I was on the plane traveling back to Manila, Philippines from Seoul, South Korea when I started writing this. It was my 2nd visit to South Korea.
In this article, I will give you some tips and guide on how to get a Visa specifically for Filipino Employee who wish to travel to South Korea as a tourist.
As of this writing, South Korea is the only country I have ever been to aside from the Philippines, of course. Traveling is new to me, in fact, I’m not yet very confident even on my 2nd trip going there.
Below are the list of requirements i submitted when I apply for a visa for the first time. It was also the first time I was traveling abroad.
- Application Form: Fill out completely. Write NA if not applicable.
- 1 piece passport size colored picture: attached to the 1st page of application form.
- Original Passport: should be valid for more than 6 months.
- Photocopy of passport bio-page: page 2
- Original certificate of employment: must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation and benefits, HR contact number and e-mail address. HR cellphone number will not be accepted.
- Original personal bank certificate: must include account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB.
- Bank statement: original or certified true copy of statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
- Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or BIR form 2316.
Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your valid PRC card if applicable. One of my friend who traveled with me is working as a teacher and his PRC Card was about to expire, so he submitted his visa application ahead of me.
For Filipinos who have traveled as tourist to OECD member countries within the last 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR, however, prepare your ITR as sometimes they still ask for it.
If you are personally invited by a Korean you must submit an invitation letter and photocopy of invitors passport or valid identification card. If invited by a company in Korea, submit an invitation letter and photocopy of business permit.
Processing time for travelers who have been to OECD member countries for the last 5 years is 3 days, for travelers like me the processing time is 5 days.
If you are going to stay in Korea for 59 days or less, visa is free of charge (gratis). If you are staying for 60 to 90 days, you have to pay Php 1,800.00.
Tips:
First time travelers who have invitation letters have better chance of visa being approved. Invitation via e-mail are accepted.
If your company HR has more than one contact number, write it both in the application letter.
It is not indicated what background to use for the passport size photo but I used white background, and wore a blazer for a more formal, dignified look.
You must also indicate the address in Korea where you will be staying at in the application form; example are the name of hotel and hotel addresses.
Should you have questions or clarifications, please leave a comment.
Next, I will share my travel experiences to South Korea. The places I’ve been to were just amazing.
🍺 to our next flight…
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How much money must a person have in the bank? What if the person has no bank savings account ? Instead a loan account only….will he / she be given a visa?thanks in advance for your reply
..please enlighten me with requirements numbered 6 & 7…
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Hello, Josephine! I only have Php 30,000.00 in my account. You might want to open a savings account at any bank of your choice. My bank is BPI Family Savings Bank and I opened my savings account for Php 1,000.00 (initial deposit/maintaining balance), ATM only. The bank statement is free of charge. Just ask the bank teller and they can print it for you. I paid Php 100.00 for the bank certificate. At BPI you can get both the bank statements and the bank certificate on the same day you requested for it. For other banks, you have to wait up to 3 days before they can release the bank certificate. Don’t forget to ask them that you need the last 3 months bank statements.
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And where I’m going to submit my applications? I’m planning to have vacation there for a week only. I don’t have problem to the requirements I just don’t know where to submit them?
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You have to go to Korean Embassy directly. It is located at 122 Upper McKinley Road, Taguig. It is a 7-10 minutes walk from Market Market and just along Jollibee and Petron.
Contact Number: (02) 856 9210 local 270, 500
If you live in Cebu, you may visit their office at 12th Floor China Bank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
Contact Number: (32) 231 1516 to 9
You can submit the requirements by yourself or you can ask anyone to submit it for you. You don’t need an appointment, submission of requirements happen from 9:00 am to 11:00 am only. But I suggest you go there at 9:00 am if possible because there’s always usually a long line so they have to cut the time at around 10:30.
Good luck on your application!
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Thanks girl. Questions my hubby is American do you think he needs a visa too?
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No. Your husband doesn’t need a visa to travel to South Korea as a tourist.
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hi how many days did you put in length of stay in the application form? and how much was you budget reflected intge application? thanks
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Hi, Dina! The length of stay i put in the application form was 9 days, and I did stay for 9 days. Estimated travel cost is 700 USD.
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thanks.
me and my hubby is going ko seoul this sep 30 and im worried for my bank account cause it has only 30k yet we are only staying there for 4 days… and lastly is both of us are first time traveller to outside country.
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I know the feeling. It was also my first time. Just complete all the requirements and you have nothing to worry about. I believe you and your husband has a separate bank accounts? And if you know the address in Korea where you will be staying at, write it on the application form.
Remember that Korean Visa is only valid for 3 months. If you are traveling on September 30, you may submit your application starting end of June. But to be safe do it in July.
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We have a very similar situation, I will be flying to Korea this Nov however this will be my first abroad and I’m really anxious about the visa application, I’m worried because of my work tenureship , I have been only working for about 1 year, may I know how long have u been employed when u applied for the visa?
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I have only been with the company I was working for for 11 months when I applied for my visa the first time.
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Great! Nice blog
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Thank you!
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Great tips! And not all countries are the same where Visas are concerned. You have to know what to do, for sure!
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Thank you! For some, it’s just about the paper works. But us Filipinos have very limited visa free countries to travel.
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Thank you for these tips! Really very helpful.
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You’re welcome!
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thanks for the tip, big help. 🙂
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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nice blog girl..
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Thank you!
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Congrats to your journey
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