how to apply korea tourist visa in philippines

My Korean Visa Application Approved — Here are 5 Steps for Filipinos

A few years ago, I processed my South Korea visa application at the Korean Embassy in Manila, and last year, at the Korean Consulate in Cebu . Now, you have several options to apply for your Korean visa — via one of the accredited travel agencies , schedule a Korean visa online appointment (for Cebu applicants), or walk-in at the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Taguig City.

Let me share with you the simple steps to apply for a Korean visa for Filipinos.

Steps to apply for a Korean visa for Filipinos

Step 1: gather your korean visa requirements.

The South Korea visa requirements vary depending on your type of visa. Check the Korean Embassy in Manila or Korean Consulate in Cebu  to know your Korean visa requirements. I applied for a Korean visa for employees .

Korean visa requirements for employees:

• Application Form (this is the revised Korean visa application form updated on 7 Feb 2022)
• 1 piece Passport size coloured picture (to be pasted on the form)
• Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
• 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)
• Original Certificate of Employment (including applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number, e-mail address)
• Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
• Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 (Checked by BIR with stamp)
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

If personally invited by a Korean

• Invitation Letter
• Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required)

If invited by a company in Korea

• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required)

Step 2: Fill out the Korean visa application form

Print out the new Korean visa application form in an A4 size bond paper.

Tips in filling out your Korean visa application form:

• Write your information carefully. Avoid erasures at all costs. Do note that you should write in BLOCK LETTERS , meaning ALL CAPS. Put N/A  for fields that are not applicable to you.
• If your handwriting sucks, you can download the .docx format of the Korean visa application form . Type all the information and print it. It’s neat and will save you more time than writing.

Important fields to need to take note of

1.7 국가신분증번호 National Identity No. 

Put  N/A because Filipinos don’t have this yet, unless you already have your national ID.

2.2 체류자격 Status of Stay

Write C-3-9 TOURIST if you are applying for a Korean tourist visa.

8.9. 동반입국 가족 유무 기재 Are you traveling to Korea with any family member?

Family Members only include your spouse , father , mother , children , brothers , and sisters . Your de facto partners, boyfriend or girlfriend, and friends are NOT family members, so don’t put them on the list even though you’re traveling with them.

10.2 경비지불자 Who will pay for your travel-related expenses?

a) 성명/회사(단체)명 Name of Person/Company(Institute)

If you are funding your travel, write your name. If not, provide the name of the person/s or institute who will fund you.

b) 관계 Relationship to you

Self or your relationship to the person/s or institute funding you.

c) 지원내용 Type of Support

If you are paying for yourself, write “ FINANCIAL SUPPORT ” or  write which part of your trip will be funded (eg. FLIGHTS, HOTELS, TOURS, etc.).

Sample Korean visa application form completely filled out for your reference:

Tip: Under the 8.4 Address in Korea section, you can pick any hotel on Klook or Agoda and use the hotel’s address and contact information. If you really intend to stay in that hotel, make sure that it has a free cancellation policy so you won’t be charged if your Korean visa gets denied or if you change your mind later on. You may check out Lotte Hotel Seoul which was what I used in my Korean visa application.

Step 3: Submit your Korean visa requirements

Put all your documents in a secure envelope or folder and submit them to any of the  accredited travel agencies in the Philippines , Korean Consulate in Cebu on your scheduled Korean visa online appointment date, or to the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila for walk-in applicants.

• If you lack some documents like Income Tax Return (ITR), be sure to create a cover letter explaining why you failed to submit one. You may refer to my Korean visa without ITR guide and Korean visa for self-employed Filipinos .
• May also attach some supporting documents to prove your capacity to fund your travel such as credit card statements and properties you own.
• Follow my tips on how to increase your chances of visa approval .

South Korea visa fees 2024

• 59 days (or less) stay in Korea — GRATIS or FREE
• 60 to 90 days stay in Korea — ₱2,000
• If you’re applying via the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) , there is a service fee of ₱900 on top of the South Korea visa fees.
• If you’re applying via an accredited travel agency, handling fees could vary. For instance, RELI Tours & Travel charges ₱2,400 to process your South Korea visa application inclusive of ₱1,500 handling fee and ₱900 visa fee.

