korea accredited travel agency philippines

Where to Apply for Korean Visa: A Complete List of Accredited Travel Agencies

This page provides the full updated list of accredited travel agencies for the Korean visa application. It’s sorted according to location, so you can easily find agencies in your area.

If you want to learn how to apply and get approved for a Korean visa (most importantly Korean tourist visa), we recommend this comprehensive guide updated for 2019. 

1. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

• Mezzanine Floor, Sarabia-Co-Torralba Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Contact information: (038) 411-2984 / [email protected]

2. Grand Hope Travel, Inc.

• 2/F Galleria Luisa Building, C. Gallares St., Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Contact information: (038) 501-8588 / [email protected]
• 46-D, D’Mall de Boracay, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
• Contact information: (036) 288-4901 / [email protected]

2. HanaTour Manila Inc.

• Hennan Lagoon Bldg., Station 2, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
• Contact information: (036) 288-2626

3. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.

• Regency Lagoon Bldg. A, Balabag, Malay, Aklan
• Contact information: (036) 288-2419 / 288-2420 / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 700

First United Travel Inc.

• 2/F Abary Square Bldg. 1733 Año cor. F. Vergel De Dios St., Poblacion, Baliuag, Bulacan
• Contact information: (044) 892-0746 / 766-1939 / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 1,200

Cagayan de Oro.

Rakso air travel and tours inc..

• 2/F VLC Tower 1 Upper Carmen, Pueblo de Oro, IT Park cor. Gran Via Trade St. Cagayan de Oro City
• Contact information: (088) 881-8811 / 881-9419 / [email protected]

1. Getaway Tours International Inc. (Dasma Branch).

• UGF 156, SM City Dasmariñas, Sampaloc I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite
• Contact information: (046) 432-3387 / (02) 843-5902 / [email protected] / [email protected]

2. Getaway Tours International Inc. (General Trias Branch).

• Level 2 – Unit 200-A, Robinsons Place, General Trias, Cavite
• Contact information: (046) 436-2112 / (02) 703-2612 / [email protected]

1. Adventure International.

• 2/F Mahogany Place, Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 238-3076 / [email protected]

2. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

• Unit 10F MSY Tower, Pescadores Road, Cebu Business Park
• Contact information: (032) 232-8886 / [email protected]

3. First United Travel Inc.

• Unit 118 The QC Pavilion, Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 266-1841 / 412-0863 / [email protected]

4. Grand Hope Travel, Inc. (Main Office).

• Lower Ground Level, SM City, Juan Luna Ave. Extension, Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 233-8530 / 234-0764 / 233-8263 / 234-0767 / [email protected]

5. Grand Hope Travel, Inc. (Ayala Branch).

• Level 4 Ayala Center Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 268-9009 / 268-9008 / [email protected]

6. Grand Hope Travel, Inc. (Fuente Branch).

• G/F Dona Luisa Building, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 255-4089 / 255-4091 / [email protected]

7. HanaTour Manila Inc.

• 3/F BF Pajo Bldg. ML Quezon Ave., Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
• Contact information: (032) 236-4287

8. Hankookceb Corp.

• Room 301 Trans Asia Building, MJ Cuenco Ave. cor. Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 238-2595 / (070) 4645-7283 / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 800

9. JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

• 2/F, J Centre Mall, V. Albano, Mandaue City, Cebu
• Contact information: (032) 260-8024
• Visa processing fee: Php 500

10. Pan Pacific Travel Corporation.

• Suite No. 6, Diplomat Hotel, 90 F. Ramos St., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 254-0343 / 254-0345 / 254-0347 / 254-0349 / [email protected]

11. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.

• 2/F The Walk, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 340-2000 / [email protected]

12. The Baron Travel Corporation.

• Unit H Capitol Commercial Complex, N. Escario St., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 255-6095 / [email protected]

13. TravelServices Inc.

• 4/F, Metrobank Plaza Building, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 806-7505 / 253-5808 / 255-7374 / [email protected]

14. Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.

• 2/F Capitol Square, Escario St., Cebu City
• Contact information: (032) 253-1866
• Level 1 Unit 111B-112, Robinsons Cybergate Mall Davao, J.P. Laurel St., Bajada, Davao City
• Contact information: (082) 287-8200 / [email protected]

1. Constellation Travels, Inc.

• G/F Door 2, Manfred’s Building, 22 Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City
• Contact information: (033) 514-1066 / (0956) 660-0645 / [email protected]

2. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.

• G/F Unit 23 City Times Square, Iloilo City Center, Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Ave., Iloilo City
• Contact information: (033) 327-4249 / 327-4254 / 327-4253 / (0917) 633-3793 / (0999) 227-0170 / [email protected]

TravelServices Inc.

• 2/F J. Alcasid Business Center, Crossing St., Calamba City, Laguna
• Contact information: (032) 806-7503 / (049) 508-2512 to 13 / [email protected]

Reli Tours and Travel Company.

• SM Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas
• Contact information: (02) 692-1112 / (0966) 442-2355 / (0939) 627-9133 / [email protected]

G/3-4F Eurovilla 2, V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati

Contact information: (02) 884-9400 / [email protected]

2. Ark Travel Express, Inc.

• Unit Lower Ground 3, 4 & 14, 146 Alfaro Place, L.P. Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 816-6416 / 816-2201 / 815-2296 / 893-7294 / 893-4979 / 894-3372 / [email protected] / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 1,500

3. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

• 23/F Pacific Star Building, Makati Ave., Makati
• Contact information: (02) 988-5000 / [email protected]

4. Casto Travel Philippines Inc.

• 2/F Tuscan Bldg., 114 V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 810-0079 / [email protected]

5. City Travel and Tours Corporation.

• LG8 Cityland 10 Tower 1, H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 812 9111 / (0918) 291-9977 / (0923) 733-2780 / (0917) 885-2780 / [email protected]

6. Constellation Travels, Inc.

• 5/F Merry Land Plaza, 1157 Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 224-1730 local 702 / 224-1758 / [email protected]

7. First United Travel Inc.

• Garden Level, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo De Roxas, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 818-7181 / 459-0900 / [email protected]
• Unit 201 Buma Building, Metropolitan Ave., San Antonio, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 776-0253 / [email protected]
• Unit G3-315B, 3/F Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati
• Contact information: (0998) 842-2118

10. Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.

• UG1 146 Alfaro Place Bldg, L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 840-1363 to 65 / 810-0107 to 08 / 810-0226 to 27 / 817-1224 / 892-3663 / 810-0172

11. Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc.

• 19/F Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Ave., Makati
• Contact information: (02) 887-0000 / [email protected]

12. North Star International Travel, Inc.

• 19/F Trident Tower, 312 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati
• Contact information: (02) 485-7272 / [email protected]

13. Pan Pacific Travel Corporation.

• Unit LG-1 Herrera Tower Condominium, 98 V.A. Rufino cor. Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 810-8551 to 56 / [email protected]

14. Rajah Travel Corporation.

• 3/F 331 Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati
• Contact information: (02) 894-0886 / (0917) 527-4649 / [email protected]

15. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc.

• 3/F Rico Building, 112 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 651-9000 / [email protected]

16. Reli Tours and Travel Company.

• 3/F Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 894-1210 / [email protected]

17. Sharp Travel Service (Phils.) Inc.

• Suite 504 Alexander House Bldg., 132 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 817-0071 to 74 local 315 / [email protected]

18. Swire Travel Philippines Inc.

• Units C & D, 6/F, Country Space I Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Salcedo Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 817-1082 / 781-2500 / (0977) 387-9721 / (0933) 043-9594 / (0908) 885-7602 / (0925) 369-7210 / [email protected] / [email protected]

19. The Baron Travel Corporation.

3/F PCCI Corporate Center, 118 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati

Contact information: (02) 817-4926 / [email protected]

20. TravelServices Inc.

• 2/F Trinity Insurance Center, 7504 Bagtikan St., San Antonio, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 706-8600 / [email protected]

21. Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.

