I finally got a job. So how much do I need to show the embassy how much I need to have? My main concerns are money. BIR. Tax return and show money. How much exactly. I have saved about only 20 thousand pesos only. Please help and reply. I need answers, because I read a lot but no one gave me the right answer.

The requirements for EMPLOYED individuals are posted above. Make sure yours are complete. There is no specific amount indicated for bank statement

Hi Ms. Fehl! What if po pag-mag-apply together with family, okay lang po ba kung isang original copy lang ng bank cert ng parents, then ung sa children po, photocopies na lang? Thank you so much!

original for each one

Omg! Me and my passed our application in Korean embassy, We completed all the requirements but all the requirements was attatched to my moms application, Tinanggap naman yung application ko kahit wala akong copy ng Bank cert and Bank Statement. But as you said i need to pass my own copy too? Why do they accept my application kahit wal kong copy nung BC and BS? Will i be rejected because of that? OMG help! We will get our passport tomorrow 🙁 hoping that there will be a visa attached ???

Hi po did u get a visa in korea ? I need help because my passport will release tomorrow and the embassy never called the office for verification.

Hi, Ilalagay po ba sa passport kung ilang days ako magstastay? Kasi me and my mom will go there this Christmas but she has to stay for 5 days for business purposes and I have to stay for 12 days. So my plan for Visa Application is I will put 5 days the potential length of stay. Kasi I’m worried that maapektuhan yung budget ko sa bank which nabasa ko sa ibang blog na nakadepende ung budget mo sa length of stay and baka magtataka sila bakit mauuna syang umuwi. Thank you.

Hi ms fehl I was invited by a friend staying there in korea. Is it enough an invitation letter for applying visa? I dont have bank acct but I do have a job but ni itr. Can u pls help me? I have an employment certificate. Thanks.

Hi, you need to submit original copy of invitation letter as mentioned above and the requirements for employed individuals (bank statement, COE, bank certificate, ITR)

hello maam fehl need ko po advice nyo apply po sna ako for tourist visa s korea boyfriend ko po from slovenia sponsor ko his working there…. wla po ako work ok n po b ung invitation from him pra s embassy need ko po help nyo thanks po

Hi Ms. Fehl 🙂

I just graduated last May2015. And i recently passed the board exam for dentist. I’m working in our clinic but the clinic is named under my brother. I have my TIN number na din. Complete requirements naman ako for the visa except for the ITR. I’m not sure lang kung under employed ba ako or self-employed 🙂 plan ko po kasi mag vacation on April 2016. By the time na mag apply ako on January, wala pa din ako ITR. Any advice po for my problem? Thank you in advance 🙂

I suggest you register your clinic under your name so that you have complete requirements as a Self-employed Professional.

Hi, I am currently unemployed but i do have a business pero sa wife ko naka pangalan. I am also working on side projects which gives me atleast 95k a month deposited directly to my bank account here in ph. pero i do not have a contract with the employer and i’ve been working with them for 3 years na since every month may bagong project. Wala na akong ITR as en employee pero yung business namin complete with ITR and other business documents. Can i still use it kahit sa wife ko naka pangalan? Will it help kung makakapag show naman ako ng proof that i can fund my self and my wife through my bank certificate?

Hi ms fehl…pls.help me po…i have a korean boyfriend po..my baby nren po kme 4months old…but hndi pa po kme ksal..plan po nmen pmunta ng korea just tour visit ng pamilya nya pra mkita po baby at ma register sa korea ang baby nmen..pls help nmn po if possible poba na mka pnta kme ng baby nmen sa korea..

good day Maam Fehl, i am currently working in saudi arabia as occupational therapist and my husband is a family driver. i just want to know if all requirements stated in your blog is applicable if we are about to apply in the consulate of south korea here in saudi arabia. thank you so much.

Hi, I got my bank certificate and statement today and planning to apply after my SG/KL travel (1 week after today). With that I need to withdraw a substantial amount in my account. Probably half of the current amount will be withdrawn. My question is, does the embassy call the bank to check the current balance if what is reflected in the certificate is still the same? Thanks!

Hi good morning. Ask ko Lang po Sana. If how many percent sure that I get approve on my application. I have bank certificate with 200k In it. I have a dti. Mayors permit and its.

Hi, I read a blog early this year that visa applicants who have been previously granted with OECD Visas are no longer required to issue bank accounts/statements. Is this still applicable since the new guidelines were released (beginning March 1, 2015)? My husband and I had our honeymoon in Japan last December 2014 and I just booked a ticket to Seoul to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. I’m planning to apply for Korean Visa in September/October. Thank you very much!

Hi Ms.Fehl, Ask ko lng po if what poh kailngng gawin if ung kukuha visit visa is a minor and d pa nagstart class nia.1st time nia po magtravel dun to visit her tita and d poh nia kamag-Anak ung kasama niang pupunta ng Korea.Pls.Help me kasi naguguluhan ako sa mga requirements nia.Thank you

Hello! Good Day~~ Im planning to visit Busan in Korea this October, but this will be my first time to process passports and visa, Im asking for help because I really don’t know where to start,. Im living in Bacolod City, Im working as Korean English tutor but I don’t have any bank accounts yet, my friends are just inviting me to come.

Hi Ms. Fehl Ask ko lang How to get a Double Entry C3 Visa? Same din ba un sa pag kuha ng single entry visa? at may bayad ba un? Lagi kasi ako pumunta ng korea.Hoping for your quick response. thank you very much

Hello Ms. Fehl Good Day to you ! You helped me a lot about getting Korean Visa for twice already and i am thankful to you! Anyway. I would just like to ask something to you ms. fehl and i will be needing your answer as soon as possible. Ms. Fehl I got my visa again last june 1, 2015. and i already went to korea last june 15 to july 4. The visa i got is C3 single. I just came back from korea last july 4, 2015. and my visa will expire on september 1 2015. Can i still use the visa and go to korea before my visa expires?

And also Ms. Fehl I heard that all the issued visa On march to june, Will not be effective for only 3 months, i heard that the visa will be effective for 6 months due to Mers Cov Issue in korea . Is that correct? Hoping for your quick response. thank you very much for you help 🙂

@aires if you are obly going to visit Jeju Island, it’s free. Take a direct flight going to Jeju, there’s a flight going to Jeju with connecting flight in Hongkong. Manila-Hongkong-Jeju but still be praised because the Korean immigration might ask you some questions.

Hi! I just graduated last May 2015. And I’m currently reviewing for the upcoming CE board exam this November. Ask ko lang po kung ano po ung requirements po para sa akin? I’m confused, kasi hindi na ako student and hindi pa ako employed. Hope you can answer me. Thank you! 😉

Hi po. If my COR does not state the email address of our HR Manager, will it affect may visa application? Thanks

Hi, okay lang kahit walang email adress ng HR nyo.

Hi po I would like to ask some questions regarding Korean Visa. I`m Ana Tiongson, Registered Pharmacist.

I`m working po as a Regulatory Pharmacist. My Salary is P21,000 net of tax. but sa ITR ko po dinideclare lang ng company is Minimum Wage so. P8,500/month lang po ako. Annual ITR- P102,000.

Ang plano ko po sana gawin is ideclare sa COE ko yung Salary: For Example; Salary: 8,500 Transpo Allowance: 6,500 Food Allowance: 6,000 para po maging P21,000.

Nagwoworry lang po ako kasi baka madeny ako. Tama po ba yang ggwin ko?

Hi I am married to a UK Citizen, we have a son, I am a Housewife and live here in Philippines. Me and my husband are planning to Visit in SK early next year Is it possible for me to obtain a tourist Visa?

Will really appreciate your reply.. thanks so much:)

hi ms fhel..we already booked a flyt po to SK on january 2016. This will be our honeymoon as we were getting married this year december. Employed po ako so mkkpgsubmit po ako ng mga requirements pero ang question ko po is pano po ung fiance ko.. seaman po kasi xa then by oct po ang uwi nya so it means unemployed na po xa kasi nkabakasyon po xa..wala dn po xa ITR since d po sila nagbbyad ng tax..ano po maiiadvice nyo sa amin para po sa pede namen submit for his requirements? thank you po..

Pwedi padin naman sya mag-apply. Submit his seaman’s book and current contract to prove na naghihintay nalang sya ng work but of course the decision will be from the embassy. Good luck!

Hi Miss fehl, I had a multiple UK visit visa and I had travel twice in England. I just got back in Philippines last June 15 2015. May I ask po sana kase I want to travel and visit SK this September, what documents do I need to provide? And I want my niece sana to accompany me, traveling to SK, (first time nya mag flight) she’s 22 yrs old and unemployed and not a student, dito lang sya sa bahay ksama ng nanay ko. Pano po kaya ang best namen n gawin para ma approved kame pareho in case mag apply kame. Anu pong documents kaya pede ko I provide para sa kanya? Pls… Reply….. Thank U po and more power…. Your blogs really help…

I just want to ask kung totoo bang pwde mag-appeal sa Korean Embassy once they refused your application? Nabasa ko kasi sa ibang forum at thread na meron mga umaapila.. May ticket na kasi kami, since promo, sayang naman kung mababalewala.

We’re denied kasi yesterday. Complete naman po ang docs namin, valid passport, COE, ITR, Bank Cert. (Incl Bank Statement and Passbook), we also went to Japan last April 2015.. The reason of denial is that we “failed to prove the purpose of entry.” 🙁

Hi. All embassies naman allow visa re-applications

Ma’am, naka pag appeal b kayo? Nadeny din kasi ako. Gusto ko din sana mag appeal.

Hi. Why were you denied?:) mag apply pa lang kasi ako..

Hi, were you able to appeal? My brother was denied, we applied as a family. All replies will be helpful, thank you!

We’re planning to apply as a family too. Hoping i could get in touch with you as i have some questions.

Hi Ms. Fehl I have few questions because i will be going to korean embassy this tuesday.

First Question: I travelled already before in SK last august 2014 and i got C3 that time. and on tuesday i will be applying again for C3 to go SK this june for 2nd time. . Is it mean that im a frequent traveller who can take the advantage of having 3 working days only to get the visa?

Second Question: With regards to the new added requirements, when my mom asks to her bank a bank certificate and a bank statement, they only gave one paper and the paper they gave to my mom.. its all there. the account type, balance, everything is there. will the embassy accept that even its a 2 requirements in one paper?

Third Question: Will i still be needing the photocopy of my mom’s passport because when i checked to the website of korean embassy there is no indicated photocopy of parent’s passport there. Just asking only because what my concern is that my mom and i are too far from each other and we just meet just yesterday for the requirements but without that photocopy of passport.

Thank you very much ms. fehl for your quick responses. I will be needing the answers because i already have a ticket and my flight will be on june. I want to get my visa asap. Thanks Hoping for your quick response. thanks ms. fehl. you’ve been very helpful for all people here since then. 🙂 ^^

Hi. Sorry for late reply here. I’ve been to Cebu and was away from my computer. 1. Frequent Travellers, according to Korean Embassy, are those who have visited Korea more than twice within 4 years. 2. I think the bank statement is the latest bank statement (debits and credits) for the last 3 months. Bank Certificate is a certified copy of the account (account type, account opening, balance and 6 months ADB) 3. I suggest to still bring a extra copies always

Hi Ms. Fhel,

I found your blog very helpful and i thank you for all your input. You might gonna help me since Korean Embassy doesn’t response in my email. My husband and i are planning to have a vacation on July this year, actually we do have our ticket already. My documents are already complete, but i don’t know what should an ofw will be presenting in applying a tourist visa? He’s working in New Zealand. I appreciate your help. Thank you so much!

Hi, same requirements listed above if you’re both Filipino citizens

Just found out your site really reliable and helpful for Filipinos who are applying for Visa. Like ko lang po sana hingi advise regarding what visa to apply nag pla-plan po kc kame ng mga friends ko mag tour this year in Korea and medyo alanganin po ako sa mga requirements since ang work ko as of now is homebased which is naka based po sa US and wala pong TAX na naibabawas sa salary namin. So in this case if ever na kuha po ako ng TOURIST VISA for employees wala po akong ITR na maippkita.. meron nmn po kaming family business but hndi po nakapangalan to me ung business. My other friends advised me na try po ung Tourist Visa for students since may kakilala daw po siyang staff from school na pede nmin hingian ng school certificate 🙂 hmm ano po kayang magandang applyan for Touris Visa?

I suggest you apply as Self Employed (freelancer) coz you are not a student. The embassy might still request for tax return because you are a self employed professional. Maybe you want to register yourself sa BIR first para ok kana and just submit sa embassy a copy of registration proving kakastart mo lang as SE-Professional.

Hi! Mag aapply po kami ng friend ko ng visa for SK. May additional requirements po ba siyang kailangan ipasa kasi po minor pa po siya and ang kasama naming matanda sa trip ay ang mom ko. Pati po hindi pa po siya nakakapag enroll because sa UP po ay july pa ang enrollment eh ngayong june po kami kukuha ng visa. Ako naman po ay nakapagenroll na sa UST pero wala pa po kaming ID. Ano pong dapat naming isubmit kung ganun? Thank you po

Good day, Ms. Fehl,

Ask lang po if required pa po b visa to South Korea if you are a US green card holder/ permanent resident in the US? I am still holding my Philippine passport. Please help. thanks po.

If you’re already a US citizen and you’re using US Passport, you can visit South Korea without a visa for 90 days or less

Ano po mga requirements kung senior citizens na mag asawa po ang mag aaply for visa? May invitation na po sila from korea, ano pa po ang dadalhin na ibang papers?

Is there any chance for a housewife to get a VISA to Korea with no employment, and business but has a sponsor to shoulder expenses for the whole stay?

Sponsors are her children and relatives in the Philippines.

ihave questions hope you can help me with

Im going to apply for the visa tom. im invited by a school in korea which we had MOU with…. in the form # 35, guarantor, should i put the School or my korean boss who will bw coming with me in Korea?

And our resort under our company does not have tel no. since telephone company cant put up any connections here. is it okay to just put my boss # in the employment certificate and in the form…?

Is the copy of the passbook enough? my bank statement will be released on tue pa.i have my bank certificate already.

please answer po…

Hi Ms. Fehl, ask ko lang po, anu po ba ang kukunin na visa kung 3days lang po mag stay sa korea??? I really appreciated your answer.. Thanks & Godbless po

Hello po! I recently graduated from college and currently reviewing po for CPA board exam.. Anong requirements po ang kelangan?

Hello po!!! I just want to ask po if we need to submit a travel clearance? My sister and I are both students. I’m 19 and she’s 16..Or we can secure a travel clearance after getting the result of our visa application? Thank you!!!

Good day ms. fhel,

my family, four of us, is planning to apply for Korean visa next week. we are applying as a family/group. Is it possible if we could just submit 1 original copy of the proof of income together with the other requirements?

or…Do we need to have 4x original copy of my parent’s bank certificate &bank statements? and complete individually all the requirements even we are going to submit it in one window?

Thank you in advance 🙂

Hi Sharmaine,

What happened to your visa application as a family? Were you all approved? I also have the same question at the moment (if I need to submit 4x original copies or just one set of requirements for the group application).

Hope to receive any advice from you. Thanks 🙂

I applied for SK visa as a family, there was 4 of us. I am the only one who is employed. My husband has a business but does not have ITR and other requirements so I declared him as unemployed. Unfortunately, he was denied. Only my 2 kids and I were approved.

Now I do not know how I’d travel SK without my husband.

Anyone has an idea on how to appeal?

Hello po!!! I just want to ask lang po regarding sa bank statement…since sinabi 3 months, so magpapass po kami ng 3 bank statements? For the month of January, Feb and March po? We’ll lodge our papers na po kasi bukas heheh thanks po!!!

Nope, it’s only 1 bank statement in the last 3 months. 🙂 Just tell the banker you need bank statement for SK Embassy, they usually know already what to give you.

Hello po! Thanks for replying! But the bank kasi is from the US so lahat po ng bank statements nila is per month..So pwede po siguro na ipass namin to lahat? Thanks!

Yes, if that’s the case

Hi there, quick question with the new requirements from the SK government on Filipinos traveling to SK. would that still affect the C-3 visa? my girlfriend is Filipino and lives in the Philippines. But i am here working in SK. I want to bring her here so that she can come visit, and be a tourist. She is not a student or has a job. Any suggestions?

Thank you in advanced.

I think it also affects the C-3 visa because the Filipino applying needs to submit some of the requirements mentioned in the new policy. If your gf has no job, request Certificate from BIR indicating she’s not paying taxed or she’s exempted

I’ve been meaning to travel to SK. However, just a month ago, the company that I’ve been working for decided to stop its operations here in the Philippines. I can submit all the required documents (bank statement/certificates included) but since I’m currently in between jobs, I don’t have any COE to provide. What are my options?

