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.

  1. Application Form: Fill out completely. Write NA if not applicable.
  2. 1 piece passport size colored picture: attached to the 1st page of application form.
  3. Original Passport: should be valid for more than 6 months.
  4. Photocopy of passport bio-page: page 2
  5. 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.
  6. Original personal bank certificate: must include account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB.
  7. Bank statement: original or certified true copy of statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
  8. 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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