• I Care Bldg., 167 Legaspi cor. De La Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati
• Contact information: (02) 818-9585

Mandaluyong.

1.  aboex travel and tours..

• Unit 14 Upper Ground Globe Tower Plaza, 1 Pioneer cor. Madison St., Mandaluyong
• Contact information: (077) 722-2141 / (02) 246-1518

2. Reli Tours and Travel Company.

• SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong
• Contact information: (02) 692-1114 / (0966) 442-2234 / (0919) 952-8422 / [email protected]

3. Travel Pros.

• 5/F SM Megamall Bldg. B, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong
• Contact information: (02) 634-0265 / 636-1687 / (0917) 886-6578 / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 950

1. Budget Travel and Tours Inc.

• Suite 3, Metropolitan Tower, Mabini St., Malate, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 523-8120 to 26 / [email protected]

2. Getaway Tours International Inc.

• 576 San Andres St. near corner Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 524-2202 / 524-2252 / 354-4268 / 353-0100 / 354-4763 / [email protected]

3. Horizon Travel & Tours, Inc. (Main Office).

• 490 Potenciana Mansion, Sta. Monica St., Ermita, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 328-3388 / 521-2586 / [email protected]

4. Horizon Travel & Tours, Inc. (Binondo Branch).

• 345 San Vicente cor. T. Pinpin St., Binondo, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 310-2308 to 09 / 986-2717 / [email protected]

5. International Journeys Inc.

• Unit 2 3/F Altra Center Building, Jorge Bocobo St., Malate, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 400-0550

6. Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.

• G/F Unit B2 Imperial Bayfront Tower, 1642 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 711-7069 / 711-7072 / 711-7074 to 76

7. Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Head Office).

• 353 E.T. Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 243-6666 / [email protected]

8. Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Ermita Branch).

• G/F Pacific Place Apartelle Suites, 539 Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 523-1990 / 526-6427 / [email protected]

9. Rajah Travel Corporation.

• G/F GLC Building, A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 523-8801 / 894-0886 / (0917) 527-4649 / [email protected]

10. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc. (Binondo Branch).

• 517-519 Tomas Mapua St., Santa Cruz, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 244-3501 to 02 / [email protected]

11. Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc. (Manila Branch).

• Unit G-06 Malate Adriatico Grand Residences, 1415 Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 354-1000 / [email protected]

12. Reli Tours and Travel Company.

• 4/F Lucky Chinatown, Reina Regonte cor. Dela Reina St., Binondo, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 242-0640 / (0906) 492-1000 / [email protected]

13. Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.

• 447 Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila
• Contact information: (02) 243-3888 / [email protected]

Muntinlupa.

• Unit 4018 3/F Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa
• Contact information: (02) 850-5455 / 850-5463 / 807-6821 / [email protected]

2. Swire Travel Philippines Inc.

• The Bellevue Alabang, Muntinlupa
• Contact information: (02) 771-8181 local 8028 / (0925) 4945-155 / [email protected]

1. City Travel and Tours Corporation.

• Unit 201 2F Diamond Spring Hotel Bldg. Mc Arthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga
• Contact information: (045) 405-0317 / (0918) 233-2144 / (0922) 863-6006 / (0915) 762-2882 / [email protected]

2. Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.

• Unit 2, Consunji St., Brgy. Sto Rosario, San Fernando, Pampanga
• Contact information: (045) 435-1177 / 435-1977 / 435-1016
• 2/F #1 Quad 2 Plaridel St., Nepo Center, Brgy. Sto. Rosario Angeles City, Pampanga
• Contact information: (045) 888-1010 / [email protected]

4. Swire Travel Philippines Inc.

• Midori Clark Hotel and Casino Kalayaan St., C.M. Recto Ave., Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
• Contact information: (045) 499-1105 / (0932) 426-0819 / [email protected]

Getaway Tours International Inc.

• G/F WSCT 026 Waltermart, Brgy. San Isidro, Dr. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque
• Contact information: (02) 820-1707 / 820-1504 / 820-4238 / [email protected] / [email protected]

1. Come on Phils. Golf & Travel Agency Inc.

• U-PXA 03A Hobbies of Asia 8, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay
• Contact information: (02) 810-1959
• 4/F One E-Com Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay
• Contact information: (02) 856-9741

3. Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (JOINenJOY).

• Unit 109-P, G/F Five-Ecom Center, Pacific Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay
• Contact information: (02) 708-2000 / [email protected]
• Visa processing fee: Php 1,000

4. JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

• G/F Unit 107, Entertainment Mall, New South Wing, SM Mall of Asia
• Contact information: (0949) 994-0249

1. KP JOEUN Consultancy Inc.

• Retail 9, Goldland Millenia Tower, J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig
• Contact information: (02) 854-5514 / 451-1282 / 998-6639

2. MNK Travel & Tours Corp.

• 802 One Corp. Center, Julia Vargas cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig
• Contact information: (02) 687-4443

3. Party-on Travel and Tour Community, Inc.

• Unit C2 17/F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig
• Contact information: (02) 470-2000

4. Uni-Orient Travel, Inc.

• Unit 2101 East Tektite Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Ortigas Center, Pasig
• Contact information: (02) 705-2222

Travel Pros.

• 2/F A-Square Town Center, Doña Tating St., Tiaong, Quezon
• Contact information: (042) 652-2268 / (0922) 816-1703 / [email protected]

Quezon City.

• Shop 47, Shopwise Arcade, Times Square Ave., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
• Contact information: (02) 352-7466 / [email protected]

2. JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

• 4/F Japan Town Retail 2, Level 4, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City
• Contact information: (02) 932-5600

3. Travel Pros (SM Fairview Branch).

• LGF, Main Bldg., SM City Fairview, Quezon City
• Contact information: (02) 939-6023 / 938-8742 / (0917) 886-6575 / [email protected]

4. Travel Pros (SM North EDSA Branch).

• G/F SM City North EDSA, The Block, Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
• Contact information: (02) 332-9678 / (0917) 623-2668 / [email protected]

Swire Travel Philippines Inc.

• Building 1041, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Subic, Olongapo
• Contact information: (0917) 496-6961 / [email protected]

1. H.I.S. (PHILIPPINES) Travel Corp.

• 2/F Serendra – Shopping Arcade Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Contact information: (02) 915 0351 to 53 / [email protected]
• 18/F, Unit 2, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th & 25th Streets, Bonifacio South, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Contact information: (02) 894-5528

3. Travel Pros (Market! Market! Branch).

• 3/F Market! Market!, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Contact information: (02) 889-7296 / 889-7396 / (0922) 816-1704 / [email protected]

4. Travel Pros (SM Aura Branch).

• SM Aura Premier B1, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
• Contact information: (02) 556-3007 / (0922) 816-1707 / [email protected]

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

Copyright Notice

All materials contained on this site are protected by the Republic of the Philippines copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, or broadcast without the prior written permission of filipiknow.net or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright, or other notice from copies of the content. Be warned that we have already reported and helped terminate several websites and YouTube channels for blatantly stealing our content. If you wish to use filipiknow.net content for commercial purposes, such as for content syndication, etc., please contact us at legal(at)filipiknow(dot)net

Travel More for Less!

[2022] KOREAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies by the Embassy

Mello fabrique.