Get COE still as you’re applying as an employed individual

Isa po akong OFW sa Kuwait for 6yrs till now, paano po ba makKuha ng working visa for Korea, at magkano po ba ang placement fees. I want to work in Korea. Thanks for the info.

Hi ms. Fhel .. I will process my visa na po End of this month so .. Since I’m self employed.. Ready na po yung .. BUSINESS PERMIT , BANK STATEMENT , ITR ko .. Meron pa po ba akong kelangan na e-submit aside sa tatlong hawak ko ngayun ? Also I have all the requirements na sa bf ko na mag e-envite sakin sa Korea .. So pretty sure ok na yung mga requirements Nya .. I want to stay there at least 3 months and yung money ko sa bank is almost 200k na po .. Ok nakaya yan ? Please need your advice , Baka may Iba pa akong pwedeng ilagay sa mga requirements ko 🙂 I’m excited to process my visa na kasi .. Hehe ! Thank you have a bless day

Hi ms. Fehl, is it still okay to apply for a tourist visa as a student though it’s already vacation? Thank you.

Embassy would need school docs. If you can request the docs from your school, then it’s ok

Hi gud pm pano kung group visa frend and family ano mga kailangan. My 2 matanda pa mag tour lang ng 5 days

Hi Ms.Fehl, Need ur advice please… My american boyfriend want to traveL SK at sya po ang mag e-sponsor lahat ng expences ko to travel..rightnow He is in america and im here in Taiwan so paano pong proceso gagawin namin..at anong mga documents para makakuha kmi ng SK VISA..specially ako dahil sa PH po aq magpaprocess if ever.. Thank u so much.. Pls let me know soon.. GOD bless you

ASK KULANG PO KNG PWEDE GAMITIN YNG I.T.R CARD NUMBER NAGAMIT KO SYA PAGBAYAD NG TAX SA HOUSE MGA 1 YEAR PALANG NAG PAY DOON AT LITTLE BUSENESS LIKE SARI SARI STORE OKEY PABA SYANG GAMITIN….THEN HOW MUCH COST THE SHOW MONEY IN TOURIST VISA IN KOREA..OR KNG MAGANDA MAGPA GARANTOR AKO SA BF SA KOREA SYA MAG WORK ITS OKEY LNG BA BUT HIS FROM NORWAY?PLEASE REPLY MY ACCOUNT ..THANK YOU SO MUCH

Hi! I’m applying for a student visa this April. I have a concern about my parent’s support documents. My mom is an ofw, and she doesn’t have a bank account here in Manila. But she has a bank in her place of work. Can I submit my personal bank statement & certificate (which is where she sends money) ? Or should I include also her bank statement from her bank abroad?

Follow all the requirements under STUDENT VISA and you’ll be ok

Good evening po. May I ask if I can extend my stay in Korea for one day? I will be going back to the Philippines and we will be transiting at Incheon airport going to Manila flight. For example, I will be arriving in Korea at April 26 and I want to extend my stay until April 27. Do I still need to apply for Korean Visa? and if ever I will going to apply, I am still a student, Do I need to submit the requirements for students you have posted above? Thank You 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl

I’ll be travelling with some friends in SK for an 8-day visit. I already graduated from college and taking up my master’s degree. But, I am unemployed at the moment. So the nearest qualification for my visa application is for students, is that right?!

The friends that I’ll be going with are all employed, aside from my parents affidavit of support, should I still ask for one of them to back me up?

My parents don’t have passports yet, are there any remedies for this? Because I’ve seen from some post that it wasn’t listed on the requirements submitted.

Yes, apply as student since it’s your best resort and you have school docs to support your application

Isa po akong home base Online teacher for almost 3 years,ang manager ko po ay isang Korean nationality,at ininvite nya akong mkapunta don at sya ang magbabayad sa lahat ng gagastusin. wala nmn po akong bank account at ITR ano po ba ang dpat gawin?

Please help me if what to do.Thank you!

Hi Ms.Fehl,

Ask ko lang po panu po if walang ITR. Dito po ako work pinas as freelance Inspector ang contract ko nasa hongkong so dun po nangagaling sahod. parang overseas employee ako, Un lang po problema ko ITR. may coe po ako at bank cert.. Mabibigyan kaya ako ng visa?salamat

You still need ITR coz you are a resident of Phil and you are earning outside the Phil. thus you’re required to file/pay tax

I don’t have ITR so i need employment certificate indicating na wala pa akong ITR, can any help me to make employment certificate.

Your employer will be the one to make it for you. 🙂

Hi ms.fhel..eto po mga requirements ko..COE but wlng itr kc wla sa min. wage..bank cert and bank statement..invitation letter from my korean boyfriend..COE of my korean boyfriend..photocopy of his passport and affidavit of fiancial support from my boyfriend..is it possible na mgrant ako sa visa?im confused..

I suggest you get a certificate indicating why you have no ITR or why you’re exempted from tax. Then I think all is good

Hai po ms fehl.:-) Ask q lng po. Ang GF q po ih gustong kmuha ng korean tourist visa. Since ang sister nya po ay nsa south korea and nkpag asawa ng koreoano knsal cla d2 sa pinas. Ang Gf q po ih contructual ang work d2 pinas ih dba po min. Wage lng ang contratual so wlang tax. Wla dn po syang back account or cert. So prang unemployed po ang labas nya. So ano po mgndang gawin kc lahat ng gastusin ih shoulder na po ng asawa ng sister nya. So ano po mbisang mga supportive documents pra mkatulong po sa pagkuha ng GF q ng visa po.. thnx po sa help..:-)

I suggest she still get COE and a certificate from the BIR indicating she is exempted from tax coz she’s a minimum wage earner.

HELLO po Miss Fehl ask ko lang po paano po pag walang bank account? OFW po ako sa saudi ngayon plan ko po mag vacation to korea on december … ano po ipe present ko para makakuha ng Visa? e wala po ako bank account .. hoping for your response .salamt

Maybe you can submit other docs indicating proof of funds

Hi, just want to ask, im a graduating student, and im planning to visit my US military boyfriend who will be assigned in seoul south korea this june 2015, im 24 yo. i have my parents COE, ITR, affidavit of suppor and bank account. do you think i still need to get my bf’s invitation letter, military order?? since my parents are the one who will pay for everything naman. and my parents are not willing to show their saving account so they provided me a new one but it only has 100k, do you think i have a big chance to be accepted and granted a visa?

thanks for reading my comment and help, 🙂

Yes, since your bf is inviting you, you need invitation letter and his military order, military ID attached too

HI GUYS!! I would like to THANK YOU MISS FEHL FOR THIS AWESOME BLOG. After reading your blog and end up stressing myself on what, where, how to get the requirements (for almost 2 months) to the point of losing my hope of submitting, and granting a visa. Because of this blog, I was able to find answers! AND VOILA! Last week, My Boyfriend and I decided to submit our application, and after that…WE WERE GRANTED A VISA! *paaaartyyy~* even if we are first time travellers..hihihi So, I wanted to share MY EXPERIENCE~

Well, I applied for a STUDENT VISA so here are list of requirements I submitted:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original School Certificate 6. Photocopy of my School Assessment (this can also be the White form/Schedule or whichever form that will prove you’re currently enrolled in your school.) 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate 9.Affidavit of Support (in my case, from my boyfriend) 10.My Bf’s Bank Statement (original Copy) 11.Parents’ Passport Bio-page (photocopy) 12.My Dad’s Bank certificate and STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT(from his SSS savings account) 13.Certificate of Non-filing of Income tax (from BIR) (original copy) 14.(Original Copy) Certificate of Employment (My dad is a retired employee/senior citizen. I requested this from his past employer—the company where he retired)—-stating the he was an employee there from year 19xx-20xx…

Requirements for Certificate of Non-filing of Income Tax WHAT’S THIS?!>>>>NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX are only applicabe for INDIGENTS/SENIOR CITIZEN/RETIRED EMPLOYEES/HOUSEWIFE/EMPLOYED BUT HAS BELOW 6K MONTHLY INCOME.

NOTE: ASK the nearest BIR Office for requirements needed for this kind of certification. It’s really awesome if you’ll ask them first, the list below will only guide you on what, who and where to get it. It always depends on the BIR Office that you’ll visit and ask 😉 they’ll also ask the purpose of requesting such certification. 🙂 ALWAYS BE NICE TO THEM because they might interview you hahahaha LIST: 1. A formal letter to the District Head Officer and photocopy it for two (2) copies. 2. Affidavit, you can get this from the authorized employee in BIR—should be notarized, two copies (1 for father and 1 for mother)—-once signed and notarized photocopy it for two copies each. 3. Certficate of residency (you can request this at your baranggay hall stating that your parents are residents in the baranggay)—the baranggay may request for an updated cedula of your parents and/or YOUR cedula. Just be prepared for this and also don’t forget your ID because they may or may not require a cedula. In my case, I only presented my ID and my parents’ photocopy of passport as their ID. THERE’S A FEE—It depends on certification fee that your baranggay will ask from you. 4. IF REQUIREMENTS FROM 1-3 are ready, go back to BIR and present the Affidavit to the cashier and tell thedm you’kk need it for certification and 5. Buy documentary stamp (I paid Php 130) 6. SUBMIT IT! and wait for a few minutes and they will give you the certificate. 😀

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION *prepare an SSS Static Info of your mom/dad—in case the embassy will ask for it. You can request this at SSS Office. In my case, the consul did not ask for it since my boyfriend will be the one to support me in my travel. You might need this IF your parents will be the one who will financially support you of your travel. *In the AFFIDAVIT from BIR, you’ll fill up a particular blank wherein it will state WHERE does your parents get their income to sustain your family’s needs and etc.IF THE INCOME THAT THEY GET IS FROM (let’s say…) someone’s supporting your family aka BREAD WINNER…prepare an Affidavit stating that your family’s bread winner (an ATE/KUYA/TITA/TITO and the like~) been supporting your family and etc. You can also photocopy the latest remittance form or receipts or any proofs that will support the affidavit. *IF you have a bread winner like an ATE/KUYA who has stable job, you can request a photocopy of their ITR. prepare an AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FOR THEM, THEIR BANK CERTIFICATE, BANK STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT, AND CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT *ALL AFFIDAVITS SHOULD BE SIGNED BY THE AFFIANT, ATTORNEY, SEALED AND NOTARIZED. NOTE: These additional information will not guarantee of granting a visa. These are only supporting documents or infos IN CASE your parents are retired, cannot totally support you for your travel, if you are supported by other person and etc. BECAUSE EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE HAVING A HARD TIME ON GETTING AN ITR, BANK CERTIFICATE AND BANK SOA FROM THEIR PARENTS. THESE ARE ONLY ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS. 😉 I hope these would help a lot.

PS. From what I have observed the embassy/consul are kinda generous in granting STUDENTS a Visa because of the school documents that they will submit, because it only means that there’s a high chance/possibility that they’ll be back in the PH. BUT it WILL ALSO AND ALWAYS depends on WHO WILL FINANCIALLY SUPPORT OF THEIR TRAVEL IN KOREA. 😀

Yay, I’m so happy your visas got approved. Enjoy your travel to Korea! Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sure it will help many people here. Cheers!

Hi ms. Fehl i and my swedish boyfriend will be going to manila but im employed i just want to asked how much should be the maintaining balance to my bank to be approved for tourist visa..?thanks

Hi ..pano pag meron lang akong employment certificate pero wala akong ITR ? Meron akong ITR but sa online shopping business ko .. OK nkaya Yun ? and need paba Yung ID ko sa tinatrabahu.an ko ?

Hi, if you’re employed and with a business, you must have an ITR since you’re a mixed income earner 🙂

Hello we kind of have the same situation. Did your visa get approved? Thanks

Hi mam. ask ko if possible mapprove . I am bank emplyee. I can provide bank cert of 150k-200k, marriage contract, Itr, coec. my prob is my Husband . he will end his contract as an ofw From saudi. I ask him to get a letter explanation re: tax exemption as u suggesteD Since end of contract sia pede nb ung certificate nya ng clearance/cert. of contract? Lumalabas kasi no work n na sya paguwi diba. Punta kami korea paguwi nya. But I already want to book ticket pra mura. What are our chances??? What else pede adtinal reqts?

Try to apply and see how it will go. 🙂 It will be a challenge with your husband since he’s no longer employed then. I don’t suggest submitting Clearance coz it’s not COE unless the embassy requested it. You can maybe submit Affidavit of Support indicating you will support your husband on your travel.

Hi ma’am,meron po ako sister in law sa sk,pwede po ba nya ako invite? At ano po ang mga requirements na kailangan?

seen in some article that if you have been to OECD countries like Japan, they will not ask you to submit a bank cert? is it true?

According to their site, “starting May 13, 2014, all Visa applicants with unused tourist Visa to the OECD member countries, will be considered as first time travellers, and thus, should apply at window 1 or window 2.

Only those who have travelled as tourist to the OECD member countries within 5 years will be exempt from submitting ITR copy and may apply at window 3 (frequent travellers).

For those who have travelled to Korea, only those who have visited more than twice within 4 years will be considered frequent travellers.

Hi question can i be considered a frequent traveller ? if i visited 3 OECD country within 5 year.. without submitting any itr

Hi Ms. Fehl! I am applying for my 4th visa to SK this month. And I just went to BPI to get a bank cert and bank statement. Problem is they can give ADB only for the last 3months not 6 months.. They told me it’s their format for bank cert. Will this be okay already? Thank you and God Bless po!

The embassy requires last 3 months record for bank statement but 6 months for bank certificate. I don’t know if that would be accepted but you can try since BPI mentioned it’s their standard/uniform format

Hi, if i will travel with my parents and i am still a student, do I still need to have the documents like copy of their bank certificate,etc.?

Yes, see the requirements for Students

If you have an official passport, is it still required to get a visa?

Hi ms.fehl,

Kumusta po? I just went back from korea po last feb. 19 as a single entry visa, and i need to travel again this march to korea. if i travel once po pwede po bang mag apply ng multiple visa? Bka mg trvel din po ako kc ng april, galing na rin po ako ng japan. kailngan ko po bang ilagay sa application that i am requesting for a multiple visa? Regards po sa document complete po ako, gamit ko pong bank KEB, nag request po ako ng bank certificate indicating ung account type, current balance , acc.date at 6 mnths average balance. Ang kso meron po silang sariling format, and ang bnigay po nilang statement of account e yung previous 6 mnths. Ang sbi po nila i coconsider na ng embassy un. Ok lang po kaya un? Walang nka sulat if kelan ako nag open? Pro ung statement of account ung previous 6 mnths .

Salamat po sa pagbasa at pag tugon.

I saw you’re very active in answering your readers’ questions here. So here’s my case:

I am going to SK with my friend. He is Filipino but is for 7 years now. We will be going to Korea from here. If he wants to apply for a visa here in Manila, he’ll need to submit the requirements the same as those in the Employed category. Our problem is, he will be resigning from his job before going here (he’s 19yrs old). Eh I called the embassy and the lady there said that everyone who’ll apply for a visa needs to have a job. Sobrang labo po ng case namin. And I don’t know kung maiintindihan mo po 🙁

Question po,

Any changes po ba after mabigyan ng visa, kailangan pa sila (embassy) i-notify? Or is it good to go once we have the visa? Ang plano ko po kasi i-apply na po namin yung visa namin, habang may work pa sya dun. At least may maipapasa kaming requirements ngayon.

And yung Visa Requirement exemption po na “If transiting only to SK and going to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and with confirmed onward ticket to those 3rd countries”, ilang araw po kaya pwede etong mag stay sa Korea? Baka po bawal mag overnight? Kasi po kung sobrang komplikado nung magiging requirements nya, balak ko nalang po padiretsuhin sya umuwi na ulit ng Canada after namin mag SK 🙁

SK is very strict with tourist visa as a matter of fact they now require strict requirements starting March 1, 2015:

1. Certificate of Employment

– must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address.

2. Bank Certificate

– must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)

3. Bank Statement

– original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months

4. Income Tax Return copy

– with personal tin number

hi mam,,im ofw here in hongkonb,,,plan q po mg tourist s korea this vacation ko s philippines,,,my vacation po aq 2 weeks i want to spend myb5 days in korea,,,wala po aq itr,,but i have a contract en visa n proof n need ko bumalik d2 s hongkong on september,,,

Hello po ms. Fhel .. Yung American boyfriend ko na mag sponsor sakin .. Pupunta sya dito sa Phil’s para tulungan akong mag apply ng visa .. Do I still need his invitation letter , or wla na yun ? Then meron po na kayung example ng invitation letter ? Please po . Need answer kasi first week sa April mag pa-process Naako ng visa 🙂

You need affidavit of support if he will sponsor your trip

hi miss fhel..i’ve been from Japan for a 2wks tour and planning to visit SK next month for a 5day tour also.,I just read in mofa/kr requirements for tourist that if you have OECD visa you’ll be exempt from submitting itr. and also they are asking now bank statement plus the bank certificate. How true is this Mam?.. Thanks and God bless. I have a little business by the way.

