With K-pop, K-dramas and skincare and other amazing cultures, South Korea is always a popular tourist spot for Filipinos. If you long to visit this wonderful place and experience the local culture, you need to make some plans to travel there. In addition, you must obtain a tourist visa for a vacation first. Of course, if you have other purposes of departure, such as study or business, you need to apply for the corresponding visas. So, in this article, we will show you the detailed guidelines on how to get a Korean visa.
Why do I need a Korean Visa?
The reason Filipinos need to apply for a visa when entering Korea is that the Philippines is not a visa-exempt country. Therefore, Filipinos can’t enter Korea visa-free. It is not allowed to obtain a South Korean visa on arrival, so Philippine citizens must apply at the embassy in advance. The good news is that Filipinos can usually stay in South Korea for 90 days with a visa. They are free to apply for a visa. The application process can be quick and easy.
Korean tourist visa requirements for Filipinos
As there are several different South Korean visas available for Philippine citizens to apply, the specific requirements will depend on the visa type. Here is the information you need when you need a tourist visa.
Korean tourist visa application form
Travelers from the Philippines must complete the visa application form, such as personal information and contact details. You need to fill it out via computer and print it on A4-sized paper.
Philippine Passport
You must hold an original and valid Philippine passport for more than 6 months prior to travel. And the passport should have your signature and at least 2 blank pages.
Passport-sized photo
You need to prepare a full face, colored photo taken less than 6 months ago. The photo size must be 35mm x 45 mm. The background must be white. You must paste it on your application form.
Photocopy of your passport’s bio page
You can find it on page 2 where your passport photo and other information are displayed.
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s or arrival stamps if you have traveled to OECD countries
If you’ve traveled to OECD-member countries such as Australia and Italy for the past five years, you should include a photocopy of your valid visa in your requirements.
Proof of sufficient funds
You must present your personal and sufficient bank balance for the stay. Of course, you need to show a photocopy of your bank account.
Photocopy of your BIR 2316
If possible, you need to present your Income Tax Return (ITR) proof or what’s commonly known as BIR Form 2316.
Photocopies of your PRC or IBP card
If applicable, you must show photocopies of both IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) and PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) cards.
South Korea Tourist Visa with any Guarantor/Sponsor
If you are a student, minor, or unemployed person who needs a sponsor or guarantee to support your trip, you will need to prepare additional documentation.
- A sponsor/guarantee letter written by your sponsor indicates and confirms that the sponsor will cover the costs of your trip to South Korea.
- A photocopy of the sponsor/guarantor’s passport or any government-issued ID.
- A photocopy of the Korean Business Permit, if your sponsor is a company in Korea.
How to apply for a Korean visa for Filipino citizens?
Since you know the specific requirements of a visa, there are two ways Filipinos can obtain a visa, applying by themselves or a designated travel agency. Here you can follow the steps below to get your visa.
Apply for a visa yourself
- Applicants must download and complete the visa form.
- Make an appointment at the South Korean Embassy to apply for your visa.
- For the scheduled appointment, go to the South Korean Embassy in Metro Manila with all your required documents.
- Submit all your documents to the officials and have them check your documents.
- Pay your KVAC visa processing fee Php 900 in cash. In fact, a South Korean Visa is free if you’re prepared to stay 59 days or less. If you are going to stay longer, from 60 to 90 days, the embassy will charge you a fee of about Php 2,000.
- Wait 7-10 working days to get your visa.
How to schedule an appointment with the Korean Embassy
- Visit the Korean MOFA website.
- Go to Apply for a consular service > “Reservation to visit a diplomatic mission.”
- Log in to the “Non-Membership” and click “Consent” to all terms and conditions of Use.
- Enter your details as needed, such as name, email address, contact information and authentication number.
- After you have filled in the information, click on “Non Membership Log In” and you will be directed to a new page.
- Choose the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines or the Consulate General in Cedu and select the visa application type.
- Choose the appointment date and time that you want.
- Enter your name or family’s name with the passport number in the Special Request Box if necessary.
- Once done, click the “Make Reservation” button and print the reservation page.
Apply for a visa through travel agencies
If you cannot apply in person at the Embassy, you can obtain your visa through accredited travel agencies.
- Download and complete the visa application form.
- Choose a nearby accredited travel agency.
- Submit all required documents to the travel agency you have selected.
- Pay the fee, KVAC service fee for Php 900 and travel agency processing fee for Php 500 to Php 2,000. If you stay longer than 60 days, you will need to pay more.
- Wait for your visa to be issued.
Note: Even if you submit all your requirements to the travel agency, it’s the embassy that decides to issue a visa. Make sure you prepare all the necessary and correct documents to successfully obtain your visa.
When do you apply for your visa?
Usually, you can apply for a South Korean visa between 15 days and 3 months before the travel date. Because visa processing times vary depending on the embassy and current demand.
South Korea transit visa
For Philippine passport holders, you don’t need a visa when you transit through South Korea:
- Passengers stay at Seoul Incheon International Airport for less than 24 hours.
- Passengers leave other airports on the same calendar day.
Otherwise, passengers need a visa to leave the airport or go through immigration.
Conclusion
All in all, you must prepare all the requirements for your visa to avoid rejection of entry by government officials. Philippine citizens must obtain a visa to enter Korea. Therefore, you can travel to Korea and enjoy the beautiful culture and scenery. If you need any help, you can leave a comment below.
Dolores Xiao