Korean Visa Application Process and Requirements

Thanks to its global influence, South Korea now becomes one of the top tourist destinations for Filipinos. More and more Filipino’s are now applying for Korean Visa which resulted in a change in procedure in applying for it. Starting in July 2018, Korean Visa Applicants no need to personally go to the Korean Embassy. Instead, what they need to do is go to an accredited travel agency and submit their Korean Visa Application and requirements.

I remember when we apply for a Korean visa before (1st quarter of 2018), we needed to go to Manila Korean Embassy around 3 a.m. just to be included in the number of applicants for that day. We even saw some applicants that camp in front of the embassy just to make sure that they can submit their applications. That is why we really prefer this new procedure, though it has a fee unlike before which is free. This new procedure is so much easier plus no need to go early morning just to submit your application.  Since it is still a new process, and there is a lot of confusion, we made a step by step guide for you guys to help you in your visa application process.

How To Apply For A Korean Visa

Complete the basic requirements

1.Duly accomplished Application Form

• Travel agency now requires computerized Application Form
• Must be in A4 paper size
• Korean Visa Application Form

2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture (white background)

• You can simply tell in the studio that you need a picture for Korean Visa

3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)

4.  Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries within the last 5 years (If applicable only).

• OECD Countries

  • Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland

  • Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain,

  • Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

6. If invited by Korean Citizen (If applicable only)

• Invitation letter and a photocopy of inviters passport

Provide additional Requirements

For Employee 

1.Original Certificate of Employment

• Must have
  • Applicant’s position
  • Date hired
  • Compensation
  • Office address
  • HR landline number (Not cell-phone number)
  • HR e-mail address

2. Original Personal Bank Certificate

• It must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB
• Note: Some bank have charges/fee when you request this document

3.Original/Certified true copy of Bank Statement/Passbook for the last 3 months

• Note: Some bank have charges/fee when you request this document

4. Photocopy of Income Tax Return (2316).

• Frequent travelers who have traveled as a tourist to OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
• Also based on our experience, the travel agency did not require us to submit ITR for the reason that we visited Korea just a year ago.

5. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

For Businessman

For Students

1. Original School Certificate

2. Photocopy of School ID

3. Photocopy of Birth Certificate

4. Parents’ Documents

• If employed
  • Original Employment Certificate
  • Must have
    • Applicant’s position
    • Date hired
    • Compensation
    • Office address
    • HR landline number (Not cell-phone number)
    • HR e-mail address
  • Photocopy of Income Tax Return (2316)
•  If Self-employed
  • A copy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI (SEC Registration includes the page with a list of stockholders)
  • Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit,
  • Copy of Income Tax Return (1701) which includes payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.
• Original Bank Certificate – must have account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)
• Bank Statement. -An original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
• Copy of PSA Marriage Certificate

*In case parents already have a valid Korean visa, attached a copy of it. If not traveling together with parents, attach a photocopy of the passport or valid ID of parents.

For Housewives

1. If  Husband is employed

• • Original Employment Certificate
  • Must have
    • Applicant’s position
    • Date hired
    • Compensation
    • Office address
    • HR landline number (Not cell-phone number)
    • HR e-mail address
  • Photocopy of Income Tax Return (2316)

If  Husband is Self-employed

• • • A copy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI (SEC Registration includes the page with a list of stockholders)
    • Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit,
    • Copy of  Income Tax Return (1701) which includes payment receipt from BIR authorized bank.

2. Your own or your husband bank Certificate – must have account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)
3. Your own or Husband’s Bank Statement – Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
4. Photocopy of PSA Marriage Certificate

Submit your application form and requirements to the accredited Travel agency.

Once you completed all the requirements, its time to submit it to the accredited travel agencies.  Regular processing time given by the travel agencies is 24-30 Working days. (number of days was changed in Sept 2019). Just to reiterate it is “Working Days” not calendar days. So make sure you consider this when you apply for your visa.

Just to be clear, the Tourist visa is free for those who will stay less than 59 days. The charges that we pay in the travel agencies are their processing fee.  That is why the price may vary depending on which agency you are going to.

Tips

1. Apply for Korean Visa at least 2 months prior to the desired date of travel. Do not apply too much in advance remember Korean Visa is valid up to 59 days only. 

2. Though there are successful stories of applicants that were granted a Korean Visa even it’s their first-time travel abroad. We still think that there is a greater chance of success if you already have traveled to other countries. More stamps on your passports prove that you’re a tourist and no other plan overstaying in their country. You can try to travel first in non-visa required countries like Hong-Kong and Singapore.

3. Remember part of the required data in your bank document is ADB. Make sure that there are no questionable transactions seen in your bank account/bank statement that may become a red flag for them.

4. For expired PRC license holders that are currently in the process of CPD. Based on my experience, the travel agency asked me to provide a short letter of explanation of why my PRC license is expired. I think PRC license is also the key to why I got a multiple entry visa despite having a small amount in my bank account.

5. Please be in mind that the only basis of the Korean Embassy is the requirements we submitted. Make sure to carefully check and comply with all the requirements for a better chance of approval. We don’t want to be denied just because of a lack of required documents or falsifying one of the documents needed.