• January 2, 2022
• South Korea , Visas & Immigration

Korean Tourist Visa is one of the easiest Visas to apply and obtain by Filipinos, nowadays due to it’s straightforward process and requirements. But of course, you need to know and understand the procedures first to properly lodge your Visa application to the right channels.

As of July, 2018 , due to the rapid increase of Visa applicants, The Embassy of Korea in the Philippines no longer accepts direct applications from individuals applying for Tourist Visa except for special cases (such as a spouse or child of a Korean national/citizen, a government employee on a business trip, and the Korean Consulate in Cebu ). Otherwise, the only way to apply is through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy. Also, be guided that the Embassy does not charge a fee (for visas with stays shorter than 59 days), however accredited travel agencies do and they usually range from ( P500-P2,000 ) as processing fee.

NOTE: Korean Consulate in Cebu still accepts direct applications, so if you plan to submit your application there, here’s the address;

KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU Address: 12/F., Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Rd. 5, Cebu Business Park, Cebu Email: [email protected] Contact #: (032) 231-1516

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. aboex travel and tours, 2. adventure international, 3. ark travel express inc., 4. blue horizons travel and tours inc., 5. budget travel and tours inc., 6. casto travel philippines inc., 7. city travel & tours corporation, 8. come on phils. golf and travel agency inc., 9. constellation travels, inc., 10. first united travel inc., 11. getaway tours international inc., 12. grand hope travel, inc., 13. h.i.s. (philippines) travel corp., 14. hanatour manila inc., 15. hankookceb corp., 16. horizon travel & tours, inc., 17. international journeys inc., 18. island resort club tour services, inc., 19. jtb asia pacific phil. corp., 20. kp joeun consultancy inc., 21. las palmas tours and travel agency, inc., 22. marsman drysdale travel inc., 23. mnk travel & tours corp., 24. north star international travel, inc., 25. pan pacific travel corporation, 26. party-on travel and tour community, inc., 27. rajah travel corporation, 28. rakso air travel and tours inc., 29. reli tours and travel company, 30. sharp travel service (phils.) inc., 31. swire travel phils, inc., 32. the baron travel corporation, 33. travel pros, 34. travelservices, inc., 35. uni-orient travel, inc., ii. korean visa guide for filipinos (step-by-step), save this now, read it later.

Hover this photo then click on the save button to save it on Pinterest for later!

I. FULL LIST OF ACCREDITED TRAVEL AGENCIES BY THE KOREAN EMBASSY (with contact details)

NOTE: These agencies may have differences in terms of how they handle a Korean Visa application (from prices to services offered), it’s always a best practice to contact them first before you start with your application.

Mandaluyong (Main Office) Address: Unit 14, U/G., Globe Tower Plaza 1, Pioneer St., Cor. Madison St., Mandaluyong Telephone #: (077) 722-2141, (02) 246-1518

Makati Branch Address: G/F., 3rd & 4/F Eurovilla 2, Rufino St., Legaspi Village Makati City Telephone #: (02) 884-9400

Makati Branch Address: 146 Alfaro Place, L.P Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 816-6416

Makati Branch Address: 23/F., Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Ave., Cor. Sen Gil Puyat, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 988-5000

Manila Branch Address: Suite 3, Metropolitan Tower, Mabini St., Malate Manila Telephone #: (02) 523-8120

Alabang Branch Address: Unit 4018, 3/F., Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa city Telephone #: (02) 850-5405, (02) 850-5456, (02) 850-5459, (02) 850-5463

Makati Branch Address: 2/F., Tuscan Bldg., 114 VA Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 810-0079

Makati Branch Address: LG8 Cityland 10 Tower 1, H.V Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 812-9111

Pampanga Branch Address: Unit 201, 2/F., Diamond Spring Hotel Bldg., Mc Arthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City Telephone #: (045) 405-0317, (045) 405-0317

Pasay Branch Address: U-PXA 03A, Hobbies of Asia 8, Diosdado Macapagal, Pasay City Telephone #: (02) 810-1959

Makati (Main Office) Address: 5/F., Merry Land Plaza, 1157 Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 224-1730

Iloilo Branch Address: Door 2, G/F., Manfred’s Bldg., 22 Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City Telephone #: (033) 514-1066

Makati Branch Address: Garden Level, Corinthian Plaza, Paseo De Roxas, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 818-7181, (02) 819-3919

Cebu Branch Address: Unit 118, The QC Pavilion, Gorordo Ave., Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 266-8816, (032) 266-1841

Bulacan Branch Address: 2/F., Abary Square Bldg., 1773 Ano St., Cor. F., Vergel De Dios St., Poblacion, Baliuag, Bulacan Telephone #: (044) 892-0746, (044) 766-1939

Manila Branch Address: 576 San Andres St., Near Cor. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila Telephone #: (02) 524-2202, (02) 524-2252

Cebu (Main Office) Address: Lower Ground Level, SM City – NRA, Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 234-0764

BGC, Taguig City Address: 2/F., Serendra Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Telephone #: (02) 915-0351, (02) 822-4496

Pasay Branch Address: 2/F., Damon Bldg., Macapagal Ave., 1011 Pasay, Metro Manila Telephone #: (02) 403-3993

Cebu Branch Address: Room 301, Trans Asia Bldg., Cor. MJ Cuenco Ave., Osmena Blvd., Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 238 2595

Makati Branch Address: Unit 201, Buma Bldg., Metropolitan Ave., San Antonio Makati City Telephone #: (02) 776-0253

Ermita (Main Office) Address: 490 Potenciana Mansion, Sta Monica St., Ermita, Manila Telephone #: (02) 521-2586

Manila Branch Address: Unit 2, 3/F., Altra Center, 1663 Jorge Bocobo St., Malate, Manila Telephone #: (02) 4000-550

Pasay (Main Office) Address: Unit 109-P, G/F., Five Ecom Center, Pacific Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City Telephone #: (02) 708-9999

BGC, Taguig City Address: 18/F., Unit 2, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Telephone #: (02) 894-5528

Mall of Asia Branch Address: G/F., 107 Entertainment Mall, New South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, MOA Complex, Pasay City Mobile #: (0949) 994-0249

Makati Branch Address: Unit G3-315B, 3/F., Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Mobile #: (0998) 8422118

Quezon City Branch Address: 4/F., Japan Town Retail 2 Level 4, Ayala Mall (Vertis North), Quezon City Telephone #: (02) 932-5600 Mobile #: (0999) 2245669

Ortigas, Pasig City (Main Office) Address: Retail 9, Goldland Millenia Tower J., Escriva Drive Ortigas Center, Pasig City Telephone #: (02) 854-5514, (02) 4511282, (02) 998-6639

Manila (Branch) Address: G/F., Unit B2, Imperial Bayfront Tower, 1642 A. Mabini St. Malate, Manila Telephone #: (02) 711-7069

Makati Branch Address: UGI 1, Alfaro Place, 146 LP, Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 840-1363 to 65

Pampanga Branch Address: Unit 2, 1010 Alley Bldg., Consunji St., Brgy. Sto Rosario, City of San Fernando, Pampanga Telephone #: (045) 435-1177

Makati Branch Address: 19/F., Robinsons Summit Center, Ayala Ave., Makati City Telephone #: (02) 887-0000

Ortigas, Pasig City Branch Address: 802 One Corp. Center, Julia Vargas, Cor., Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Telephone #: (02) 687 4443

Makati Branch Address: 19/F., Trident Tower, 312 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Telephone #: (02) 485-7272

Binondo (Main Office) Address: 353 E.T., Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila Telephone #: (02) 243-6666

Ermita Branch Address: G/F. & 2/F., Pacific Pace Apartelle Suite, 539 Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila Telephone #: (02) 8521-3141 to 46