Yes, starting March 1, 2015 there you need to comply with their specific requirements. I will post the update today in the article above.

My family is planning to visit korea next year. If we apply for the tourist visa, do we need to bring our kids during the application of the visa? thaNk you

hi ms. fhel…thanks for giving advises/tips to those who wants to get korean visa. ask ko lang, my aunties are planning to visit SK on a group tour and they already have plane ticket and accommodation. Three of them are plain housewife, and their expenses will be shouldered by their other sister who has her own business. Do you think they can still get visa? Will affidavit of support, birth certificate (to establish their relationships) and my tita’s business permit, registration and bank certificate will suffice?

They usually travel as a group and have been to vietnam and HK together. Thanks

Embassy is strict but they can try that. 🙂

good pm ms fehl. may bago po reqt sa sk embassy. just saw the news fr abscbn. and wen i check d embassy’s website, meron pla sa “visa announcement” page na new reqt including bank statement for 3 mos. sa tuesday na sana ako mag pass reqts. should i go on kht wala bank statement? most kc ng money is dedeposit ko lng s mon. show money lng tlga. so kung bank statement baka ma question ung biglang paglaki ng money? need advice po! thanks!

That is starting March 1, 2015

Hello ms fehl..ask ko lang po im employed po but almost 3 months plng so i dont have itr..and now my korean fiance want me to visit in his place..what documents i need to get approved ?i had invitation letter and my fiance certificate of employment..and he will provide all my expenses..do i still need bank certificate?pls help me.

hi joan, as far as I know you still need to show your bank certificate(yun isang brother ko na nainvite ko he only have 15k in his bank pero na grant visa nya) yun isang brother ko na ini ininvite ko lately they are asking his bank certificate kaya pinag open ko sya ng bank kaso doon sa bank sabi nila they don’t issue bank cert.not unless 6months matured un account kasi yun din daw ang hinahanap sa pag aapply ng visa(di ko alam kun new policy nanaman un!) dapat daw 6months existing account daw yun bank certificate kaya we’re still waiting to matured his bank account. = (

hi!ask q lng if mag apply aq ng tourist visa meron b clang mininum for the bank certific8?ska ano po ba yung mga example ng questions s embassy?

hi fehl .. ask q lng po pg ininvite k ng korean frnd .. anu2 ung mga requirements n need ? .. need p dn po b ng itr ‘ employment cert. and personal bank acct.? .. or original copy of invitation and a copy of passport lang ?..

If you’re employed, yes you still need ITR and COE. Please see the list of requirements in the article above. God bless!

Ms. Fehl, sorry for being makulit. But I really need your advice 🙁 Thanks!

My bf n i are planning to go 2 korea. since he is a freelance photographer, he doesnt have itr n coe. only bank docs. question ko is, on your opinion, what will be better, a. ilagay nmn na ako mag sponsor s trip nya ( im currently employed) or b. magpasa sya ng sya ung mag shoulder ng trip nya kht bank cert lng meron sya? btw, do u think 100k is enough n nka deposit s acct ko assuming im sponsoring r trip? 5 days ang mggng stay nmn.

Hi. I think it would be better if you’ll sponsor him because he’s currently unemployed. 6-figure I think is ok and enough.

Hi Ms. Fehl thanks for your reply. Do I still need to make an Affidavit of Support? Also, will it be an advantage if we will show we already have roundtrip ticket & hotel accommodation?

You need affidavit of support if someone is sponsoring your trip and accommodation for you. Don’t buy tickets yet because those are not really requierments

Can I apply my visa a week before my travel date? or should I process it a month before?

You must process it a month before to avoid delays and uncertainties of time allowance

Hi, Greetings from Pandora Travel and Tours! We are newly registered company and first to have a client going in SK for 10 days and a quite confusing for us…She has her Italian resident and just got her vacation here in the Philippines. We read all the requirements for her to comply for the visa. Since she has no bank account here (Philippines), but has the means to show she is capable to finance her tour, what are the other requirements she must to submit for granting a tourist visa? Please advise.

Pandora Travel and Tours

Hi, Italy citizens don’t need tourist visa to visit Korea. I think they are allowed 90 days to stay without a visa

hi po. my bf n i are planning to go 2 korea. since he is a freelance photographer, he doesnt have itr n coe. only bank docs. question ko is, on your opinion, what will be better, a. ilagay nmn na ako mag sponsor s trip nya ( im currently employed) or b. magpasa sya ng sya ung mag shoulder ng trip nya kht bank cert lng meron sya? btw, do u think 100k is enough n nka deposit s acct ko assuming im sponsoring r trip? 5 days ang mggng stay nmn.

Hi Ms, Fehl,

Your blog is really helpful. I applied for out tourist visa last week and I got it yesterday. We were approved. Thank you for making this page. God bless.

Wow, congratulations, Syrene!

Hi Ms. Fehl!

Me and my sister are planning to go to Korea this April. so we have to get a korean visa na. we’re both student. i have a question for the parent’s financial support documents. Our father is a OFW in the middle-east. they don’t have ITR because OFW’s don’t have tax,right. he has the COE na,but is it okay if the bank cert. is issued sa begging ng month? and how about sa ITR,ano pwede ipalit sa ITR since OFW’s don’t have one.

thank you! 🙂

Since your dad has no ITR, he can make Affidavit stating he is not paying taxes per UAE law. Have the Affidavit notarized. That would help. 🙂

My brother and I are planning to go to SK for 5 days. My brother is not employed and I am working. Should I give my affidavit of support? We went to Beijing last year. What are the other documents he have to submit? Can I submit our documents together? Thanks

Try that but if he’s unemployed, they might still look for financial capacity and close ties like COE from job and ITR

Hi Miss Fhel. I do like to ask if there is exemption for applying a visa? I already have my confirmed ticket going to USA and I did have my US Visa .Transit lang poh and we just decide to stay for 4 days in Seoul Korea. As what I read poh kc there is Transit Ano poh the best na gagawin ko. I hope you can help me find answer in my question .Thank you so much God bless :).

Visa exemption applies to:

-If using Philippine Official and Diplomatic Passport.

-If transiting only and going to the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, or New Zealand. But must not stay beyond 30 days and with confirmed onward ticket to the 3rd country.

-If the individual has been to Korea for four (4) times within the past two years with a C2 or C3 visa. Or has been to Korea for more than ten (10) times already.

-If Nationality is among the list of those exempted from securing a visa.

Good day Ms. Fehl! This blog is simply awesome. I have read comments here na somehow pareho sa situation ko. I am a student. SITUATION: *APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA that the only problem is the PARENT’S DOCUMENTS (ITR, BANK CERT & ETC.) because my father is a retired employee and just started his pension. My mom is a housewife. *THE TRIP TO KOREA WILL BE FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY MY BOYFRIEND (all expenses as in ALL)

I have read it here too na kailangan ng AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT signed by Boyfriend and notarized. I have a question here, dun sa affidavit ang ilalagay ba dun ay “BOYFRIEND” or “FIANCE”? *Is it necessary for me to have a copy of his COE and ITR even if we will be applying visa together? *I understand na kailangan ko ng copy ng Bank certificate niya nabasa ko na kasi dito ehh :)*

I think I have enough money in my bank for 5 days stay (80k)?, can I use it since my parents doesn’t have any bank account?

Can we also show the return tickets and confirmation of reservation in the Hotel that we will be staying in?

Hi, just submit requirements for student. You don’t need COE and ITR. The embassy will be confused if you submit requirements not applicable for students unless they requested them. Put BF coz fiance is another thing 🙂 Roundtrip tickets and hotel accomm. are not really required

Hi Ms. Fel,

Why does Korean embassy requires college diploma for tourist (group) visa.

Hi Ms. Fehl. what if my mom is a widow and no work. What are the requirements for tourist visa?

This blog is really helpful! I have questions too, hope you could help me. I have completed some requirements for Student Visa. the only that I don’t have is the ITR of my parents and their Bank Certificate I already requested a Certificate of non-fiing of Income Tax. My trip to Korea will be supported by my boyfriend financially, so he made an Affidavit of Support. So here are my questions:

1) Can I use my bank certificate since my parents doesn’t have any bank account? 2) the source of my money in my bank account is from my sister abroad who are financially helping me—-Should I also use the remittance receipt? 3) Can I use my sister’s (the one who is working in Manila) ITR? and provide an Affidavit (stating that she’s been supporting me financially)—– as a supporting document? 4) By the way, I am a working student, I do have a TIN ID but I still don’t have ITR since I just started last November, but I can request to my employer to write a letter or affidavit the reason why I still don’t have an ITR, my employer is also willing to make one. 5) Which is better? to apply as a student visa or employee visa?

Hope you could help me! thanks! GEL.

Hi since you’re a student, you can show your sister as your financial support. Apply as student coz you are still one. It is a strong tie that you’re coming back. 🙂

Good evening miss Fehl! I worked in korea before, then nagtry ako to get a tourist visa last sept. ang mali ko di ko na attach ung dati kung passport, unforetunately i was denied and the reason was they were looking for more ties of you going back to the Philippines :[. Pero nagtry ako tourist visa sa japan na approved naman the day na madenied ako sa korean embassy, now i already travelled to japan and i have an EOCD visa. Ask ko lang po kung pwede pa ung business permit and mayors permit kung 2014 pa, kasi by March pa ulit ako makakapagpasa sa korean embassy, kakabayad ko lang kasi last august nag file kasi ko ng temporary closure sa business ko. Di ko pa narerenew ung permit ko, iconsider kaya nila yon? baka kasi madenied ako for the 2nd time eventhough Im considered as a frequent traveller. Thank you!

You need to show docs for your business. They require the latest year registration. Since, wala ka, I’m afraid you’ll get denied again

Hello po ms. Fehl, i have a question po ulit. i submitted my complete documents po last wednesday, the consul accepted it and chineck nya lang ng isang beses, then gave me the releasing date next wk. Wala po siya ni isang tanong, is that an indication na approved po ako? salamat po ulit.

It’s a positive sign I think. But pray still 🙂

Hi ms.fehl, i got my visa today. Thank’s a lot. May God bless u.

Congrats and bon voyage!

Hello po! I’m a student and my mom is an OFW so she can’t get her bank certificate since she personally have to get it from the bank, can I submit her Car registration instead of bank certificate? Thank you so much! 🙂

Hi po..just want to ask…im planning ti go in SK..andun ung sister ko na Ofw..ako mgfifinance ng travel ko..pero dun aq mgstay sa haus nila n provided ng amo nia…do i still need invitation letter stating n dun aq mstay…at wat p po need ko? Do i need to declare dat?

It’s not among the primary requirements for tourist visa for employed individuals. I think you may need the invitation letter at the immigration (airport) coz you need to provide there where you will stay.

Hi Ms. Fehl! 🙂

this blog is really helpful as some of my queries about the requirements for korean visa application are somehow answered. I am a graduating student, and my boyfriend gave me a trip ticket to korea as a graduation gift. My super problem right now is that, my Dad have no ITR, and I read here on your blog that the required documents, as much as possible must be updated. My dad is a retired teacher since 2005 (9 yrs ago) and since then he is unemployed therefore, he is tax-exempt, now, last November 2014, my father just turned 60 y/o meaning he is a senior citizen already. He also declared me and my mom as his beneficiaries. My mom is a housewife (tax-exempt too). So, I am asking for your opinion, if I could use my father’s monthly pension documets and etc…(SSS) instead of ITR? I don’t have any problem with his COE because we already requested it. The bank certificate, can we use his bank statement na pinaghuhulugan ng SSS (PNB) or should we open another account?

I have another option with this problem, by using my boyfriend’s documents as he is financially stable and capable naman. I would need an Affidavit of support from him stating that he will be the one to support me financially during our stay in korea. Another thing, I would like to know what is SSS Static Info, lagi ko kasing nababasa sa mga nirereplyan mo ehh, Does my boyfriend need it too?

Ms. Fehl, what should I do now? should I use my Dad’s pension documents or should I use my boyfriend’s documents?

It will really help me a lot if you could answer me. Thanks! God Bless you! 🙂

Hi. Requirements for students are the following:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable only) 6. Original School Certificate 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of an applicant 9. Parent’s Financial Support Document (COE, Bank Cert, ITR)

I think you can use your dad’s pension SOA (statement of Account) instead of ITR since he’s already retired. You can also request bank certificate of the account he uses for his pension. Yes, prepare Affidavit of Support from your BF in case they request it too. SSS info is only an option when the embassy requests it.

Thank you so much Ms. Fehl!! :)) Next month na ako magaapply ng visa~ wish me luck! God Bless you! 🙂

Thank you for answering everone’s concerns.

I just had my visa requirements for SK submitted this day (through an agency). It was complete. Itr, coe, letter of leave approval, bank cert etc. It was accepted by the consul however he had a comment that I dont have a guarantor and I am a first time traveller. Im also travelling solo. My claim date will be next week, Jan 27.

What are the chances of getting my application approved? Thank you.

Apparently they were looking for more ties of you going back to the Philippines. Good luck I hope you’ll get approved.

Regarding my previous message, My visa got approved. Thank you. 🙂

Great! Congrats! Pasalubong! 🙂

hi ms.fhel,

maybe you can help my friend.she is married to a japanese and been 3yrs n pblik blik sya s japan no work.and she is here in the philippines for almost 1 yr. unemployed din po sya dito s pinas? is she need tohave ITR? she is planning to visit this coming feb by her own .i am gladly thankful if you response quickly po.thank you godbless

I already replied for the requirements with this case. See my previous reply for your comment above. God bless!

Hi po ms. Fel, Greetings in Christ.

i have plan to visit in korea this feb, galing na po ako ng japan as a tourist within the last 5 yrs. Complete po ung documents ko except sa mayor’s permit under renewal po kc it will take 3wks bago ma release. Ok lang po ba ung dti at last yr business permit? Married na rin po pala ako sa korean nsa pinas po sya, kso di pa po ako nkaka pag cfo, thats why ang ibang documents ko single pa including passport, is it ok po to put married? If my documents is still single, or just put single? may nso na po kmi ng marriage certificate ni hubby kso di pa na register sa korea ok lang po ba i present?The purpose of visit is vacation or tavel leisure for 5 days, and ako po mg support sa sarili ko, ok lang po ba un ang ilagay?

Maraming salamat po sa tugon ninyo,

Godbless po.

You must apply following the status on your docs and passport. Know first your real status right now and complete the legality of your status. Then update your docs (passport, IDs etc) to follow your status. It’s always best to be consistent to avoid major problems.

Thank u po ms. Fehl. Godbless!

hi,maam gudeve,pwdi mgtnung?my kpted po aqo andun xa korea nainvite na po aqo 2 bses na tpus ngayun ung mama ko nmn ung ininvite nya kc d dw pwdi dalawa xa isa lng nag invite paanu po ba aqo mkakuha nang visa maam?or pwdi nya po ba aqo mainvite ngaun khit andun pa mother qo,?slmat

Hi Ms Fehl,

My family and I (4pax) was invited by a friend (OFW) to SK and we’ll be staying at her place this April. Will an invitation letter from my OFW friend help us with the application for tourist visa? Any possible additional requirement from my friend that may help us with the application?

My other concern is my brother who is not technically employed as he is helping my mom with our store. He does not have ITR but I will be financing his travel. Will a financial support letter from me would help? We plan to go and apply for the visa together will it bear any impact? Lastly, it is not our first family out of country trip but it is their first visa application and my second korea visa application. If this can be documented can it help his visa application?

Appreciate your advise. Thank you in advance.

Yes, invitation letter will help the application and it is needed if you will stay at your friend in Korea. As for your brother, show affidavit of support if you will support all throughout your Korean trip. Visa approval will still come from the consul 🙂 Good luck!

Thank you Fehl! Hopefully maging maayos ang lahat.

How did your application go? Was it all approved?

I have the same situation as my I will be financing my family in our Korea trip. We are 4 pax. My sister is currently employed. She will still pass her requirements but in addition, I will still declare that I will be financing for her in our entire trip.