Step 4: Wait for your South Korea visa

After submitting all your Korean visa requirements, you just have to wait for it.

South Korea visa processing time 2024

The Korean Embassy in Manila announced that the South Korea visa processing period for short term visit takes up to 7 working days . However, it could take more days, depending on your circumstance or the number of applications. For reference, I got my Korean visa in Cebu after 10 working days.

Tip: You can already apply for your South Korea tourist visa at least two months (60 days) before your intended travel date.

Step 5: Check your Korean visa online and claim your Philippine passport

You just have to trust and wait for the verdict. You can check your Korean visa status online . KVAC or your travel agency will contact you via SMS when your Philippine passport (with or without a South Korea visa) will be ready for pick up.

If, unfortunately, you get denied, you can re-apply only after three (3) months.

All the best in your Korean visa application. Let us know how it goes by connecting with us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

Excited to plan your South Korea trip? Check out our guides:

• 5-day Korea winter itinerary
• 5-day Korea spring itinerary
• Korea SIM Card or pocket WiFi guide
• Korea T-Money Card guide
• Discover Seoul Pass guide
• Korean street food list
• Korean pasalubong list
• Lotte World Seoul guide
• N Seoul Tower guide
• Nami Island guide

Popular South Korea experiences

Popular hotels in seoul.

Disclaimer: Although I was granted a single-entry South Korea visa, this doesn’t mean that I’m already a Korean visa expert. I still encourage you to ask the Korean Embassy in the Philippines  or the Korean Consulate in Cebu for your specific questions and concerns.

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!

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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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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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

What requirements should I submit if I have a sponsor?

Even if someone will sponsor your trip, you still need to submit both your own and your sponsor’s financial and employment documents. Click here for the complete list of Korean tourist visa requirements . 

Aside from the basic requirements, you should also submit the following:

• Sponsor/Guarantee letter – a letter from your sponsor explaining how he/she will cover the expenses of your trip to South Korea.
• Photocopy of the sponsor’s passport (bio page only). Otherwise, you can submit a photocopy of any government-issued ID.

Note also that only immediate family and employers can be your sponsor.  If the sponsor is neither an employer nor an immediate family member (e.g., a boyfriend/girlfriend), you may still proceed with the application but there’s no guarantee that it will be approved. 

If your parent, sibling, child, or spouse will sponsor you, submit a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority as your proof of relationship.

If your employer will support your travel, submit its business documents and a sponsorship letter with the company letterhead.

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

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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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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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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.  

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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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Notice Notice on the Simplification of Visa Application Documents

< Notice on the Simplification of Visa Application Documents >

  From February 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines will simplify visa application documents for visa applicants who meet the following conditions.

  Please be aware that for those who meet the following conditions, only the stated financial documents can be exempted or replaced, and other general required documents must still be submitted.

□  Elected politicians

○   Applicable for :

   - Members of the Senate, Members of the Congress, Governors, Provincial Board Members, and Mayors (City or Municipality)

   - (Immediate family members) : One's parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), spouse's parents

○   Required Visa Application Documents

   - Identification documents (original) such as a certificate of employment or certificate of appointment

   - Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for the politician and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.

      * Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred

□ 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

   - Certificate of employment (original)

      * It is necessary to clearly specify the affiliated organization, working period, position, and salary. If the relevant information is omitted or cannot be verified due to a lack of contact with HR, disadvantages may be given to the applicant

   - Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for government officials and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.

□ 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

○   Required Visa Application Document

   - Certificate of employment (original) and copy of PRC license ID or IBP ID

   - Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for  professional license holder  and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.

□ Credit card holders

   - BDO Gold or BDO Elite Credit Card Holders

      * Excluding Supplementary Credit Card Holders

      ** See attachment for applicable credit card types

   - Certificate of employment (original), copy of credit card(front only with complete information), and latest 3 months credit card account Monthly Billing Statements(copy)

   - Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for  credit card holders  and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.