Makati Branch Address: UNIT LG01, Herrera Tower Condo, 98 V.A. Rufino St., (Herrera St.) Cor. Valero St., Salcedo Vil., Makati City Telephone #: (02) 8810-8551 to 56

Cebu Branch Address: Diplomat Hotel, 90 F. Ramos St., Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 254-0343, (032) 254-0345, (032) 254-0347, (032) 254-0349

Ortigas, Pasig City Branch Address: Unit C2, 17/F., Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Telephone #: (02) 470-2000

Makati Branch Address: 3/F., 331 Bldg., 331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Telephone #: (02) 894-0886 Mobile #: 0917-529-6774

Manila Branch Address: G/F., GLC Bldg, Mabini Cor. T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila Telephone #: (02) 523-8801 to 07 Mobile #: 0917-854-3614

Makati (Main Office) Address: 3/F., Rico Bldg., #112, Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 651 9000

Makati (Main Office) Address: 3/F., Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 894-1214, (02) 8894-1210, (02) 8893-9226 Mobile #: 0906-280-6666

SM Megamall Branch Address: G/F., Mega St., Bldg., A, SM MEGA Mall, Mandaluyong City Telephone #: (02) 8692-1114, (02) 893-7259, (02) 894-1213, (02) 894-1214 Mobile #: 0906-513-6555

SM Southmall Branch Address: Unit 344, SM SOUTHMALL, Imanza Dos, Las Pinas City Telephone #: (02) 800-4948 to 50 Mobile #: 0906-513-6222

Lucky ChinaTown Mall Branch Address: FS414, 4/F., Lucky ChinaTown Mall, Calle Felipe 2 Cor. Lachambre St., Brgy 293, Zone 028, Binondo, Manila City Telephone #: (02) 8242-0640 Mobile #: 0906-492-1000

Makati Branch Address: Suite 504, Alexander House Bldg., Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 817 0071 to 74

Makati Branch Address: 6/F., Country Spacel Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City Telephone #: (02) 817-1082

Makati Branch Address: 3/F., PCCI Corporate Center, 118 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 817-4926

SM Megamall (Main Office) Address: 5/F., SM Megamall Bldg., B., EDSA, Mandaluyong City Telephone #: (02) 634-0265 to 67

SM Aura Branch Address: B/1, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Telephone #: (02) 556-3007

Makati (Main Office) Address: 2/F., Trinity Insurance Center, 7504 Bagtikan St., San Antonio, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 706-8600

Laguna Branch Address: 2/F., J. Alcasid Business Center, Crossing Brgy., 1, Calamba City Telephone #: (049) 508-2513, (049) 508-2268

Cebu Branch Address: 4/F., Metrobank Plaza Bldg., Osmena Blvd., Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 253-5808, (032) 255-7374

Manila Branch Address: 447 Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila Telephone #: (02) 243-3888

Makati Branch Address: Unit 101, G/F., Windsor Tower, 163 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Telephone #: (02) 818-9585

Ortigas, Pasig City Branch Address: Unit 2006, East Tektite Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Telephone #: (02) 705-2222

Cebu Branch Address: 2/F., Capitol Square, N. Escario St., Cebu City Telephone #: (032) 253-1868

P.S. This list is according to the official website of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines . There may be other branches of these 35 travel agencies that can also process your Korean Visa application, but again, it’s best to contact them first beforehand for further instructions.

Mello is a Filipino-Arabian who was born and raised in the tropical islands of the Philippines. An ordinary traveler with extraordinary stories to tell!

Sign Up To Get FREE Travel Guides, Exclusive Discounts, Travel Perks, & More!

I accept the Privacy Policy

Related Posts

[2022] KOREAN VISA GUIDE for Filipinos (Step-by-Step)

• Jan 2, 2022

[2022] KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS LIST for Filipinos

South Korea Visa-free Program for Filipinos

• Jun 30, 2021

Trending now

35 Travel Agencies That Process Korean Visa Applications in the Philippines

Applying for a tourist visa from the Philippines? Below you’ll find the contact details of the travel agencies that are designated by the Embassy of Korea to receive and process applications.

• In July 2018, the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines stopped accepting tourist visa applications from walk-in’s.
• Korean visa applicants are advised to submit their requirements to any of their 35 designated travel agencies, unless they are a family member of a Korean, a government employee who will go on an official trip, or a holder of a Visa Issuance Confirmation Number.
• A few accredited travel agencies in Metro Manila include City Travel & Tours, Ark Travel Express, Pan Pacific, Rakso Air, and Sharp Travel Service. They have offices in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City, among others.
• You will also find a couple of accredited travel agencies that assist Korean visa applicants in Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Iloilo.
• If applying from Cebu, you may contact Uni-Orient Travel or Grand Hope Travel and Tours. (You may also still do a walk-in application at the local Consulate, if you prefer.)
• Below you’ll find our directory for the accredited travel agencies, which includes their address, contact numbers, and estimate Korean visa processing fees.
• Finally, check out this bus tour from WAUG that will take you to Nami Island & the Garden of Morning Calm to make the most of your trip!

Explore more:  How to Apply for a South Korea Visa: Requirements & Process in the Philippines

Accredited Travel Agencies for Korean Visa Applicants

Filipino tourists who would like to apply for a Korean visa may seek assistance from these travel agencies that are designated to process applications:

Aboex Travel and Tours 

Adventure international tours, inc..

• Ark Travel Express Inc

Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.

• Budget Travel and Tours Inc.

Casto Travel Philippines Inc.

• City Travel and Tours Corporation

Come on Phils. Golf & Travel Agency Inc.

• Constellation Travels, Inc.
• First United Travel Inc.

Getaway Tours International Inc.

Grand hope travel and tours, h.i.s. (philippines) travel corp., hanatour manila inc..

• Hankookceb Corp.

Horizon Travel and Tours, Inc.

International journeys inc..

• JOINENJOY (Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.)
• JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

KP Joeun Consultancy Inc.

• Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc.
• Marsman Drsydale Travel Inc.

MNK Travel and Tours Corp.

North star international travel, inc..

• Pan Pacific Travel Corporation

Party-on Travel and Tour Community Inc.

Rajah travel corporation, rakso air travel and tours inc..

• Reli Tours and Travel Company
• Sharp Travel Service (Phils.) Inc.
• Swire Travel Philippines Inc. 

The Baron Travel Corporation

• Travel Pros
• TravelServices Inc.
• Uni-Orient Travel Inc.

Below is a list of the accredited travel agencies according to location:

Travel agency for Korean visa applicants in Alabang:

Travel agency for korean visa applicants in bulacan:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in cebu:.

• TravelServices, Inc.

Travel agency for Korean visa applicants in Iloilo:

Travel agency for korean visa applicants in laguna, travel agency for korean visa applicants in las piñas:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in makati:.

• Ark Travel Express Inc.
• Swire Travel Philippines Inc.

Travel agencies for Korean visa applicants in Mandaluyong:

Travel agencies for korean visa applicants in manila:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in pampanga:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in pasay:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in pasig:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in quezon city:, travel agency for korean visa applicants in subic:, travel agencies for korean visa applicants in taguig:, directory: accredited travel agencies that process korean visa.

Here are the updated contact details and addresses of the accredited travel agencies, as of January 2020 (An entry with a ✓ means that the travel agency verified the listing to the author) :

• Address: Unit 14, Upper Ground Globe Tower Plaza, 1 Pioneer St. cor. Madison St., Mandaluyong
• Contact number: 077-722-2141 or 02-8246-1518
• Address: G/F 3rd & 4th Floor Eurovilla 2, Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8884-9400

Ark Travel Express Inc. ✓

• Address: 146 Alfaro Place, L.P Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8813-5943
• Established in 1996

Ark Travel Express Inc. charges a Korean visa fee of around ₱1,500 (estimate). You can message them on Facebook for your inquiries.