Hope to hear from you. Thanks 🙂

Hi ms.fhel, Good day. .i need your precious help. .i have a korean boyfriend and he invited me to go to his place in south korea. .in chongju-si. .i want to apply a tourist visa. .i’m planning to stay there for 2weeks or 14 days. .since i haven’t tried applying any visa. .i am very confused of what to do and where to go..i am from cebu. .i am currently working but for 3months now and only minimum wage .less than 10k is my salary so i am excempted on tax. .but i have my tin #. .but my korean bf will be the one to shoulder everthing. .since i am from cebu s it possible for me to apply a visa here.?what are other requirements. .?and also i just got my passport last dec.28,2014, ,but it was issued nobember 6,2014, ,,my boyfriend wants me to be there next month. .would be so kind to help me. .please i badly need your advice. .i will be expecting it. .kindly send your reply on my email. . .thank u so much for any help that u may offer.. God bless and more power. .hope to hear from u very soon. .

Very sincerely yours, Jennifer”jen”

. .sorry for the mispelled words. Thank you for having a kind and gifted heart. .keep up good work. .god bless and more power. .

Hi. I am working but I don’t have ITR. Is there a way that I could still get a visa? Please help

If it’s your first year or time to work, have an official letter from your employer that explains it.

My husband is a seaman & literally been around the world.Specifically he had a SK VISA 2 years ago when he stayed there to wait for the ship construction to be done @ Hyundai Shipyard.We are planning to have a family vacation on Oct. SK.How do we apply for a VISA because my husband is still here?

hi Ms. fehl,

I have several questions regarding tourist visa requirement. Me and my friend are OFW here in KSA, we’re planning to visit SK upon the end of our contract on December. It’s stated that ITR is one of the primary requirement, OFW are exempted from tax. Are we still required to submit this or is there any alternative aside from ITR?, We’ll be using the COE which will be released by our prsesent employer, will the embassy honor this even if we end our service in our company??

Have an official letter from your employer stating about your Tax exemption in the country you’re working. That could help. God bless!

we have the same status at the moment (nurse in KSA, contract will end next year then will apply for a Korean visa). I’m actually searching for this info for a long time across the internet but I cannot find answers. please update me once your found answers to your questions. I’ll check on this blog from time to time. Thanks! 😀

May question lang ako if you have any idea about sa application requirements ng widowed and unemployed. Wala kasi sa website ng embassy so it would greatly help us if someone could answer me. I will be the one kasi to cover my mom’s expenses. I already prepared all the possible requirements for her like affidavit of support, marriage contract, death cert of my father, my birth cert., and our joint bank statement. Kaso I was able to get one copy lang ng COE ko, I am not sure kung pwede ba na one copy lang since we are going to apply together.

Would appreciate an answer po. Thank you!

All embassies require strong ties like employment. I think providing the docs you mentioned can help already and if your mom has land titles, existing pension document, that could help too

Thank you for your response po. I was able to submit her visa application together with my copy of birth cert, affidavit of support, and bank statement. Hopefully they will grant her the visa. hehe

hi ms fehl,

plan ko po kumuha ng tourist visa paguwi ko sa pinas galing d2 sa saudi, pero wala po akong bank account sa pinas, at coe lang mapapakita ko sa kanila pero babalik din naman ako d2 sa saudi after 2 months vcation sa pinas, ano2 pa po bang documents pwede ipakita sa kanila….

Your COE, payslip and bank account abroad

Hi ms fel! I applied for a tourist visa in sk last May this year.Its my first time and sadly i was refused. The reason stated in a piece of paper attached on my passport was failed to prove the purpose of entry to korea.I was so confused for being denied the visa since i’ve submitted all the required docs. I have a small business and submitted bankcert,itr and mayors permit along with other docs. Can u pls enligthen me what seems really the reason of my visa denial? Thanks.

What was your purpose of entry? Maybe they were looking for DTI registration as well

Hi ms.fehl. I’m a filipino student and wants to travel in Korea. My boyfriend’s family and friends want me to visit there. But the problem is, my parents don’t have any bank certificate etc etc. I hope you could give me an advice on what to do. It will really be a big help. Thank you so much.

Hi. Apply as a Student. You need:

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original School Certificate 6. Photocopy of School ID 7. Photocopy / Original of NSO Birth Certificate 8. Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport

You need to provide proof of financial support whoever who will support your travel and accommodation, pocket money etc. If that’s your Korean friend, submit Letter of Financial Support and Accommodation

Thank you Ms. Fehl It really helps me a lot. I was so worried before. I’ll start fixing my papers soon. Thank you again.

Hello miss fehl,

I just want to ask, my aunt wants me to have a tour with her in SK as my my graduation gift, but I still don’t have a job and my parents don’t have enough money in there bank account that could prove that we are financially capable to travel in SK but the thing is my aunt who will travel with me to SK is the one who will pay for all the expense of my travel what document, aside from my parent’s bank cert., could I send to prove that it is my aunt who will pay for my trip instead of my parents?

I’m planning to visit Korea, I’m a minor student and all my requirements are complete, let’s say I have a personal invitation from Korea Tourism Organization, and my passport will be released on January or February but I checked Korean embassy’s website and saw their new policy on passport validity; it says

“Please be informed that all visa applicants’ passport should be at least 6 months valid when applying for Korean Visa, effective on 2014.11.03. ”

And lastly, what if the invitation is from a Korean friend, she’s around 18 and is also a student, is there any requirement to support her validity? Thanks and God bless 🙂

edit: aside from original copy of letter, is there any other requirement to support her validity?

Hi Regine. I suggest you apply when your passport is already released because passport is one of the primary requirements. All travel overseas requires a strict at least 6 months validity. I think you have nothing to worry when you have your new passport already since you have all the requirements for your tourist visa application for students and your Korean friend is 18 already, your friend needs to send you invitation letter and a copy of her passport.

Hi ms. Fehl. What i mean to ask is:

1. This is my 2nd time to apply for visa coz i planned to go korea again on january 2015 for 2nd time. My first time to go in korea is last august and my first visa i got last august is expired already coz its only 59 days. Ang question ko po.. para po ba makakuha ulet ako ng 2nd visa… mag papasa ba ulet ako ng requirements na katulad nung sinubmit ko nung kumuha ako ng 1st visa nung august? O hindi na magpapasa? kasi nasa kanila parin naman ung documents na pinasa ko nung una ako kumuha ng visa. Thanks. Reply asap please thanks

And im a student po. 2nd time ko na kukuha ng visa.. tawag ba sa akin frequent traveller na? Once lang ako magtravel to korea everytime makakakuha ako ng 59 days free visa. Un lang po mga tanong ko thanks.

You are considered a frequent traveller if you have been to Korea for more than twice within four years. It is stated in their website. 🙂 http://embassy_philippines.mofa.go.kr/english/as/embassy_philippines/visa/announcement/index.jsp

thank you very much GEL.. it was so helpful 😀 just want to ask .. will i still submit the same requirements na sinubmit ko nung first time kong mag apply ng visa even i am frequent traveller already ? 😀

Yes you need to submit the docs I mentioned for frequent travelers (employed) from my previous comment

Goodevening! Hi ms. Beautiful Fehl! 🙂 Anyway thank you so much for the help! It was a success! I went to korea August 20. I got my visa August 18. Its because of you! 갑사합니다 ㅋㅋ

Anyway Ms. Fehl, i will have my 2nd trip to korea on January 2015. The visa i got last august was expired already. And im planning to get free visa again. Will i still need to submit the required documents again? the previous required documents i submit last august for my first visa, hindi ba pwede un nalang ? Frequent traveller ba ang tawag saken? I need an answer Asap! Thanks very much for understanding! 🙂 ill wait for the answer

Hi Kenne. You need to submit the following if you want to apply for frequent travelers visa. It will be advisable for you if you travel to Korea often.

* For Employees(frequent travellers)

1.Application Form 2.1pc. Passport size colored picture 3.Passport Original(6Mons. Valid) 4.Copy of Passport First Page 5.Original & Copy of valid visa s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6.Employment Certificate Original 7.Personal Bank Certificate Original

* For Businessman(frequent travellers)

1.Application Form 2.1pc. Passport size colored picture 3.Passport Original(6Mons. Valid) 4.Copy of Passport First Page 5.Original & Copy of valid visa s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6.Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy) 7.Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy) 8.Personal Bank Certificate Original

Just a quick question… I have a Philippine passport & employed. If I plan to visit Korea just for 3-4 days do I need to get a visa?

Yes, unless you’re going to Jeju Island

Hello Ms. Fehl, I was just hoping you could help me with my concern.

First off, I know the complete requirements for applying a tourist visa in Korea (employed).

So here goes, I got hired kasi December 2013. So basically wala pa talaga akong ITR as of today. Most likely it’ll be given to me sa January 2015 pa. yun lang talaga ang kulang ko, the rest of the requirements, I can provide. pero ang korea trip ko kasi is Jan 22-26 2015. do u think I would be granted with the visa if I’m only lacking ITR/BIR Form 2316? coz i called Korean Embassy and they told me it will depend daw with the officer who would verify the docs, a very safe answer. but i want to know if may possiblity ba n ma grant ako 🙂

Yes, there’s a possibility you’ll get approved. If your employment certificate and other docs are satisfactory. I suggest you also submit SSS Static Info to prove your employment record as well in addition to the other requirements

Good Day po. Regarding about the visa, what would be the requirements if ang employer mo here in PH will shoulder your trip? your response will be a great help po. Thanks 🙂

That would be other type of visa. This thread is about tourist visa. Yours will be working visa or business visa since employer or business is involved

Hi! Ask ko lang po. If invited po from a relative in SKorea? Kailangan pa po ba ng show money for a tourist visa. And Im still 17 palang po. Paano po yun? Thankyou so much

HI GOOD DAY I my wife and two kids ages 14 and 12 are planning to tour SK by April 2015 wve been to singapore and hongkong what are the visa requirements for family visiting korea. thanks

hi felh,,,, im a seaman and my wife is working in sk right now,,,, were married but our passport is all single only…. can i say i just want to visit my girlfriend there? as a tourist visa… tnx and more power

Honesty is the best policy 🙂

Hello invited to all ng sister KO na citizen na sa SK, xa na laht gagastus skin run as Korea klangan ko pa ba ilagay na my business ako? I have complte requirements na din thanks

Hi ask ko lang if its okay not to bring the minor on tourist visa application. I am applying tourist visa for me and my daughter. Kagagaling lang namin but ndi na natanggap application due to time constraint. Babalik ako tomorrow. Sabe ni guard pwede nman daw kahit hindi na dalhin si minor. I just want a confirmation thank you. Kawawa kasi si baby byahe pa kami from olongapo.

Hi, di ko masyado maintindihan ung transit tourist. i’m a us green card holder. balak namin mag bakasyon sa pinas at pumunta ng korea. kailangan ko pa ba ng tourist visa? balik kami ng pinas after ng korea, dahil flight namin is us-manila, manila-us. counted kaya un as transit?

Hi… nka twice n ko balik sa embassy dahila wala ako itr ng parents ko. Dahil senior citizen na at wala pla syang tin#. Binigyan me ng bir ng certification. Ok n ba un. Pls help nmn thank you.

Decision will still come from the embassy. Regarding the ITR, since they retired na, I think the certificates from BIR would support that too

My friends and I are travelling to Seoul in March 2015. We’re all employed and regular employees to our respective companies. One of my friends has a relative (Filipino) in SK who works there. Can we all use same invitation letter since his relative will accommodate us when we visit SK? We plan to stay 9 days there but can we just indicate on our application form maybe 4 or 5 days only? Because I believe your show money depends on how long you stay in SK. We don’t know how much money will be sufficient for 9 days to have our visa approved. If you don’t mind, can you provide an estimation you think would be acceptable to have on our bank account?

Looking forward to your response. Thanks and have a good day! 🙂

Yup, you can use same invitation letter but the info on the invitation must be true. Indicate all honest and consistent info or else you will be denied. You’re all employed, COE and ITR must be your focus not the bank account statement 🙂

Thanks for your immediate response! 🙂

Is there a high probability that i willl be granted a tourist visa if I dont have ITR. I have a business pero July this year lang nag start ang business ko and ITR is only applied and issued annually. I have my DTI and other licenses and even the Bank Certificate. Also I’ve been to Korea once.

I think you’ll get approved if they know the reasons why you have no ITR at the moment and you show them documents proving your reasons (ie: BIR registration)

Hello. I was able to book a promo flight to SK for August next year for me and my 2 college kids. I’d like to ask what if I dont have an ITR? I am a recent widow and my husband left enough to support me and my kids, and I have an online job for a US company for 7 years now but I dont file any ITR. Will the bank certificate and employment certificate be enough proof that I can support myself and my kids? Thanks!

Hi! I really think that your post is really useful. I just have some queries though. I am currently employed, an LGU casual employee in particular. But I have no bank cert, my bf and I are planning to have a joint bank acct can I possibly use that? Thanks…

I’m a government employee and I have a diplomat passport which I previously used when I attended a conference in Denmark. You mentioned that having a Philippine Diplomat Passport makes you exempted for securing tourist visa. Im planning to visit South Korea this December (personal tour). Do I still need to apply for a tourist visa?

Thank you very much and advance Merry Christmas!

I just wanna ask i lived in Australia for almost 8 years and I’m back to manila. I dont have job yet here in Manila but i want to travel to korea. I dont have bank account here coz in still with Australian bank account, ect. What should i do? Can my boyfriend write a letter that he will shoulder our korean trip?

hi po ask ko lang po possible na ma approve yung tourist visa namin ng anak if my husband work in korea e9 yung visa envited kami ng church of korea pinadala rin ng husband ko ang mga document nya i hope you reply i soon as possible

It depends upon the consul’s decision. If you already submitted the complete docs, you have nothing to worry

hi po 🙂 im planning to go to korea with my cousins before the year end but im newly hired and i already talked to my boss they can only give me a certificate of employment. anong pwedeng ibigay instead of itr/form 2316? thank you

Good day te fel, ask ko lang po kung, may possible na ma approve yung visa ko kung ang mga requirement ko n ipapasa eh ito lang po bank certificate COE pero walang itr Certificate of land title (owned) Tourist visa po for xmass vacation dis coming december 2014 Walang invitation letter o kelangan pa po yun??? I have friend po kc na koreano dun.. Dun ako s kanila mag spend ng xmass vacation.. Salamat po te fel..

You need the invitation letter of your Korean friend since you will stay on his place.

Hi ms. Fel. Ask ko lang po pano po pag walang maprovide na diploma or tor and unemployed po, pero ang gagastos po ay relative ko. Kasama din po sa trip yung relative na yun. Ano po ang dapat gawin? At mga chances na maapprove ang application. Bale po, 15 po kami na ppnta ng SK. At issponsor po ako ng tita ko.

Nakapagtravel nadin po ako, last year sa hongkong macau. Pls po sana magkapagreply kayo. Thanks.

H! Ms. Fehl,

Ask q lang if Ok ung docs q. I have ITR(2013), COE (contractual for 3years), Bank Cert. (80k)?

And then ask q lang din if pwede ba magpunta sa embassy for our application isang representative from our group since we lived here in Mindanao? Thank u po.

walo kaming lahat na magpunta sa SK.

hi po. i would like to know if may validity po ba yung bank certificate and COE?? paano po if i got it issued last month.. valid pa rin po ba yun this month?? thanks

It’s always better if the date of issuance is close to the date when you applied for visa. Within the week is great

Good day! This is a wonderful article and thread that contains a lot of valuable information. I am a third yr law student and my husband is working as an OFW in korea. We have a 4yr old child and we are planning to visit him in Korea this summer.

My question is do I apply as a student or as a housewife? And what are the requirements for a minor child since I plan to bring our son too?

I would really appreciate your reply miss Fehl. Thank you in advance and God bless you.

Hi Miss Fehl.

me and my Gf want to go SK Im just hired last Sept 1,2014 i have a COE but project base only we have a ticket jan 14 to 18,2014 travel date im girl friend have a stable job and no prblem for money what would u suggest to me to aprove my visa tnx a lot..