• Address: 23/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Avenue cor. Sen Gil Puyat, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8988-5000

Budget Travel and Tours Inc. (Manila)

• Address: Suite 3, Metropolitan Tower, Mabini St., Malate, Manila
• Contact number: 02-85263736

Budget Travel and Tours Inc. (Alabang Branch)

• Address: Unit 4018 3/F Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa city
• Contact number: 02-8850-5463/5455
• Address: 2/F Tuscan Bldg. 114 Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
• Contact number: 02-8810-0079

City Travel & Tours Corporation (Makati) ✓

• Address: LG8 Cityland 10 Tower 1, H.V. Dela Costa St., Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8812-9111
• Established in 1992
• Website: http://citytravel.ph/

City Travel and Tours Corp. charges a fee of around ₱700 (estimate) for Korean visa processing. For inquiries, you can send them a message on Facebook .

City Travel & Tours Corporation (Pampanga) ✓

• Address: Unit 201, 2F Diamond Spring Hotel Bldg. Mc Arthur Highway, Balibago Angeles City
• Contact number: 045-322-3767 / 045-405-0317
• Address: U-PXA 03A Hobbies of Asia 8, Diosdado Macapagal, Pasay City
• Contact number: 02-8810-1959

Constellation Travels, Inc. (Makati)

• Address: 5th Floor, Merry Land Plaza 1157 Chino Roces Avenue San Antonio Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-3224-1730

Constellation Travels, Inc. (Iloilo Branch)

• Address: G/F Door 2, Manfred’s Building, 22 Gen. Luna St. Iloilo City
• Contact number: 033-514-1066

First United Travel Inc. (Makati)

• Address: Garden Level Corinthian Plaza Paso de Roxas, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8818-7181 or 02-8819-3919

First United Travel Inc. (Bulacan Branch)

• Address: 2/F, Abary Square Bldg. 1773 Ano St. corner F. vergel De Dios St. Poblacion, Baliuag Bulacan
• Contact number: 044-892-0746 or 044-766-1939

First United Travel Inc. (Subic Satellite Office)

• Address: BLDG. 896 Rizal Highway Corner Manila Avenue, Subic Bay Freefort Zone
• Contact number: 047-251-4134
• Address: 576 San Andres St. near corner Adriatico St. Malate, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8524-2202 or 02-8524-2252
• Address: Lower Ground Level, SM City – NRA, Cebu City
• Contact number: 032-234-0764
• Address: 2/F Serendra Bonifacio High Street Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
• Contact number: 02-7915-0351 or 02-8822-4496
• Website: https://his.com.ph/others/visa

H.I.S. (Philippines) Travel Corp. (for Corporate and Sub-agents)

• Address: 14F Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue corner 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Contact number: 02-7718-5002 or 02-7718-5008
• Address: 2/F Damon Bldg., Macapagal Avenue, 1011 Pasay, Metro Manila
• Contact number: 02-8403-3993

Hankookceb Corp. (Cebu) ✓

• Address: Trans Asia Building Room 301 Cor. MJ Cuenco Ave, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City
• Contact number: 032-238-2595 or 070-4645-7283
• Established in 2012

Hankookceb may charge a Korean visa processing fee of around ₱800 (estimate). 

Hankookceb Corp. (Makati Branch) ✓

• Address: Unit 201 Buma Building Metropolitan Ave., San Antonio Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8776-0253
• Address: 490 Potenciana Mansion Sta Monica St., Ermita Manila
• Contact number: 02-5328-3388 or 02-8521-2586
• Address: Unit 2 Third Floor Altra Center 1663 Jorge Bocobo Street Malate, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8400-0550
• Website: https://www.ijourneys.com.ph/visa/how-to-apply-for-south-korea-visa/

JOINENJOY (Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.) ✓

• Address: Unit 109-P, G/F Five Ecom Center, Pacific Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
• Contact number: 02-8708-9999
• Established in 2002

For an estimate fee of ₱1,000, you may have your Korean visa application processed with JOINENJOY or Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. Check out their website here or message on Facebook here .

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. (Taguig)

• Address: 18th flr. RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Cntr., 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Contact number: 02-8894-5528
• Website: https://www.jtbphilippines.com/korean-visa/

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. (Mall of Asia Branch)

• Address: G/F 107 Entertainment Mall, New South Wing SM Mall of Asia, MOA Complex, Pasay City
• Contact number: 02-8994-8954 or 0949-9940249

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. (Glorietta 3 Branch)

• Address: Unit G3-315B, 3/F Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
• Contact number: 0998-8422118

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp. (Ayala Malls Vertis North Branch)

• Address: 4th Floor, Japan Town Retail 2 Level 4, Ayala Malls (Vertis North), Quezon City
• Contact number: 02-8932-5600 or 0999-2245669
• Address: Retail 9, Goldland Millenia Tower J., Escriva Drive Ortigas Center, Pasig City
• Contact number: 02-8854-5514, 02-8451-1282, or 02-8998-6639

Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc. (Manila)

• Address: G/F Unit B2 Imperial Bayfront Tower, 1642 A. Mabini St. Malate, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8711-7069

Las Palmas Tours and Travel Agency, Inc. (Makati Branch)

• Address: UGI1 Alfaro Place 146 LP Leviste Street Salcedo Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8840-1363 to 65

Marsman Drsydale Travel Inc. ✓

• Address: 19th Floor Robinsons Summit Center Ayala Avenue, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8887-0000
• Established in 1979

Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc. is an accredited travel agency that assists Korean visa applicants. To know about their processing fee, you may contact them via Facebook here or check out their website here .

• Address: 802 One Corp. Center, Julia Vargas Cor., Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
• Contact number: 02-8687-4443
• Address: 19F Trident Tower 312 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-3485-7272

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Binondo) ✓

• Address: 353 E.T. Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8243-6666
• Established in 1978

Pan Pacific Travel charges a Korean visa processing fee of ₱800 (estimate). You may get their updated rates for 2020 by messaging them on Facebook or giving them a call.

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Ermita Branch) ✓

• Address: G/F Pacific Place Apartelle Suites. 539 Arquiza St. Ermita, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8523-1990 or 02-8526-6427

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Makati Branch) ✓

• Address: Unit LG-1 Herrera Tower Condominium. #98 V.A. Rufino St. corner Valero St., Salcedo Village Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8810-8551 to 56

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Cebu Branch) ✓

• Address: Diplomat Hotel. Suite No. 6, 90 F. Ramos Street. Cebu City
• Contact number: 032-254-0343/45/47/49
• Address: Unit C2 17th Flr. Strata 100 Bldg. F. Ortigas Jr. Ortigas Center, Pasig City
• Contact number: 02-8470-2000
• Address: 3/F 331 Building, 331 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8894-0886
• Address: 3F Rico Bldg. #112, Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8651-9000
• Website: https://www.raksotravel.com/info/visas/1021

Reli Tours and Travel Company (Makati)

• Address: 3rd Floor Dusit Hotel Corner Edsa Pasay Road Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8894-1214

Reli Tours and Travel Company (SM Mandaluyong Branch)

• Contact number: 02-8893-7259

Reli Tours and Travel Company (SM Megamall Branch)

• Contact number: 02-8637-4694

Reli Tours and Travel Company (SM Southmall Branch)

• Contact number: 02-8800-4948 to 50

Reli Tours and Travel Company (Lucky Chinatown Binondo Branch)

• Contact number: 02-8242-0640

Sharp Travel Service (Phils.) Inc. ✓

• Address: Suite 504 Alexander House Bldg. Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8817-0071 to 4
• Established in 1952

Sharp Travel Service processes Korean visa applications for a fee of around ₱700 (estimate). Message them on Facebook here or check out their website to get their actual rates.

Swire Travel Philippines Inc. ✓

• Address: 6th Floor Country Spacel Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8817-1082

Inquire about Swire Travel’s Korean visa processing fee by messaging them on Facebook or giving them a call.

• Address: 3/F PCCI Corporate Center 118 L.P. Leviste Street Salcedo Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8817-4926

Travel Pros (SM Megamall)

• Address: 5/F SM Megamall Bdlg B. Edsa Mandaluyong City
• Contact number: 02-8634-0265 OR 02-8634-0266

Travel Pros (SM Fairview Branch)

• Address: Lower Ground Floor SM City Fairview Quirino Highway Greater Lagro Novaliches Quezon City
• Contact number: 02-8939-6023 or 02-8938-8742

Travel Pros (SM North Edsa Branch)

• Address: Unit 107 Ground Floor The Block SM North Edsa Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
• Contact number: 02-8332-9678 or 02-8921-9279

Travel Pros (SM Aura Branch)

• Address: Basement 1 SM Aura Premiere Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Contact number: 02-8556-3007

Travel Pros (Market! Market! Branch)

• Address: Flight Center 3rd Floor 367A-D Market Market Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
• Contact number: 02-8889-7296 or 02-8889-7396

TravelServices Inc. (Makati)

• Address: 2/F Trinity Insurance Center 7504 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8706-8600

TravelServices Inc. (Laguna Branch)

• Address: 2/F J. Alcasid Business Center, Crossing Brgy. 1, Calamba City
• Contact number: 049-508-2513 or 049-508-2268

TravelServices Inc. (Cebu Branch)

• Address: 4/F, Metrobank Plaza Building, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City
• Contact number: 032-253-5808 or 032-255-7374

Uni-Orient Travel Inc. (Manila)

• Address: 447 Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila
• Contact number: 02-8243-3888

Uni-Orient Travel Inc. (Makati Branch)

• Address: Unit 101, Ground Floor, Windsor Tower, 163 Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
• Contact number: 02-8818-9585

Uni-Orient Travel Inc. (Pasig Branch)

• Address: Unit 2006 East Tektite Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange, Orgias Center, Pasig City
• Contact number: 02-8705-2222

Uni-Orient Travel Inc. (Cebu Branch)

• Address: 2nd Floor, Capitol Square, N. Escario St., Cebu City
• Contact number: 032-253-1866 to 69

Who can submit a walk-in Korean visa application in Taguig?

The following Korean visa applicants may proceed directly to the Embassy in Taguig to apply for their visa:

• Spouses and children of Koreans
• Holders of Visa Issuance Number
• Government employees with official business trip
• Those with humanitarian reasons that need to travel to Korea urgently

Cebu-based Filipinos may also still proceed to the local consulate to submit their Korean visa requirements. Here are the addresses:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634 

Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu

12/F Chinabank Corporate Center, Samar Loop, Cebu City, Cebu 6000

Book things to do in Korea on WAUG

Explore Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and more with WAUG, the No. 1 activity booking platform in South Korea!

Comment Cancel reply

• Attractions
• Experiences
• Restaurants
• Transportation

Find Your Account

Discover more from waug blog.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• RAKSO Travel is equipped with advanced technology in both hardware and software applications to guarantee efficiency of operations.
• Our services are well within the reach of our clientele, either online or offline.
• Travel sure, travel safe! Free travel insurance.
• Loyalty rewards program (R-Points)
• We have a head quarter and 8 branches offices nationwide with 200+ employees working hand in hand all over the Philippines.

Cheers for another successful Corporate Social Responsibility from Rakso Travel together with Aqua Planet.

Rakso Travel alongside Aqua Planet, “A Silent Heartbeat for a Watermazing Fun” campaign turns out to be an inspiration. Be touched and be aware of our Deaf friends from Philippine Institute for the Deaf.

To the whole team that made this journey possible, it has been a pleasure and a great privilege to bring happiness to these amazing students.

See you again in our next Corporate Social Responsibility program!

“The Deaf people, like the people who can hear, they can do and become who they want to be.” – Rakso Travel

Philippine Institute for the Deaf (PID) goes to Subic, Zambales loving every moment during their #exciting and #heartfelt trip. A successful campaign brought to you by Rakso Travel, Ocean Adventure, and Treetop Adventure.

A story about 9 special kids, with 1 special purpose, to #travel with no doubts & bounds regardless of their disposition in life. And that whatever they do, they should never stop chasing their dreams & goals in life.

So to these kids, thank you for sharing with us your wonderful experience. We look forward in doing this again.

‘Follow your heartbeat’

Two thousand kilometers from the Philippines.

Five police officers. Five different stories. One island.

Rakso Travel's first ever CSR Campaign done in Jeju Island: Heartbeat of courage. It's time to give back to our heroes.

'Follow your heartbeat'

Manage Booking

Finish sign up, forgot your password, change your password.

• How to Book & Pay?

VISA & Passport

Travel insurance, share this trip.

ACHIEVEMENT

Accreditations.

Confirm Booking

Remove product wishlist, child and youth passengers.

The definition of "Child" and "Youth" varies by country and operator. This is why we ask for the age of young passengers.

Sometimes children below a certain age can travel without a seat for free. If you want to guarantee a seat for child passengers, enter '6' as the age of the child.

Read more about child and youth passenger ages. See also youth discounts and railcards .

MAINTENANCE

Virtual consultation service.

• ADDRESS 3/F Rico Building, 112 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
• TRUNK LINE (02) 8651-9000
• FAX NO. (02) 8893-6084
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS Unit G-05 & G-06 Malate Adriatico Grand Residences, 1415 Adriatico Street Ermita, Manila
• TRUNK LINE (02) 8354-1000 / (02) 8353-2707
• FAX NO. (02) 8353-5312
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS 2/F #1 Quad 2 Plaridel ST. Nepo Center, Brgy. Sto. Rosario Angeles City, Pampanga
• TRUNK LINE (045) 888-1010
• FAX NO. Not Available
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS 3rd floor, Park Soon Oh Bldg, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan 5608
• TRUNK LINE (036) 288-2419 / (036) 288-2420
• FAX NO. (036) 288-2421
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS ​Unit 5 level 1, Avida tower 2, Inez Villa St. Apas, Cebu City 6000
• TRUNK LINE (032) 340-2000
• FAX NO. (032) 340-2267
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS Unit GF03-B Pacific Centre Bldg, 460 Quintin Paredes cor Sabino Padilla Sts., Binondo, Manila
• TRUNK LINE (02) 8244-3500
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS Level 1 Unit 111B-112, Robinson's Cybergate Mall Davao, J.P. Laurel Street, Bajada, Davao City
• TRUNK LINE (082) 287-8200
• FAX NO. (082) 287-8200
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS 1F AN RAE Building T.Chaves corner Rizal Street, Brgy 04 Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Misamis Oriental
• TRUNK LINE (088) 881-8000 / 0917 633 0920
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
• ADDRESS Blk 01 G/F Dr. Henry Chusuey International Center, University of San Agustin, Jalandoni St. Iloilo City
• TRUNK LINE (033) 513-2436 / 09176333793
• E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]

• Gross Tonnage :
• Total Decks :
• Staterooms :
• Passenger Capacity :

KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process for Filipinos

The Korean Embassy in Manila has been implementing a lot of changes to their new visa application processes recently. The first major overhaul was the designation of travel agencies, through which applications must be filed. The requirements are still the same, but this time applicants will need to course their application through any of the embassy’s officially designated travel agencies.