Just bring the documents required (see above article). If you were only hired recently, have a letter from your company explaining about your ITR

Hello Ms. Fehl, I’m a housewife po my husband is working in Korea OFW, my Korean friend would like to invite me and willing to submit all needed requirements. I do teach online and my company is Korean but I dont have ITR and COE can be provided not sure if its acceptable…any advice po? plan to visit feb 18-20 for holiday vacay

Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Housewife

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted) 6. Husband’s Original Certificate of Employment (with contact number/s & address of company and date of issue) 7. Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT Bank Statement) 8. Husband’s Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 9. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

•If personally invited by Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport •If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

is it bank certificate in korea IBK or here in the Philippines? if have all the documents do you think ma grant ang visa q po kht hosuewife lng aq?

hello po my format po b kau ng invitation letter?thanks

Hi po what if ang asawa po ay japanese and nag stay po Sa pinas ng almost 1 yr. tpos unemployed po ako do I need to have ITR .? I’m planning to visit Korea this year po by nxt month.what are the requirements do I need to provide.? 3 yrs po ako pblik blik ng pinas at japan Pero not working..hope you can helps me.thanks need your reply ASAP ..it will help my friend if you reply me ASAP .thank u

Follow the requirements for Spouse and since you visited Japan, it’s an OECD country. Submit the following:

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6. Husband’s Original Certificate of Employment (with contact number/s & address of company and date of issue) 7. Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT Bank Statement) 8. Husband’s Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 9. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

Gud am po.what if wala po hawak ng ITR ,bank cert ng asawa,employment cert ng asawa kse the usual po Hindi daw pinphwak s knya ang mga important papers o personal n gmit ng asawa Nya…?MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE GLING NSO LNG S PINAS ANG MERON SYA THEN WLANG ITR YUNG PINAY KSE WLANG WORK OK LNG B N PASSPORT, BANK CERT,Marriage certificate from NSO LNG Meron ok npo b yun as requirements or khit tin number lang khit wlang ITR? What do you think po.slmat ..I hope you can give us advice

My sister, friends, and I will be going to SK this November. But my sister only does buy and sell of clothings/goods. And she could only provide her bank certification (no COE, no ITR). What can you advise?

I advise she register her business in DTI so that she’s documented properly

I need your help too. I will apply for tourist visa. I am a student. Both of my parents is not employed.

What other alternative documents na pwed ?

Hi! I need your help. I will apply for a tourist visa. I am currently enrolled in a review center and short term school. Im not employed but I earned money on my online work as a freelance independent contractor. I already have a certificate of earnings via online from the website, 3 bank certificate from different bank, school certificate, and other requirements. The problem is I dont have an ITR to provide as I am working as a freelance online. Also, my father dont have it yet bcoz he was just hired weeks ago. I am applying as a student. I’ll go in Korea for a tour by december with my friends.

Is that fine? what advice you can give to get my visa be approvd?

Hi Ms.Fehl,goodafternoon…ask kulng po kung ano need na requirements going to korea.Im still a student and dont have COE and ITR its okey po ba if i used my Bf documents as he is the one who support me financially.pwede po ba makahingi ng help sa inyo..maraming salamat po.

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted) 6. Original School Certificate 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of an applicant 9. Parents’ Financial Support Document – Original Certificate of Employment (or DTI or Sec and Mayor’s Permit) – Original Bank Certificate – Photocopy of ITR or Form 2316

•If personally invited by Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport

Ms.fehl thank you so much for the information..it help me a lot…have a nice day po ☺

Ms.Fehl nakalimutan ko po pala sabihin,what if po walang any document ang parents ko pwede ko po ba gamitin documents ng Bf ko as sya naman po nag support sakin financially.pero meron po ako bank account.ano po pwede gawin.

Yes, as long as your BF will submit documents proving his financial capacity and financial stability

Thank uou so much miss fehl…

Hi. Can anyone help me please. I am planning to visit SK next year and will be staying for 5 days. I will be traveling with my boyfriend but he still don’t have his ITR since he just started working this month. What will I do if he don”t have his ITR?

Certificate of Employment stating salary and position would help and also source of funds such as bank statements

Thank you Ms. Fehl. Pwede po ba mag attached na lang kami ng letter, explaining kung bakit wala pa syang ITR.

Yes, that would help so much

ms. fehl, my time limit po ba ang validity ng bank certificate? what if po makakuha agad ako ng bank certificate, then is it still valid if mag apply ako ng tourist visa sa embassy after two weeks? another one po, do embassy made a call to the banks to confirm the amount of money indicated in bank certificate?

Thank you for your assistance.

Hi tanong ko lang po plan ko kumuha ng visa kapatid ko na nasa qatar ang magiging sponsor ko. Meron siyang CoE at Bank certificate wala lang itr kasi walang tax sa qatar. Pano po yun? Tsaka kailangan din padala original na copy?

How about if I am new on my work and my ITR is not yet issued to me like the previous year ITR..

hello po, I’m planning to apply for a visa with my mom and 14 y/o brother, my mom doesn’t work pwede na ba sya madamay sa requirements ko?

MY PLAN KSI KMI NG FRIEND KO NA MAG TRAVEL SA SK FOR 1 WEEK LANG,,MY INVITATION NAMN KMI FROM MY KOREAN FRIENDS PROVIDE NILA ACCOMODATION AND OTHER STUFF. REGULAR EMPLOYEE NAMAN KMI..NAKA TRAVEL NDN KMI SA IBANG BANSA PERO WALA NGA LANG VISA..NOW WANT NMIN MAG TRAVEL SA KOREA UN NGA MAY VISA..U THNK PO BA MAKAKATULONG BA UNG NASABI KO PARA MA APPROVE?? REGARDING SA BANK CERT OK LNG NMN DIN UNG SAVINGS NAMIN NDI NMN GANUN KALAKI..UN KSI INIISP NMIN E BAKA KSI MA DISAAPRV KMI SA BANK CERT..TNX SA REPLY PO….

If you have COE and ITR, you’ll be ok

May I ask if in case the application is as a family should we need to produce original of certificate of employment, school certificate (for kids) for each of our papers?

hi, stumbled upon your blog. you see, i just got back to the philippines about 4.5 months ago(was a US immigrant) and i’ve been working online for 5 yrs already for a foreign company that is not taxed/not registered in the philippines, thus me having no ITR. (and i’ve been here for 4.5 months only so no ITR, really) do you think i’ll be granted a korean visa? i’m a bit worried because i’ve no ITR and my work is so flexible that i can work anywhere as long as i have my laptop. planning to visit korea on december for sightseeting sana. thanks

I think it would help your application if you show them your past documents when you were in the US because they will surely ask about your job and your source of funds

Hello pol. How did your application go through? I’m also working online and just like you, I can work anywhere as long as I have my laptop. I’m a bit worried if magpass ako na walang ITR. For the certificate of employment also, makakaprovide naman po ako pero I’m doubting if acceptable kasi outside of PH ang company. I hope you reply. Thanks!

Hello. te fel is there a required specific amount of slary nid for applying a tourist visa because my slary is below minimum wage and it will appear on my itr. my sister is permanent resident of korea thank u po:)

What is important is you have a regular job. 🙂 Since you have COE and ITR, you don’t have to worry much

hi te fel, ask lang po kung pede na yung requirement na Bank certificate 100k+ Invitation letter from korean Certificate of land title Walang itr at coe.. Stay only for 5 days Para manood lang ng incheon asian games bago matapos sa october4

Salamats po

I think you’ll be ok if the land title is named after yours.

te fel eto po meron ako n requirements tour for 5 to 10 days sa korea BANK CERT 100k cert land title owned invitation letter korean walang itr at coe thanks po, 🙂

Hi po, I am working now in Qatar, and im planning to go korea as tourist. I would be grateful if you can give me more information ms. fel… thanks po

Hi,would it be posibble to apply a tourist visa second person?, am recently in Mindanao.have a wonderful day.thanks

I am a contract worker here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. My ticket will stop over in Korea arriving 6:25 a.m. and connecting flight @ 8:35 p.m. the same day going to Philippines. Do I need to get visa if I will go out? thank you.

Hi fehl, ive been a frequent traveller 3years ago and that time i was employed and got a previous visa stamps as well from uk and france before. I know its hard to apply for a tourist visa esp. If your unemployed, but except from my personal savings acct.,what if my travel will be sponsor by my relatives from japan or abroad what will be the requirements needed? Thanks

Would like to ask for your advice. I’m planning to get a Tourist Visa to visit South Korea this year. I’m currently employed in one of the Resort in Cebu. In regards with the requirements for Employed Applicants, the bank that I’m using right now is the one provided by the company I’m working with. Will it be okay? Or do I really need to provide another personal bank account? And If so, any specific amount to show? By the way I will be travelling with my friend and this will be an all expense trip by our Korean Friend. She’s the one who invited us also.

Hope to hear a reply soonest 🙂

I think that is OK as long as you have the complete requirements like ITR and Certificate of Employment, invitation from your Korean Friend, his current job and status, those would help the visa visa application

Do you think it’ll be fine if the contact number on the COE is an overseas number? Coz my sister is working in the Philippines but their HR is located in Australia, that’s why.

And for the “Address and phone number in Korea” part on the application form, is it ok if we’ll just write “undecided”?? coz we currently haven’t booked/reserved a place on a hotel/guesthouse in Korea.

I think it’s OK, what is important is she’s employed. If you have no booking yet, put there “hotel booking to follow” instead of undecided coz that sounds doubtful

hello, me and my wife are planning to visit south korea this coming december 25, 2014 to jan 2, 2015. what month can we apply for a tourist visa? since me and my wife will be travelling together as we usually do every year end, can we face the consul together during the interview or will we be called separately when we apply for a tourist visa? we’ve been to most of asia like malaysia, singapore, thailand, hong kong, macau and japan.

hi miss fehl ttnung ko lng gsto ko sna mag tourist sa korea paanu kaya asawa ko working in korea ngyon gsto ko pmunta dun pwde ba ko mag apply tourist visa kht la ko invitation anu ba kailangan ko mga req.pls..send ur answer in my email add.thank u so much…

miss fehl.ndi ko mabasa comment mo pwde ba pa email nlng salamat

Hello Fehl, we are not even paying any tax here in UAE. Tnx

That would be fine then. Just tell the consul about it

How about for the OFWs like us? we dont have ITR. What do we need to present to them instead of an ITR?

Use your latest tax form you used in the country you are working instead.

Hi Fehl…I’m currently working home based. I can request for COE but the problem is with the ITR. That’s the only requirement I can’t provide..any idea or supporting documents that I need? Is non filing ITR cert ok? Please help 🙁

Also..if I’m supported by my Dad..will that be ok?

If you have COE, they would surely ask for ITR.

Hello. I am an OFW here in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I am planning to visit Korea next year with my Girlfriend on our annual leave. Regarding the requirement, what are the things we need to prepare since we are OFWs? We don’t even have ITR. Thanks

Hello Ate Fel! Thanks for the very useful info above. I just want to ask lang po. I have a concern about my korean visa application cos I don’t have ITR yet. I am a fresh graduate last 2013, and just got employed January this year so technically wala pa talaga ako nun. But I have COE and bank statement for sure. How likely po kaya yung visa approval ko? And what other documents can I submit as an alternative? 🙂 Thank you.

You can request a formal written letter from your employer stating the reason why you have no ITR yet (mention you are already working for 8 months in that company). That could help 🙂 But the final decision will be from the consul/embassy

Hello te’fel ask lang pwede naba bank certificate at invitation letter lang ng korean.. Wlang itr at cert of employment???

They are strict so they need to know that the applicant is currently employed so they need ITR and COE

elow…all my requirements were already complete but i have a doubt about my Bank Certificate since i have only 55k deposited on it…it is enough to convince the embassy that I can fund my 5-day stay in Korea?

If you’re alone and you have no one in Korea who will help you, yes that amount of money could be not enough for 5 days.

Hi mam. Government employee po ako since 2010 pero exemptd po kmi s BIR kc job order lang po ako. Ngaun po kaaupdate ko lng po ung BIR ko last day at sinabing hnd ako mbi2gyn ng ITR. Un nlng po kulang s requiremnts ko. Any advice po? My invitation letter po aq galing s company ng fren q, xadno gbstos ng lahat. Pls reply mam. Nid to go in sept.thnx mam

Show your Certificate of Employment and a formal letter from your employer/manager with company seal explaining about your job order and ITR exemption. I think that would help. Don’t forget to submit the invitation letter too

hi ms. fehl. i am also a job order employee of the local government and i have no ITR. we’re planning to go to SK together with my gf and siblings. we doesn’t have any invitation letter. but were sure that we can support our stay there, my dad is a seaman and he will sponsor our trip. please advise me on how can i get SK visa. thank you much!

The embassy is so strict. If you’re employed, submit Certificate of Employment with the company seal and authorized signatory. If you don’t have ITR, perhaps you can have a written letter from your Local Government Head stating you are bonafide employee and a decent person. Since your dad is sponsoring you, it’s helpful he write a formal letter too indicating his sponsorship in your trip. There is no guarantee though your visa will be approved. Good luck and I hope you return here and tell us if you got it 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl. I have Complete Requirements Documents already for Tourist Visa For Students. And I am planning to pass all those documents tomorrow (August 4). I just worry about my mom’s documents that I will pass. Her Bank Certificate/Statement is july1 to july31 only. Then her ITR is not updated. Then her original updated DTI business permit lost so I just have here the photocopy of that lost DTI business permit. But I also have here her ORIGINAL DTI Business permit but its not updated. Is it okay? Will the consul accept it? Actually I did a wrong turn. I booked a ticket already on august 13 because my korean friends gave me a wrong info that I can go korea for free without visa kasi 5days lang naman ako. But its not true. The problem also is I booked a ticket. So if I pass tomorrow.. I still have chance to get visa before my flight. 5working days

What is my concern is the Documents of my mom? Is it okay??

I need your reply as soon as possible. Thank you for your kind consideration. Thank you. Gomawo. ^^

The DTI permit must be updated and not expired. ITR last year is the recent so it’s OK

Hi ms. Fehl. Okay lang po ba photocopy ng DTI business permit? Kasi po nawawala ang original copy ee.

They ask for original. Why don’t you request another one in DTI

Hi there fehl good day! Ms fehl may i seek you advice pala if it would be alright for my pinsan to prepare (aside from the standard documents)his COE from our company(1month palang) + 2013 ITR(previous company) + his own Bank Cert + visa app form(with me as sponsor) + the affidavit of support& guarantee(i am the sponsor) + my own financials(my ITR+bank cert)? I am not sure as to the documents that ill help him to prepare. yung pinsan ko was just hired last mid of june pero may trabaho siya ng 2013 and nagresign ng april. Again thank you in advance for your time on my inquiry=)

I think it’s OK as long as your intention is real, the same as your current work and financial status

I wish I get a tourist visa though 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl! I’ve been to Korea once as a tourist and I am wondering if I am eligible to apply for a multiple-entry visa? Tnx! More Power!

I already pass the invitation letter ,military order and I’d of my uncle and I already submit also my school certificate because I am a fresh graduate just to visit my family in Korea ..all of my parents document like BANK CERT ,EMPLOYMENT CERT AND ITR are in the embassy today ! I need answer please if it possible that my visa will approved thanks 🙂

You don’t need to worry coz your documents and requirements seem complete 🙂

Thank you but instead of diploma I submit only my the certificate of graduation because the rules of our school 1year after the graduation we can get a diploma

Hello I am applying for tourist visa and today we already submit all the requirements that embassy needs …I’m just wondering if it is possible that my visa was approved? I have my sponsor my active military uncle stay in Korea right now ..please I need help if it possible that they will approved my visa ? Thanks

I’m currently working in Singapore for more than 3 yrs now. We are planning to visit South Korea early next year. My wife is a plain Housewife means no ITR and without Bank Certificate, we are going with our daughter also. My plan is to apply the Visa in the Philippines during my vacation, what are the other requirement I need to provide since I’m OFW and I dont have ITR. Thank you.

Use your ITR and COE in Singapore and apply for family tourist visa, pass all the requirements

Thanks for the advice. May I know the process and requirements on the Famil Visa Application? 🙂

There is no specific family visa like other embassies offer. What i can advise is let you apply as employed individual, your wife as a wife and your child to submit the requirements for current student

Thanks for the info, appreciated. 🙂

Hi fehl, good day! may i seek your advice regarding sk visa app.

im currently employed at our family business and i am treated as an employee and thus have to prepare a COE, and even my support documents like my payslips and itr are signed by my mother, the general manager. our business is registered under her name.

may i ask how will this affect my visa application. i have my bank cert at around 100K and i have sought this path to visa app instead of the businessman procedure since the business is not in my name. thanks in advance.

If you have ITR and COE, I think that’s not a problem. Pass SSS Employee Static Info, that would also support your proof of employment.

Fehl thank you very much for your advice. Fehl may i also ask for your advice because i have a cousin who was employed 2013 and resigned last april 2014. he has itr(from previous company 2013)and bank cert. our company hired him this july 2014 and will issue coe, although since he is also unemployed, is it possible for me or my mother to sponsor him on our application?how can we improve our chance of getting a visa. thanks fehl.=)

If he is really employed by your mom’s company, then why not. Honesty is the best policy

Im working as a full time networker and i only have 150k in my bank accnt. If i apply a tourist visa in SK,is there any possibility i can get a visa there? O kelangan p ng certificate ng networking company n pinagwoworkan q as a member?

Pls help…tnx

Kailangan nila.. Kasi ang pinaka.important sakanila is yung may itr, certificate of employment and bank certificate mo.. 🙂

Pano kung hindi aq makakuha …ive been to Australia in 2010 got a multiple entry for 1 year..I stayed there for more than 3 months..then ive been to Vanuatu island for almost 4 months, Singapore 4 times then in Bali Indonesia 3 times..I just recently came back from my 10 days holiday in Bali.

Hi, I’m Rhoda Laya, Filipino. I’m staying at Macau at present waiting for my working visa in hongkong. My employer (to be), is going to South Korea on August 6-10 for a Stamp Exhibition and he wants me to go with him to the said exhibition. Questions are: I there any possibility I can get a visa to South Korea? Any one can help me. .thanks for the help in advance..Looking forward to it Rhoda

You need a tourist visa to South Korea. There is always a possibility of getting approved or getting refused a visa. Just complete your requirements and you will be approved without hassle.

Hi, im not a student or employee at this time. Gus2 q po magtour sa korea, ano po kaya ang pde qng mga ipasa na requirements? Thanks sna po masagot asap.

It’s very hard to get visa approval if the applicant has no regular job at present coz they require financial capacity and proof you’ll return to the Philippines. If you can show them that, then you can be approved

Yes! That’s true.. Ako nga may invitation letter na, itr at bank guarantee ng mag.i.sponsor saakin..hindi nila tinanggap application ko then nung second time pumunta na mismo yung nag.s.sponsor saakin still hindi parin tinanggap yung application ko.. 🙁

hello, some questions i need an answer.wat if i have invitation letter? invitation letter should be notarized in korea? what are the requirements for the invitation letter i need to submit? and last2 years ngwork ako sa uae tax free. ung current work ko nmn po kakastsrt ko lng last jan 16 so wala pa itr n pf maibgy sakin. wla po ako mpresent n itr from last year but i have my previous job n my itr aq last 2012 pa. pwede po b un ang isubmit ko?

i do appreciate for your response po. maraming salamt…

You need original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the one who’s inviting you in Korea.

I am a student and i have my mom’s ITR and COE, but she is in indonesia now. Can i just submit my personal bank cert? I have 330k in my bank. Pls reply. Thank you

If you are the account holder, yes you can submit your latest bank certificate to support your visa application.

Dito po ako ngwowork sa Saudi Arabia as medical technologist, nabasa ko po na kailangan ng ITR, pano po ako mkka avail non ndi po ako employed sa Pinas?

I suggest you get an affidavit indicating you’re not paying taxes with your current job in Saudi.

Im a freelancer therefore I have a problem: I dont have a certificate of employment. I have all the other requirements though. Will I still be able to get a visa? I already booked my hotel and airline ticket.

Perhaps you can provide source of income or document proving you earn some money from your freelance jobs. Bank Statements will help too

Hi Issa! I was wondering if you’ve already tried to apply for the visa and how it went for you. Thanks!

student palang din Ako at yung daddy ng anak ko na nag wowork sa korea ang nag papaaral sakin may chance b na makakuha ako ng tourist visa para mpuntahan ko sya??? plzzz i need your help

Yes. Just ask him to sponsor your stay in Korea

Hello.. Pwede kaya ako mag.apply ng visa without itr and bank.guarantee? Yung friend ko po na korean ang mag.sh.shoulder ng lahat.. Wala po akong work.. I have an invitation letter, it, bank guarantee niya lang.. Makakatulong po kaya yun para ma.approved visa ko? I was planning to have a vacation for 10days only.. Your reply is highly appreciated.. Thank you mam..

Make sure you submit the requirements if you have Korean sponsor. See the documents mentioned above.

hi ms.fehl i just want to ask something.. im here in korea already and i have baby too..kasal na q sa papel and ikakasal palang kmi sa simbahan ngayung april 26 2015 gusto ko po sana iinvite mama q para makadalo sa kasal nmin ng asawa q.. anu anu ba ang requirements para mkpunta po sya sa korea.. thank you..

Application Form 1piece of Passport size colored picture Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) Original Bank Certificate of an applicant Invitation Letter Photocopy of Inviter’s Passport Bio-page (page 2) Photocopy of Inviter’s ID (Front & Back) Photocopy of Filipino’s Passport Photocopy of Filipino’s NSO Marriage Certificate

Hi. I plan to go to SK this December can I apply for a visa earlier? Like this coming august Will the free visa still be valid by then?

It’s always better if you apply for a visa 3 months before your travel date so you know the result and you can prepare for your travel or anything else needed and requested. South Korea Embassy will let you know the result of your visa application in 5 working days (if first timer applicant)

My husband and I are planning to visit SK next year. I am a Philippine passport holder, whilst my partner holds an Australian one. We are living in Australia and I have received my permanent residency visa just recently. I was wondering if you have any idea on to what i should do given the above situation. I’m aware that my husband doesn’t need to apply or lodge a tourist visa as he’s an Australian citizen. But for me, I am only a permanent resident here not yet to have my citizenship until 3 to 4 more years. Do you think i should still follow the same procedure like how you guys did? I would assume so. 🙂

Thanks heaps!

I think you still need to apply for a visa coz you are only a PR not yet Australian citizen

Hello, Ms. Fel, just want to know kids(5 yrs od) will travel together with their Tita and Tito ( Tita n Tito are American citizen), but the kids are Filipino citizen, will the kids needs tourist visa?

All Filipinos need a visa to visit South Korea. If they’re minor and will not travel with parents, they need more documents like DSWD clearance etc.

Hello.. how if this kind of situation, me and my sister and her friend are applying for tourist visa and we have only one korean citizen sponsor, for the three of us. is this okay? Or is this questionable in korean embassy? Because our sponsor is asking he didn’t know also..

I think it’s allowed as long as the Korean sponsor can really afford your needs and capable of supporting your stay. Prove it at the embassy by submitting documents of his/her financial capacity and status, also prove that the 3 of you are going back to the Philippines again. If you have jobs right now, that would help

Hi! I am a recent graduate and do not have a job yet, I want to visit South Korea but When I went to the embassy, they said “no work no visa”! I have a Filipino passport btw, and just wondering how can I apply for a visa now??? I don’t think I can still apply for a student visa and definitely cannot apply for an employee visa! What can I do???

Oh! And I do have an invitation from my Korean friends in Seoul, will that help??

Yes an invitation letter is required if you have been invited by a Korean citizen

If you will just tour and travel South Korea, you must apply for Tourist Visa. You must have all the necessary requirements. It would help if you’re currently working and can prove you can support yourself in your travel

Hello there!

Great post by the way. I have a question too. I’m a filipino u.s greencard holder, my fiance and I want to spend some time in SK on feb2015. She’s a filipino, self-employed but don’t have any documents to back it up. Can I sponsor her trip to SK? The trip will only for two (2) weeks max. Do I need to submit a letter of sponsorship for her? What kind of documents do you think be best to increase the chances for tourist visa?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been in korea for 10 years. Umuwi lng po ako for settle down last 2009.Applicable po ba sa akin kung sakali gusto ko pong magtour sa korea? wla po ba magiging aberya? Maraming salamat po!

Yeah of course. Make sure you have all necessary papers. Your records from Korea back in the days will help too

Hi there Fehl, i would like to request for your assistance regarding our plan. me and my cousin are booked come august and would like to ask some things prior to our visa application. my cousin just recently resigned last april of 2014 from his current work and his certificate of employment or employment certificate will be release 2 months after or on june 2014. how will it affect our application. Also i plan to augment his finances to help him, is there a required bank deposit period prior to securing a bank certificate? and lastly i am employed at our family business, how will my certificate of employment signed by my parents affect our application. thank you so very much for your time in my inquiry and more power.

Hi Ryan. I suggest you don’t book flights unless your visas are approved. You have to prepare all requirements / documents before you apply your visa to avoid refusal or being denied. It would be better and you’ll get more chance if your cousin is employed. If he resigned, the Certificate of Employment won’t have no value anymore. It will be valuable if he’s applying for a job. But since he’s applying for visa, he needs to show proofs that’s he’s stable and he’s returning back to the Phil. It’s easy to get Bank Certificate and they are usually signed and issued same day you apply for it except in the case when the authorized signatory is absent. Just tell your purpose is for visa application in SK embassy.

Thank u so much fehl. In terms of finances I will assist him and provide him funds for his bank cert. He also has an itr from last year. Will that suffice for him? Thank u again so much

I’m done to complate all my requirements for student visa, Thank u for some information regarding on that miss fhel, Godbless you always:)

Geez congrats 🙂 Happy trip to Korea 🙂

Hello po ms fhel, I’m Janeth , I have a military boyfriend po sa South Korea he’s originally from USA .. So gusto ko po sanang kumuha nang tourist visa for 59 days lang .. But I’m not employed po , not a student also .. Ano ba ang Pwede Kung gawin or anu pa ba ang Ibang mga requirements except sa invatation letter ng boyfriend ko ? Please ms. Fhel help me

Submit also photocopy of Inviter’s Military ID (Front & Back) and photocopy of Military Order, Affidavit of Support from him

SalaMat po sa reply ms. Fhel .. I have more questions pa po, may kunti po akong pinag kaka kitaan like I’m selling stuff online through fb po.. Pwede ko bang ilagay yan sa occupation ko ? And needed PABA nila ang information ng parent ko ? Like .. Nso , id etc, ?

If you’re self employed, you need to show business permit, DTI and ITR.

hi, just want to ask, a korean company (the owner himself) would like to invite me to sk.. they will be the one to shoulder all the expenses, like house, plane tickets and the money.. although i am currently employed, i can present my itr, coe, but the problem lis i do not have a bank account.. do you think i will still be denied kahit yung company na mismo ang magsupport? they want me to process the tourist visa then dun nlng iconvert for working visa., they wil also provide the invitation sponsor letter… thank you

The requirements for that kind of visa are different from a tourist visa. If you are requested by an employer, the requirements like your educational background, job background and certificates will be the most basis other than a bank account

Hi Miss fel, can I ask your email address? I really want to ask some questions.

Meron po ba dito na na-grant and tourist visa without ITR? please help po

Hi mam. Is it ok that my ng on Korea will apply at my visa there in Korea then he will just send it to me here Philippines? Then I will just confirm it at the embassy .

Hi po. Ask ko lang po kung ok lang po kaya sa embassy na hnd ko makuha ung passport ko dun sa day na nakalagay sa claim slip? March 10 po kc releasing date. Pwd po kaya march 11 ko kunin? Pls reply. Tnx 🙂

gud pm… just wanna ask po ulit ano pong diploma ung need nila if ever maghanap cla? highschool or college? 🙂 college grad po ako kaso nawala diploma ko..:( high school diploma at college certifiate lang ung meron ako.. pls reply 🙂

College since that is higher than highschool

Hi! i would like to ask. i have a korean boyfriend and his parents are inviting me to visit their place and i have problem on employment cert. and ITR because I am a freelance worker. I have the bank account that could prove i am capable of going there plus my boyfriend’s parents will be the one spending my travel in korea. How could i possibly get a visa without those 2 important requirements?? or there will be no way for me to visit there?? Thank you!

Hi.. Do you have the invitation letter from ur bf’s family? May i know the format of the letter hehe

sorry wala, kasi unsure din kasi papunta ko sa SK.

Hi, I am going to United States for a business trip and before returning to Manila, I am planning to make a side trip to Korea (3 days). I understand that I don’t need a visa if I’m transiting to Korea and going to US however I would like to verify if I’m also exempted to get a visa when I’m coming from US and transiting to Korea then return flight is Manila. Please advise. Thank you 🙂

Hi! I would just like to ask, how much should be in the bank acct? And is it each individual… Thank you… Your reapond is highly appreciated…

Do u know how much bank I account should I have?

hi! my friend and i wish to visit korea for a week. but the thing is..wala po name ITR. we’re both self employed kasi po may small family business po kame. pero po may bank account.. pde po ba jun kahit wlang iTR?

Hi! Same tau ng problem 🙁 no itr… Nakapag apply ka na?

Hello Why dont u try to visit jeju instead?there is no visa need in visiting jeju and u dont need to apply for visa just buy a ticket at China eastern airline but u will have a stop over at shanghai and end up here in beautiful island of jeju^^

Hi. I’m self-employed, working online, but I haven’t updated my ITR. My last employment was in 2010. Can I still apply for tourist visa?

Hi im planning to go to SK w/ my family. it it possible to apply for a visa w/o an actual appearance? im planning to have my parents bring my documents w/ them while they’re applying at the embassy. Is that possible? thanks a lot!

I don’t think it’s possible in the moment. Let’s see in the future perhaps 🙂 Happy New Year!

Hi miss fehl,good day, How to apply fiancé visa for Korea? What should I do first? That is the requirements for fiancée visa? Waiting for ur reply.

Thanks god bless u,

This article is for tourist visa only. Some requirements may add for fiance visa. Will publish a separate post about that in the coming days. Thanks and Happy New Year!

Ok,so thank u so much and I’m waiting for about fiancée visa miss fehl, Thank u for the reply and happy new year too god bless:)

Hello miss fehl , I want to visit korea, but I am a student,and my boyfriend shoulder all my financial support, But I don’t have ITR from my parents, what should i do?

Make an Affidavit of financial support signed by your BF, have it notarized and include it on your supporting docs.

Hello miss fehl, I want to know if I’ll be the one make the affidavit of support or my boyfriend?

Your boyfriend since he’ll be the one supporting you financially 🙂

Ok, miss fehl my boyfriend he was to me to stay there 90days, It’s possible ok like 3 months I’ll stay there?

Hi good day! im currently employed for 7 years in BPO i can provide all documents that they need for tourist visa. I’ll ask i have friend and he has no job right now and i want him to join in korea what is the best way for him to go in korea?

Hi miss fehl,good day, How to apply fiancé visa for Korea? What should I do first? Waiting for ur reply.

Ask q lng po pano kuha ng visa s Ireland kc andun ang kapatid q and she doesn’t know how she can help me to get visa, tnx

Filipinos needs visa to visit Ireland. Visit the Irish Embassy for more info

Hi fehl, is it possible to approve my visa if its invited by a cousin only?

Hi there! Ask ko lang, how about those na may mga relatives sa Korea (ex. Tatay or Nanay, or both parents, or probably siblings) na nagtatrabaho dun? Would they be able to act as “sponsors” for tourist visa application? If yes, ano pong requirements? Thanks! 🙂

Kaming pong mga married s korean nagpapadala lang po kami ng invitation letter na naka translate sa korean at english saka un pong family census at marriage contract namin pinapadala po namin sa family na iniinvite namin for parents nga po wala na silang kailangan iprovide na ITR o kahit bank certificate at naeextend pa po visa nila for 4yrs.dito^^

what to do if both parents doesn’t have a passport I’m a college student me and my friend wants to travel to SK for a vacation of 1week what document should we prepair instead? thank you

If you will travel with your parents, they need passport too and visa. You must start to get passport then apply for visa

Hi,hello fehl, I just want to know if pwedi ba ako mgvisit in Korea within 1month without visa?

Filipinos need visa to visit/travel Korea even just a day…week…month 🙂

Well thank u for the reply miss fehl,,, May I know about the requirement? My boyfriend invite me to visit in Korea,so may I know about that mam? What should I do first?

Hello miss fehl, I what to know what is the requirements of tousist visa?

Please read the article above to learn more about the requirements. God bless!

Yes u can visit Korea without applying visa for only 1 month in beautiful Island of Jeju but sad to say there is no direct flight in manila to jeju but u can try to China eastern airline there is a flight from manila to jeju but there is 1stop over in shanghai the time consumed are similar and the cost is also not too much my brother just visit me here in jeju for only 6k in peso roundtrip na po un!hope it could help!^^

Thanks for sharing about China Eastern Airline trip to Jeju. Wonder if you need transit visa via this route?

hi ms.fehl no need for transit visa while your in shanghai! ^^

Thanks for sharing, Miss Lizel 🙂

Hi miss liezel ask ko lang po if walang visa going to jeju from manila wala n ring immigration checking sa jeu airport

Ask q lng po kz nid ng COE..balak kz nmin magtravel ng friend q after ng end of contract nmin d2 sa Taiwan. Pde b ung COE na ibbgay sa amin bago umuwi ang ipsa ? And also the ITR required po b tlaga un ? kz wala po kmi maibigay.

Hi, just want to know if both parents passport and employment certificate are needed for their children in applying the tourist visa? How much is the amount in the bank certificate for each applicant? Thanks

Hi, regarding for the requirement of student, i dont have any documents for my parents, like Itr, bank certificate etc… I am student, and my foreigner bf support me financially,, Ive been travel to thailand twice with my bf, so now we plan to go to korea.. what should I do? I mean what is the best way for myrequirements, i have everything except at my parents, can I just say that my bf will shoulder everything then I can show them his copy of requirements like passport, his company id,. Etc..