The move was in reaction to the growing number of applicants in the Philippines, which has almost doubled in the past couple of years, from 90,000 in 2015 to 160,000 in 2017. To accommodate more applicants, the embassy has tapped travel agencies to receive applications. This means that walk-in hopefuls will no longer be allowed to directly apply for a tourist visa at the embassy in Manila, with some exceptions. Over the past year, more changes have been implemented. From the longer processing time to a new application form.

Note that the Korean Consulate in Cebu is NOT affected by this and will continue to accept direct applications on site. For more information about direct application in Cebu, read: How to Apply for a Korean Visa in Cebu .

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for a South Korean tourist visa via travel agency.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. duly accomplished application form.

• The Korean Embassy released a new application form (October 2020). Download here .
• Must be computerized or typed, NOT handwritten.
• The font should be Arial size 12. (New rule. Effective starting November 11, 2019.)
• Must be printed on an A4-size paper.
• For fields that are not applicable to you, leave them blank.

2. 1 Passport photo

• Passport-size, colored, white background
• Must be pasted or glued on the designated area on the page 1 of Application form.

3. Current passport (Original)

• Must be valid for more than 6 months from your target travel date.
• Must have signature. For new 10-year passports, the signature field is on the bottom part of Page 3 (page next to the Bio page). For previous passports, no need to sign because it already has your digital signature on the Bio page itself.
• Must have completely filled out Emergency Contact Page (last page of the passport).

4. Previous passports (Original)

Only if you traveled abroad within the last 5 years. If you did, submit them together with your current passport.

5. Photocopy of the passport bio page

The bio page is the information page of the passport (Page 2). Make sure you have a photocopy of it.

6. Photocopy of all your OECD Visas

Only if you have them. If you don’t, skip this part.

If you have USED visas to any member country of the  Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) except Japan , you will need to submit the ORIGINAL copy and a photocopy of all of them. (Past Korean visas and Japan visas are not counted.)

Having an OECD visa can increase your chances of approval.

Also, according to the embassy, “Frequent travelers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.” I’m just not sure how they define “frequent” so it’s best to ask the agency where you will lodge your application to be safe.

To see all the OECD member countries, visit this website .

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. Tsk tsk tsk.

7. If invited by a Korean

• an Invitation letter
• a copy of the inviter’s passport.

Ignore this part if not applicable to you.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In addition, you will need to prove that you can support the trip. Here are the additional documents you need to secure according to your employment status.

For Employees

• Certificate of Employment . Must be original; and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer’s HR department, applicant’s position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed.
• Original Personal Bank Certificate . Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
• Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.
• ITR (Income Tax Return, Form 2316), ideally with BIR stamp.
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

Note: Frequent travelers to OECD member countries (excluding Japan) within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR. I’m just not sure how they define “frequent” so it’s best to ask the agency where you will lodge your application to be safe.

For Self-Employed

• Photocopy of Business registration form from DTI or SEC. SEC Registration must include pages with the names of stockholders.
• Photocopy of Business permit or Mayor’s permit
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank and with pages including net income and total revenue.

For Housewives or Househusbands

• Your own or your spouse’s original Bank Certificate . Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
• Your own or your spouse’s Bank Statement . Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
• If spouse is employed – Spouse’s Original Certificate of Employment. Must be original; and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer’s HR department, applicant’s position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed. – Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy.
• If spouse is self-employed – Copy of spouse’s Business Registration from SEC or DTI – Copy of spouse’s Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy) – Photocopy of spouse’s ITR (Income Tax Return) with BIR stamp or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
• Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

For Students

• Original School Certificate
• Photocopy of School ID
• Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of applicant
• If parents are employed – Parents’ Original Certificate of Employment. Must be original; and must have the address of the employer, the landline number and email address of employer’s HR department, applicant’s position, date hired, and compensation. Mobile number is not allowed. – Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy
• If parents are self-employed – Copy of parents’ Business Registration from SEC or DTI – Copy of parents’ Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy) – Photocopy of parents’ ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
• Parents’ Original Bank Certificate . Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
• Parents’ Bank Statement . Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
• Copy of parents’ marriage certificate .

For Retired Senior Citizens

• Copy of Senior Citizen ID

Important Notes

• UPDATE REGARDING THE ITR! (June 2018): The embassy has announced that starting 26 March 2018, first-time travelers who have NOT traveled as tourists to any OECD country within the last 5 years MUST submit the following: – For Employees , ITR. The embassy website no longer mentions that the ITR copy must have BIR Received or BIR Certified True Copy Stamp. But this stamp was required previously. I don’t know if it’s still the case. – For Self-Employed , BIR Form with Corresponding Payment Receipt from a BIR-authorized bank.
• Starting July 1, 2018. The company alphalist is no longer required. However, it may be requested as additional document for some applicants. But if you’re applying before July 1, you will still need to provide it by default.
• Submission of ITR is waived for applicants who have traveled to South Korea more than 2x within the last 4 years and applicants who have traveled at least once to any OECD country within the last 5 years. This is according to Constellation Travels, which is an official embassy-designated travel agency.
• For family applications, you must provide documents that can serve as proof of relationship. Birth certificates and marriage contracts are accepted. A representative can file for the whole family.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A KOREAN VISA

1. check the latest releasing date and processing time..

The first thing you should do is to see if the releasing date is fine with you. The last thing you want is to spend so much time and effort working on the requirements only to realize that you won’t get your visa in time.

Because of the growing volume of applications they receive, the Korean Embassy has extended the processing time. It’s hard to say exactly how long the processing can take because it changes week after week, depending on the number of applications. But it’s usually 24-36 working days .

Update: The Korean Embassy has announced that starting March 2020, the visa processing period will be reduced to 10 to 15 working days .

The Korean Embassy makes regular announcements on their official website .

2. Complete all the requirements.

Make sure you have gathered all the requirements listed above.

The list follows a certain order. The basic requirements first, then photocopy of OECD visas, then the financial/employment documents, and lastly the invitation letter or cover letter if you have it.

You will also be given the list when you enter the embassy, so you can rearrange the docs on the spot.

3. Submit the documents to a designated travel agency.

Now that you have all the required documents, it’s time to find an officially designated travel agency. The embassy accredited 35 agencies where you can lodge your application. If you’re familiar with the Japan Visa application process, it works pretty much the same.

The good news is, many of these travel agencies have branches all around the country, which means it’s easier for applicants in the provinces to apply.

To see the full list of travel agencies, their addresses, and contact details, visit: List of Korean Embassy-Accredited Travel Agencies .

The only applicants that can directly apply at the embassy are spouses and children of Koreans, government employees on official business trip, applicants with humanitarian reasons to travel urgently, and holders of visa issuance number (a separate document issued in Korea).

The visa itself for stays shorter than 59 days remains FREE-OF-CHARGE, but now that the embassy has employed travel agencies, they will surely be collecting a processing fee from applicants. The fee varies from agency to agency, usually between P500 and P1500 . But call your chosen agency to confirm their rates.

4. Wait for the results.

Processing time: 10-15 WORKING DAYS

But according to the travel agencies we consulted, the safest is to apply around 35 WORKING DAYS before your trip because of the unpredictability of processing period. The embassy informs the agency of the projected release date of visa/passports for applications they receive that week and if the agency sees your travel date is beyond that release date, they can refuse your application as it will be too risky. These days, the earlier you can apply, the better.

On top of that, give agencies time to collect, document, sort out, deliver to and pick up the passports from the embassy.

While waiting, you can check the status of your application online.

5. Claim your visa and passport.

Pick up your passport (hopefully with a visa attached) when you are informed by your travel agency. Some agencies can arrange to mail it to you if you prefer, but most will ask you to come back and pick it up from their office.