Hi, sandrq! We have the same case. I was wondering if you have tried applying for a student visa already and what happened. Tnx! 🙂

Hello gel, we have the same case too, did u tried to apply a student visa?

Yes Dhinne! I got approved just last month. If u want, give me your email add and I can tell u about it. God Bless! 🙂

Ok gel, this is my email add, [email protected] Can u help me about the requirements if it ok to u? Thanks and god bless you:)

hello gel, will you please help me too, because im a student and my parents have no papers too like bank statements and etc. how could i comply with those requirements? i have my bank account named after me but im still a student and my parents were the one that support me. will you please help me with some advise? thanks

Hi gel..i have the same problem with the requirements..i was wondering if you could help me with or if you can tell me about wat u did..tnx a lot

Can you tell me about it too?? Please 🙁 I have the same situation .. Thank you .. here’s my email

Hi i would like to know what are the requirements needed to apply a tourist visa in korea without the bank certificate and itr of my parents 🙁 please help my boyfriend will shoulder all my expense ..please help !

hi ghel me too my fiance supports me and he will be the one to finance our trip to korea..he is a filipino..can you share with me how did you guys made it?? thanks here is my email.. hope to hear from you 🙂

Hi Gel, can you also help me? I have the same situation, what are the requirements you provided instead of your parent’s documents? I would love to hear from you. Thank you! Here is my email btw Thanks!!

Hello ghel,can you also share to me what you did.tnx!

hey gel, can u help me as well as to what will i prepare because i will get a tourist visa and my boyfriend will support me on my stay? he is a US citizen working in korea.. please email me.. i would appreciate it..

hi..I’m also planning to visit korea on a student visa ..can you kindly email me about the details?I would really appreciate it if you can spend sometime answering this.thanks a lot.

Hi! My requirements are all complete including the my bank cert and my parents (im a student,btw) i just would like to ask if it’s possible to be approved without the ITR? Cause im planning to apply SOON please please help me thank tou!!! God bless!

You’re a student, you don’t need an ITR 🙂

Hi !I have the same problem …both my parents doesn’t have bank accounts with enough funds and ITR. …I’m planning to use my brother’s bank account…are there other paperwork I need to prepare?thanks! I need to be in Korea by December 28 so please I would really appreciate any help from you guys 🙂

Hi! I have been receiving a lot of questions about my visa application to South Korea so I decided to post an answer and I hope this will help you guys same way when this website helped me with my application before. Thanks to Ms, Fehl! 🙂 In my case, I am a student and my British boyfriend is working in Korea. I have been twice to Korea and right now, I am applying for my 3rd tourist visa. So eto po yung mga requirements na pinasa qo:

Original School Certificate Original NSO Birth Certicate Class Schedule School Assessment Photocopy of School ID Photocopy of my Passport Bank Certificate Letter of Invitation from my boyfriend Letter of Invitation from his company His bank statement

That’s it! Hope this will help you all! Thanks! God Bless everyone! 🙂

Thanks for sharing these and your experience with us here. You’re an angel. 🙂

Hello!! We have the same case, is it possible po ba nai’ll ask you what you did? Here’s my email address:

Thank youuuu!

Hi… With regards to bank statement of 3 months, how much money needs to be on the account?

It’s not usually announced specifically but you can assess yourself if that amount proves you are financially stable and have the capacity to support yourself financially.

Hi Fehl, i am an ofw working in indonesia and i want to visit south korea by november, is it possible to apply a tourist visa here in the south korea embassy in jakarta instead of going back to manila? thanks and regards

Yes, if you are a resident working in Indonesia right now, you can apply visa there

Hi fehl. Can i ask something? I have boyfriend korean, and his friend invite me and my boyfriend to come at Korea, ikakasal po kc siya and then he sent wedding invitation and copy of passport. Ano po mga needs ko to apply tourist visa? My parents dont have Itr, Employee certificate. And my boyfriend have all! But, he working here at phil help me please what should i do? Thank you!!

this is a wonderful hub and there is plenty of indispensable information here for all Filipinos who want to visit South Korea. I love this amazing website. Have a sweet day, Fehl. 🙂

Hello their my Thai lady 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting here. A follower asked about tourist visa for South Korea so I made this post. Have a fantastic day honey. Mwaaaah!

Hi Fehl, I’m here in Dubai I am also a Filipina.I want also to visit in Korea ,what are the requirements?Please help me..I really appreciate you answer.. Thanks

Hi ms. Fehl, Im also planning of visiting SK this coming April coz my boyfriend is working at SK and i just wanted to visit him. Im employed here at Philippines but i dont have an ITR. is there a big chance for me to grant a visa? thanks!

my brother tried 3x to apply for visa but the no.1 requirements their looking for is his ITR kaya sad to say 3x din syang denied sa guard pa lang daw unang hinahanap agad is ITR tapos pag wla ka daw maipakita they dont ask u to go on line instead go home daw…

ITR is the major requirement if the applicant is employed or self-employed (with business)

hello miss Fehl Since I saw this article recently and seen, you could give much an advice and explanations Than to travel agency id been up to. I’m running to get a Tourist Visa for Korea/SK most of the requirements are been filed aside from my Bank Statement (at least 40k peso been deposited). is there any possible I could go pursue for this application? Which ,I have a friend (Korean)will support all , hotel for accomodation 5 days and plane ticket back and forth, my foods and needs when I get there. Is there any possible or any advices ?? I’m just worried about my bank stated above. I’ll looking forward from your reply Miss Fehl. ASAP

Hi, if you have all the requirements and they are legit, no need to worry 🙂 40K bank statement is fine.

Hi ms fehl, i just want to ask if possible to go back to korea for visiting only even though i was working there for (E-6)???…..someone will help me for all the expenses ,like hotel,foods,etc …and also i have monthy regularly….so i want to know that it is possipble to go back?? And wats requirment do i have to submits,? Thanks for the reply…i appriciate it… God bless all 🙂

Get a tourist visa coz your purpose is to visit or tour. Requirements are listed in the article above 🙂

AnnHello. I just wanted to ask if you are unemployed what are the requirements? I am employed and my parents but my sister and grandma are not. I’m just wondering what are the additional requirements? We are travelling as a whole family. Thank you in advance!

hi maam,share ko lng po,since dalaga pa ako nkapunta na ako korea tourist visa.TWICE.and now may asawa na ako iba na applyido ko.tapos yong kapatid ko isang korean citizen..ang now kipagdevorse yong kapatid ko kasi sinaktan sya ng kapatid ng asawa niya..ngtrabaho sya dun semWATEK ng mga gadgets..may POSSIBLE BAh mkainvite yong kapatid namin kahit on going pa yong case niya.ayaw kac pumirma yong asawa niyang korean..if nOT,pede family tourist visa asawa ko ngturo dito SA UNIVERSITY isang professor po.may dalawa kaming anak.gusto namin mgtour sa KOREA dream ng husbad ko..Ano po ba mga kailangan po for FAMILY TOURIST VISA?thank you po.

Hi Ms. Fehl. Im a college student,graduating this April. I want to travel to SK this May but im planning to apply my tourist visa earlier, by March. BTW im also invited by a korean friend. Is this possible? What requirements should I submit? am i required to pass school cert and school ID ? Hope you would give me advice. your answer will be much appreciated. thanks and God bless.

Please read the previous comments, you have the same situation with them 🙂

Hi,have a good day to u miss fhel,tanong ko po sana lasi self employed po ako,mau business peit ako at bank account,yun nga lang kakaopen ko lang ng business ko at ng bank account ko,i want to travel in jeju island for 2 days,pwede po ba yun?sana po makatulong ang sagot nyo po,thank you and more power miss fhel!

Hi fehl, Im here in macau I am also a Filipino. I want also to visit in Korea, what the requirements? Please help me.. I really appreciate you answer….

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

South Korea Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: March 29, 2024

South Korea’s visa policy is generally simple but has a couple of exceptions and specific rules that allow visa-free access where otherwise a visa would be necessary.

The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) was introduced in September 2021 and is now mandatory for all travelers without visas 18 or older and 65 or younger. This means there is no true visa exemption anymore. However, some nationalities are exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2024.

In this article, I will guide you through South Korea visa requirements, K-ETA, tourist visas and exceptions.

Table of Contents

Visa policy and visa types.

Passport holders from 110 countries do not need a visa to travel to South Korea. Unless temporarily exempt, all visa-exempt nationals between 18 and 64 (inclusive) must have a pre-approved K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

There are also various provisions for short-term visa exemptions for other nationalities:

• 30-day visa exemption for holders of visas or residence permits from select countries and in transit to a third country
• 30-day visa waiver for Jeju Island if arriving by direct flight
• 15-day visa exemption for tour groups visiting various regions in Korea
• Tours around Seoul if in transit

In all other circumstances, a tourist visa is required to enter Korea.

South Korea doesn’t issue Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVisa for tourists.

South Korea Visa Requirements 

• Passport’s expiry date must be after the intended departure date (no extended validity required)
• Return or onward ticket
• K-ETA if visa-exempt (unless temporarily waived)

Visa Exemption (K-ETA Required)

South Korea introduced its form of Electronic Travel Authorization called K-ETA in September 2021. K-ETA is now MANDATORY for all visitors who are exempt from visas. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2024.

K-ETA eligibility

110 nationalities are visa-exempt. The duration of stay varies from 30 days to 6 months. You must obtain K-ETA before traveling (unless your nationality is exempt until 31 December 2024 ).

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kazakhstan #
• Marshall Islands
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Vatican City

* Total stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days # Total stay must not exceed 60 days within any 180 days

K-ETA validity 

The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval but cannot be longer than the validity of the applicant’s passport.

Applications submitted before 3 July 2023 only received 2-year validity.

The K-ETA costs 10.000 KRW (~8$), payable by card during the online application. A 3% card processing fee is levied, bringing the total to 10.300 KRW.

K-ETA application

You can apply for the K-ETA online on the only official website – the K-ETA Application Portal . Beware of agents and intermediaries posing for official sources.

All you need is your passport, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card.

K-ETA processing time

The processing time of the K-ETA is usually at most 72 hours but can be longer in rare instances.

K-ETA exemption based on age

Everybody younger than 18 years is exempt from the K-ETA. Everybody 65 or older is exempt too.

For more information, read the South Korea K-ETA article for details on the documents required, the application process and current K-ETA exempted countries (until 31 Dec 2024).

Visa Exemption (Jeju Island Visa Waiver)

Jeju Island has its own visa waiver provisions to boost tourism to South Korea’s most popular holiday destination.

Below are the key requirements for Jeju Island visa waiver provision:

• All nationalities except the below 23 are eligible for Jeju Island visa exemption
• Jeju Island visa exemption is valid for 30 days only for the province
• Visitors must enter and depart Jeju via direct flight (i.e. without stopping in any other part of South Korea).
• Visa-exempt but K-ETA-required nationalities must still obtain K-ETA unless temporarily exempt

Ineligible countries

Jeju Island visa exemption is not available for these 23 countries:

• Afghanistan

The above 23 countries also become eligible if they:

• Have a Certificate of Invitation issued by the Jeju Government or Jeju Island Immigration Office (OR)
• Hold a permanent residence permit from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, or USA AND have previously visited South Korea 3 times since 1996 or once since 2006

Visa Exemption (Visa Holders of Third Countries)

You’re eligible for a 30-day visa exemption if you have a visa or a residence permit from one of the following countries :

You MUST also meet ONE of the following requirements:

• You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and depart for a third country
• You arrive in South Korea from a third country and depart to one of these countries
• You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and have transited in a fourth country for less than 72 hours before entering South Korea. You then depart for a third country.
• You arrive in South Korea from a third country, then depart for one of these countries, and will transit to a fourth country for less than 72 hours.

Visa Exemption (Transit Tours at Seoul’s Incheon Airport)

If you’re in transit at Seoul’s Incheon International for less than 24 hours (which is the limit anyway), you’re eligible for any of the free tours around Seoul.

The tours range in price from free to $150 golf courses although most are cheaper than $5. They range from 1 hour to 5 hours in duration.

You can check out the tours and book online via the Incheon Airport website .

Upon arrival, go to the Information desks at either terminal to get routed to your tour.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country but require K-ETA, you must still obtain K-ETA (unless temporarily exempt) for transit tours at Incheon Airport. 

The following 23 countries are not eligible for transit tours:

Visa Exemption (Tour Groups)

Various visa exemptions exist for organized tour groups.

Gangwon-do Region

A 15-day visa exemption for Gangwon-do and Seoul Metropolitan Area is available to tour groups from:

• Philippines

This is only if flying in and out of Yangyang International Airport until May 30, 2024.

Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeju-do Regions

A 15-day visa exemption for these regions is available to tour groups from:

This is only if flying in and out of Muan International Airport until March 31, 2024.

Traveling to Jeju via Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Muan, or Yangyang

This exemption is only available to Chinese tour groups.

It allows stays on the mainland of South Korea for up to 5 days followed by up to 15 days on Jeju Island.

Tourist Visa from the Embassy

Visitors seeking a tourist visa must obtain it from a South Korean embassy. None of the available e-visas are for short-term tourism visits.

The standard visa for tourism is C-3-9 (Ordinary Tourist).

Requirements

• Visa Application Form #17 (fill it out online)
• Passport valid for the duration of stay
• A standard-size color photo
• Proof of enough funds for the duration of stay in Korea
• Complete Visa Application Form online
• Submit and pay
• Receive an invitation for the interview
• Visit the chosen embassy and conduct the interview
• Check results online
• Download and print visa.

For more information, read the South Korea tourist visa article for details on visa validity, documentation, fee and application procedure.

Benefits of South Korea tourist visa

South Korea visa may not be the strongest, but it does come with VISA-FREE access to a handful of countries. In 2024, you can travel to about 8 countries with a South Korean visa. Read the article on  VISA-FREE countries for South Korea visa for more details.

Transit Visa

If you’re not leaving the airport’s transit zone (i.e. not clearing immigration) you do not need a visa or a K-ETA under the condition that:

• Incheon Airport (Seoul): You depart within 24 hours;
• All other airports: You depart on the same calendar day.

If you will be passing through immigration, you must obtain a transit visa, K-ETA or utilize visa exemption as part of one of the transit tours. 

South Korea Arrival Card

Tourists arriving in South Korea have to fill out and submit an arrival card. This is a standard procedure in many countries and chances are that you will be given a card already in the airplane.

If you hold a K-ETA, you’re automatically exempt from having to complete and submit an arrival card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should i apply for k-eta for my children.

Provided your children are 17 years old or younger, it is not necessary to apply for K-ETA for them.

Should I apply for K-ETA if I have a tourist visa?

No. If you have a visa for South Korea you don’t need to submit K-ETA. The K-ETA is only for visa-exempt nationalities.

Do I need a new K-ETA for every visit to Korea?

No. The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. As long as it’s valid, you don’t need to apply for a new one.

Do I need a K-ETA to travel to Jeju Island?

Yes. Even though Jeju has special visa waivers, you still need to submit a K-ETA.

How much money should I have when I apply for a South Korean tourist visa?

Embassies do not disclose this information and it depends. Travelers have been saying that you need to have a minimum of 150$ per day in your bank account.

Do I need proof of COVID vaccination or a COVID test before traveling to South Korea?

Currently, South Korea does not require any COVID-19 vaccination certificates, testing, or quarantine for entry.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

How to apply for korea tourist visa in the philippines.

• Application form. Download it here .
• A valid Philippine passport. Must have at least two blank pages, and should be valid for more than six months. Don't forget to sign your passport! 
• 1 piece of a passport-sized colored picture. Kindly attach it on your application form.
• Photocopy of your passport's bio page (page 2).
• Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps of OECD member countries (Japan, USA, UK, Australia, and Schengen Visa) for the past five years (if applicable).
• Original Certificate of Employment. Your COE must include your monthly gross income, date hired, office address, telephone number, and email. Cell phone number is not allowed.
• Original personal bank certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB).
• Bank Account Statement (original copy or certified true copy for the last 3 months).
• Income Tax Return or Form 2316. Take note that those who travel frequently to OECD member countries for the last five years are exempted from submitting ITR.
• A copy of PRC or IBP Card if applicable.
• Invitation letter
• A photocopy of their passport or identification card. Authentication is not required.
• A photocopy of the company's business permit. Authentication is also not required.

A few reminders:

• If you have stamps from your previous trips, you'll get a higher chance of getting your visa approved. It doesn't only show that you're able to finance your own trips, but your stamps indicate that you had returned back to the country after your travels. Don't fret if you don't have stamps. You'll need prayers and a few ounce of luck. 
• Same story goes if you have visas from other countries. 
• Just because you have a fat bank account doesn't mean they'll automatically grant you a visa. Remember that your bank certificate shows your monthly average balance, so putting an immediate hefty amount to your bank account is a terrible idea. Be realistic with your bank account. The embassy will be suspicious if you have over half a million in your bank account yet you are only a regular employee of a company. 

63 comments:

How many weeks prior to your departure date did you apply for a Visa? Thank you! :)

Hi po, i would like to ask po if sobrang hirap po ba ang exam ng Air traffic Controller, gusto ko po kasi mag-exam at gusto ko po pumasa. I actually emailed you sir, sana po mabasa nyo at makapagreply ka sa akin. Salamat po.

mahirap sa mga katulad mo. maling forum tinanungan mo e.

lol nagtatanung lang yung tao eh ganyan ang sagot mo sa kanya. seesh @june22 12:48 PM

Hello, I am worried sick. The temporary release of my visa is on Friday. However, our HR has never received any call(It's Tuesday now). Do you think there is something wrong?

Hi! May I know if naresolve na problem niyo? :) Did you get your korean visa? :)

Hello sir, which travel agency here in Davao processed your visa and how much?

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she married her boss so she had no mo re problems.

Which travel angency ka sa davao nag pa process

Hi san ka na travel agency sa davao nag process

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Hello, which travel agency in Davao did you apply for Korean tourist visa? And, how much was the processing fee? Thank you. From Davao rin po kasi ako and planning to visit Korea next year.

Will be trying Rakso travel agency here in Davao this Saturday! praying my visa will be approved!

Update lng po, kung OK ang Rakso Travel Agency. Thanks

Hi there it's me, I am alo visiting this site regularly, this site is genuinely fastidious and the viewers are truly sharing nice thoughts.

Hi RM. G'day mate. That Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours is the agency who processed your visa? Thank you.

Hello! Yes.

i would just like to ask, there is a korean consulate in Davao, is it possible to apply for a south korean visa tourist only

You need to apply through an accredited travel agency in Davao.

Hi po. Regarding sa bank certificate, kelangan ba na ung sa payroll account ang gamitin? I have another savings account kasi and mas malaki laman nun compared to my payroll account.

I used my savings account

hi, can i go directly from japan to korea without a visa? if not, can i apply for visa without going back to phils?

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I am unemployed now and my bf is visiting from Chicago via Seoul, Korea and will also take the same route going back to the US, he is planning to bring me along to Korea for a 2 days vacation. Is it allowed if I include additional documents for financial support from my bf since he will be shouldering all the expenses.

I am currently unemployed. My bf is visiting from Chicago via Korea to the Philippines. He will take the same route when he goes home, but he is planning to bring me along for a 2 days vacation to Seoul. Then me back in the Philippines. Is it allowed if I include additional documents from my bf as financial support since he will be shouldering all the expenses?

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Korea Visa for Filipinos: 5 TIPS to INCREASE YOUR APPROVAL

• January 13, 2023

Applying for a Korea visa for Filipinos?

Interested in how much the minimum bank balance for South Korea visa is?

Want to increase your chances of Korean Tourist Visa approval?

In this Korea Visa for Filipinos guide, we’ll talk about the requirements to get a Korea tourist visa for Filipinos. You’ll also know the top 5 tips to help you get one step closer to Seoul.

Tourist Visa Requirements for Korea

1. korean visa appointment, 2. first time ask for 5 days only, 3. show money for korea visa application, 4. take note of your travel history, 5. have strong ties to the philippines.

For Filipino employees, here are the Filipino tourist visa requirements for Korea:

C-3 (Short Term Visit) Visa Requirements for Employees

• Application Form

2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture

3. Original Passport

4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)

6. Original Certificate of Employment [must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address]

7. Original Personal Bank Certificate [must include account name, account number, account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]

8. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)

9. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

How much is Korea tourist visa for Filipinos?

The visa fee is free, if you’re staying 59 days and below in Korea. It costs ₱2,000 for 60 to 90 days stay in Korea.

South Korea Visa Requirements: Tips for Approval

Having applied for a Korea tourist visa application twice now, and being approved twice also, with a multiple-entry Korea tourist visa , I strongly believe that you can easily get approved for a tourist visa, as long as your requirements are complete and true, and you follow these five effective tips:

Starting January 3, 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea abolished its accreditation on the travel agencies, which exclusively authorizes the accredited agencies to submit visa applications to the Embassy on behalf of individual applicants.

What does this mean?

This means you can still use a travel agency to deliver and submit your applications to the embassy.

But Korean visa applications must be channeled only through the online visa appointment system .

Individual applicants and travel agencies are required to secure one appointment slot for one Korean tourist visa application .

Schedule of Online Visa Appointment

How can you secure a slot at the online visa appointment system? It will open every last Thursday of the month, starting at 9AM, so better be prepared before that for you to reserve a lot.

This is super important :

If you don’t have a printed copy or a soft copy of the confirmation of the visa appointment made through the online system, your visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will be denied and you can’t continue your Korean tourist visa application.

If it’s your first-time travelling to South Korea, don’t get too carried away in your Korea visa for Filipinos application. 🙂

Most people I’ve talked to who were approved said they only put 5 to 7 days in their Korean visa application form, to lessen the risk of them overstaying.

Also, the consul considers your budget stated in the form, and if it’s in sync with the budget in your bank certificate.

Yes, even if you think you can spend only ₱20,000 for a two-week vacation in Seoul because you’ll be doing budget travel, it’s still more prudent to think in terms of what the consul will think .

If you can’t afford to put in a lot of money in the bank, it’s safer to state you’ll be staying for less than 7 days only.

Want to know about the show money for Korean tourist visa for in the Philippines?

If you’re applying for a Korean tourist visa on the 28th, putting a large amount of money on the 8th so that you’ll have a bigger amount is NOT suggested. It can be seen in your bank statements !

Don’t be concerned about “how much” your money should be.

Instead, be concerned about how long and how active…your bank account is.

It’s preferable that your bank account has been active for one year or more .

Most consuls would also give you plus points if they see that your bank account has frequent transactions. This means that you’re actually using your bank account , and it’s not just for show. Better if it’s a payroll account, so there’s consistent deposits every time you receive your salary.

Minimum Bank Balance for South Korea Visa

Another frequently asked question when applying for Korea visa for Filipinos is the pocket money dilemma.

A good guideline for pocket money is $100/day (₱5,000) you’re staying in Korea.

Add airfare (₱15,000), accommodation (₱3,000/day) and ₱2,000 (for buffer) so it’ll total to roughly ₱15,000 /day.

So here’s the minimum balance balance you can submit, depending on how long you’re staying in South Korea:

• 3-5 days: ₱50,000 to ₱70,000
• 5-7 days: ₱70,000 to ₱90,000

Keep in mind that the above refer to the minimum bank balance, based on my personal experience, and also based on people I’ve talked to.

At the end of the day, it depends on the consul’s decision.

Also, you’re staying for only 5 days and your bank certificate shows ₱500,000, that’s suspicious and may not get you an approval. Why so many money for so few days, my friend? 🙂

If you’ve traveled to other countries before like Japan, Thailand , Singapore and others, this would really increase your chances of being approved for a Korean tourist visa.

Make sure to attach your old passport IF it contains stamps from your previous travels.

On another note, some travelers I’ve talked to have never been to any country before, so the final decision still depends on the consul .

I’m just saying this would help if the consul saw records of you leaving the country, and coming back with no problems.

Having enough travel history as a tourist can also help you avoid getting offloaded by the Philippine immigration at NAIA or Clark airport.

What documents can prove that you’re coming back home? (2ne1 feels, anyone? Come back home~)

After staying in South Korea, what’ll make you come back home in the Philippines?

No, this is not a Miss Universe question. Saying “my family” or “my amazing life partner” just won’t cut it. 🙂

You need to provide strong, hard evidence that you’ll come back once vacation time is over, such as:

• Employee : Certificate of Employment, Income Tax Return
• Student : Certificate of Enrollment, School ID
• Business owner : DTI or SEC Registration, Business Permit
• OFW : Tax-exemption form from BIR
• Freelancers : You’ll be treated as self-employed, and self-employed people need to file and pay for taxes as well. Frequent traveler ka? If you’ve travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years, you’re exempted from submitting your ITR.

Are you applying for Korea visa for Filipinos?

Let me know if you have any comments below. I’ll do my best to answer them, based on my own experience.

Travelling to Korea soon? Our immigration officers usually ask for travel insurance. Here’s how I bought my own travel insurance plan online . 

Make sure to follow  Live Free With Lianne  on Instagram for more adulting and travel tips!

Your Adulting + Travel Accomplice,

Live Free With Lianne

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Korean Tourist Visa Requirements

General requirements.

• Original and colored photocopy of BIO page (bearing holder’s signature)
• Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable)
• APPLICATION FORM (must be typewritten)

• ORIGINAL PERSONAL BANK CERTIFICATE Must be issued within 3 months and must include:  Account Name; Account Number; Account Type; Current Balance; Account Opening date;  Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months
• BANK STATEMENT Recent 3 months statement; must be same account with the Bank Certificate (photocopy is acceptable) ; photocopy of passbook with recent 3 months transactions may be submitted instead (if applicable)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• FOR PROFESSIONAL Copy of PRC card (Professional Regulation Commission) or IBP card (Integrated Bar of the Philippines)
• SEC Registration or DTI Registration (currently valid); must include pages with list of shareholders to show Applicant ’s name in the list of shareholders
• Mayor’s permit or Business Permit (current and valid) ; must match the SEC or DTI registration.
• Latest Income Tax Return (all pages must be submitted) SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS may submit Certificate of Registration under the name of applicant.
• Original Certificate of Employment (issued within 3 months) and must include the following information: Applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, company name and office address, HR landline number and e-mail address (if available)
• Photocopy of applicant’s latest ITR (Income Tax Return)
• School Certificate (original) issued by the school where enrolled
• Copy of school ID
• Original PSA Birth Certificate
• Parents’ documents, e.g. Passport, ITR, and other financial document mentioned herein
• Original PSA Marriage Certificate of parents
• Copy of Business Permit/Registration of inviter
• Inviter and invitees’ full names, birthdates and relationship
• Invitees’ purpose of travel and period of stay
• Inviter’s contact number, occupation, company name (date written and signature of the inviter is a must)
• Copy of passport or Identification Card of inviter
• Certification from Church (original)
• Copy of Church SEC in the Philippines (first page only)
• Visa Issuance Number Holders
• If a foreign resident is invited by Korean government (including spouse and minor children)
• If a foreign resident has a long-term PH visa working as a diplomat or as a member of international organization (including spouse and minor children with same long-term visa, applying together with the main member)
• If a foreign resident is a spouse of Filipino and has a long-term PH visa or long-term status (including minor children)
• For other humanitarian reasons.
• OFW must be present in the Philippines during visa processing period.
• OFW must submit Bank documents issued from a Philippine bank.
• Copy of overseas visa and/or re-entry permit must be submitted for working visa holders.
• Copy of seaman’s book must be submitted for seafarers.

NOTE: Requirements in items 4 and 5 also applies to family members of OFW living in the Philippines who are financially supported by the OFW.

• Copy of Senior Citizen’s ID
• If early retired, submit Retirement Certificate or letter of explanation
• For financial documents of a supporting family member, the following are required as proof of relationship: Copy of Marriage Contract for spouse, Birth Certificate for child, etc.

TRAVELPROS Main Office SM Megamall

5/F SM Megamall Bldg. B, EDSA cor. Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos.: 8634-0265 Mobile: 0927-4667369 Email: [email protected]

TRAVELPROS SM City North EDSA

G/F SM City North EDSA The Block, North Ave. cor. EDSA, Quezon City Tel. No.: 8260-8411 Mobile: 0969-2316279 Email: [email protected]

How to Apply For Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

In the application form, there’s no indication if you are applying for a single or multiple South Korea Tourist Visa. Whether you apply for a Single or Multiple, it is the discretion of the Embassy to grant you one. But, if you want to have a chance to be given a Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Visa, read this article.

In this article, we will be focusing on a Tourist Visa . Multiple Entry Visa holders can stay in South Korea for a maximum of 30 days. The validity of the visa depends on your eligibility as well as your passport’s validity. Check out how you can get yours now!

Korean Embassy Update (May 19, 2022): Multiple entry visa issued before 5 April 2020 that has not expired can be used without re-application.

ADVISORY: As per Embassy of South Korea, starting August 23, 2022 , visa processing is 25-30 working days.  

• How to Apply For A South Korea Tourist Visa with Your Philippines Passport
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Table of Contents

How to be Eligible for Multiple Entry South Korea Visa

If you want to have big chances of getting a Multiple Entry South Korea Visa, you must be any of the following:

Frequent Visitor

As per this notice :

• Those who visited Korea more than 4 times within the last 2 years from application date
• Those who visited Korea more than 10 times in total and at least once in the previous two years

BDO Credit Card Holders

Credit Card Holders of:

• Visa Credit Card
• MasterCard Credit Card
• UnionPay Credit Card
• JCB Credit Card
• American Express Gold Credit Card
• Platinum Visa Credit Card
• Titanium, Platinum and World Elite MasterCard
• American Express​ Platinum Credit Card
• Cathay Pacific American Express Credit Cards (Standard and Elite)
• American Express International Dollar Charge Cards
• Diamond UnionPay
• Diners Club Premiere
• JCB Platinum

Requirements:

• Credit card’s Monthly Billing for the last 3 months
• Photocopy of the Credit Card
• This is only up to December 31, 2022
• Bank Certificate and Income Tax Returns are not required for submission in case you avail this
• Read more here

RCBC Bankard Premium Card Holders

Active and Principal Card Holders of:

• World MasterCard (including co-brands Balesin and The City Club)
• Black Platinum MasterCard
• Diamond Platinum MasterCard
• Visa Infinite
• Visa Platinum
• UnionPay Diamond BDO Elite
• This is only up to December 31, 2020

Note: Links from notice to RCBC card holders are currently unavailable. Thank you for understanding. 

Requirements for applying for multiple entry south korea visa.

1. Valid passport – should be valid for more than 6 months

2. Filled-up Visa Application Form – Here’s a document version that is easier to edit. Don’t forget to sign it. Here’s a guide on  How to Fill Out a South Korea Visa Application Form [Step by Step Guide] .

3. Passport-Sized Photo – 1 piece, colored

4. Valid Visa or Arrival Stamps to any OECD Countries for the past five years – original and photocopy. OECD countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and US.

P.S. If you are a frequent traveler, you may also submit the valid visa or arrival stamps of your previous visits to South Korea

5. Bank Certificate – Include current balance, account type, and ADB. However, you may skip this when you are an eligible credit cardholder.

6. Bank Statement – for the last 3 months, in case you are an eligible credit card holder, submit your credit card statements for the previous 3 months

Supporting Documents

• Income Tax Return – you are exempt if you are an eligible cardholder
• If you are an Employee – Original copy of Certificate of Employment – with applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, H.R. landline (not cellphone number), and H.R. e-mail address must be included.
• If you are a Business Owner – Business Registration and Business Permit
• Copy of IBP Card or PRC Card (only if applicable)
• If you want to apply, you can also make a cover letter stating that you wish to a Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Visa and the reasons
• You can also attach your flight reservations , hotel bookings, and attraction tickets
• There is no visa fee for a stay of fewer than 59 days, but you’ll pay the travel agency about PHP 500 – PHP 2000

STEP by STEP Guide In Getting a Multiple Entry South Korea Visa

STEP 1: Gather the documents needed.

STEP 2: Find an accredited travel agency to process your application.

STEP 3: Wait for the decision.

STEP 4: Claim your passport with your visa at the travel agency.

Addresses that could help you

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634 +63-2-8856-9210

Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu 12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City +63-32-231-1516(-9)

Good luck with your application for a Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Visa. It’s a handy tool, especially if you want to visit South Korea in every season. It’s also a great key in case you want to watch a concert or attend fan meets of KPop Idols. I hope this is helpful! Happy Travels!

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5 thoughts on “ How to Apply For Five Year Multiple Entry South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos ”

Until Dec 2022 pa ba yung sa bdo credit card holder ? Wala na kasi dun sa link na nka attached … TIA.

Hi! If multiple entry 30 days 5 years, does it mean you can enter multiple times and each time hindi lalagpas ng 30 days; or cumulative ang 30? TIA

How to apply fo five year multiple entry. Thank you

Hi, pag kakapundar palang ng business at wala pang itr maipakita?

Write a cover letter then lahat ng permits.

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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