KOREAN VISA APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How early can i apply for a south korea visa.

You can 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.

So that means, you can apply as early as 3 months (90 days) before your departure date.

However, if you’re applying in Manila, make sure you apply at least 30 working days before your intended travel date.

How long would I be allowed to stay in Korea?

59 days , if you’re granted a regular tourist visa.

You can apply for a longer stay but you must be able to justify that.

Update: Some of our readers have been granted visas that allow them to stay for only 20 days, not 59 days. We’re still trying to determine whether this is true for all new applications moving forward or just some.

Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying?

No. They’re not required. I’ve tried submitting these before, but they removed it from the pile.

Do I really need a travel agency for this?

YES. The Korean Embassy requires tourist visa applications filed starting July 1, 2018, to be coursed through any of their designated travel agencies.

However, if you’re applying at the Korean Consulate in Cebu, you may apply directly on your own. If you’re applying in Cebu, here’s how: Korean Visa Application in Cebu .

Do you recommend any travel agency?

We don’t really recommend any travel agency for now. But we can tell you this: Some of the information you’ll find in this visa guide that’s outside our personal experience was provided by Constellation Travels Inc. . We’re not affiliated with them in any way, but they have been very helpful in filling in the blanks in this guide for the benefit of our readers.

If you find this guide helpful and since you have to course your application through a designated agency anyway, we hope you could bring your business to Constellation Travels.

Here are their details:

Makati Main Office 5F Merry Land Plaza 1157 Chino Roces Avenue San Antonio Village, Makati City Landline: +63 (2) 224-1730 Email: [email protected]

Iloilo Office G/F Door 2, Manfred’s Building, 22 Gen. Luna St. Iloilo City Email: [email protected] Office Line: (033) 514 1066 Mobile No.: 0917 823 8655

How long does the entire visa application take?

24-36 WORKING DAYS , according to the embassy.

But according to the travel agencies we consulted, the safest is to apply AT LEAST 35 WORKING DAYS before your trip. The embassy informs the agency of the projected release date of visa/passports for applications they receive that week and if the agency sees your travel date is beyond that release date, they can refuse your application as it will be too risky. These days, the earlier you can apply, the better.

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.

Previously , the normal processing period is 7 working days with an option for RUSH PROCESSING which cuts it to 2 days only for a fee. But the embassy recently made an announcement that they are extending the processing period to 30+ working days due to the increasing number of applications they receive.

What is the Visa Issuance Confirmation in the 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.

Should the application form be typewritten/computerized or handwritten?

Computerized, to be safe.

When I applied, handwritten forms were accepted. However, many designated travel agencies now require that the forms be computerized or typewritten.

If the question doesn’t apply to me, should I put N/A or just leave it blank?

Leave it blank, to be safe.

This is another source of confusion. In the past, writing N/A is accepted. However, most official travel agencies require that they be left blank. To be on the safe side, just leave them blank when you apply and ask the agency what to do when you’re there.

As one of our readers suggested, best if you bring a flash drive containing your form so if you need to change or add something, you can easily do so at the agency’s office.

What are OECD visas?

I have oecd visas. does it mean my application will be approved.

Not necessarily. But you have better chances of approval.

I have OECD Visas but they’re e-Visas. Is it accepted?

Yes. Some OECD countries like Australia issue electronic visas. You can print it out and submit.

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.

Some members of our Support Group applied with only P60,000 in their bank accounts and were granted a visa too.

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.

My personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + airfare + cost of accommodations.

Is group application allowed?

For families and friends traveling together for tourism, you can apply at the same time but your application will be evaluated individually . The list of requirements and procedure above still apply.

I’m applying with family. Does everyone of us need to submit a copy of bank certificate/statements?

Please note that if the sponsoring family member is not an immediate family member (not a parent, sibling, or child), an AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT and PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP are required. For example, if the applicants are:

• GRANDMOTHER + GRANDCHILDREN. You need to provide an Affidavit of Support stating that the grandmother will be shouldering the expenses of the grandchildren. If the grandmother is the father’s mom, submit birth certificates of the grandmother, the father, and the grandchildren.
• UNCLE/AUNT + NIECE/NEPHEW. This is not considered an “immediate” relationship either, so an affidavit of support also needs to be submitted in this case. Plus, birth certificates of the niece/nephew, the aunt/uncle, and the “connecting” parent. For example, if the uncle is the mother’s brother, also provide the mother’s birth certificate in addition to the uncle’s and niece’s/nephew’s.

I have a sponsor, do I still have to submit my own bank documents?

YES. If you have a sponsor, you will have to submit BOTH your sponsor’s and your own financial and employment documents.

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.

Can my boyfriend or girlfriend sponsor my trip?

You can try, but no guarantees. If you want better chances of approval, an immediate family member is best to sponsor you. A parents or sibling is most ideal. You will have to submit proof of relationship, which is hard to establish if you’re not married to your sponsor or not an immediate family member.

Note that even if your trip is sponsored by someone else, you still need to provide your own bank and employment documents on top of your sponsor’s.

Do I need to show up to submit the documents?

NO. You can ask someone else to do it for you IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.

I need to explain something. Will they accept a cover letter?

Yes. I did once. They accepted it.

Is it possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa?

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).

I am on paperless billing and I receive my credit card account statement via email. Can I just print it out and submit?

I don’t know for sure.

The latest announcement on the website states that cardholders enrolled in electronic Monthly Billing Statement (eMBS) or electronic Statement of Account (eSOA) can print out a copy.

However, according to a designated travel agency we talked to, printed copy of credit card statement received via email must be authenticated. Better yet, get an original copy of the statement by calling your credit card company and have it delivered to you or to your branch.

I really don’t know what’s the latest rule on this. Sorry.

If I avail of the credit card promo for multiple entry visa, do I still have to submit a Certificate of Employment?

YES. The credit card promo exempts you from submitting the ITR and bank documents only. Proof of employment (Certificate of Employment or business registration) and the rest of the requirements still apply.

My parent owns a credit card that is eligible for a multiple entry visa. I am an extension/supplementary card holder. Can I also apply for a multiple entry visa?

Yes. According to Constellation Travels, you’re also eligible provided that you and your parent will apply at the same time. Submit a copy of her valid/eligible credit card, latest original credit card statement, and a copy of your birth certificate to prove how you’re related.

I am tax-exempt. Do I need to submit an ITR?

You should still have an ITR even if you’re tax-exempt.

Since 2018, workers earning below P250,000 a year (P21,000 a month) are exempted from paying income taxes. But that doesn’t mean it exempts you from having an ITR. If you’re an employee, you can still get a copy of your ITR from your employer even if you’re tax-exempt.

My employer said they can’t provide the company alphalist because it’s confidential. What can I do?

Since July 1, 2018, the company alphalist is no longer required.

It used to be required, but not anymore. However, it may still be requested as additional document for some applicants if the embassy feels the need to confirm your employment status.

Is it possible to pull out my passport during application so I could use it for another trip?

NO. Not anymore.

It used to be possible but the embassy has announced that they have stopped entertaining such requests regardless of the reason. It’s now your responsibility to make sure that you will not need your passport at any point during the application process.

Update: According to one of our readers who called the embassy, it is possible now that the processing times are longer. I haven’t confirmed this though, so call the embassy for a definitive answer.

What are the common reasons why Korean visa applications are denied?

• 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.

Where can I check the status of my visa application?

• On the top menu, click on ENGLISH.
• Click on or hover over the Check Application Status on the left menu. It will reveal options.
• Click Check Application Status & Print .
• Accomplish the form on the next page. On the Type of Applications field, select Diplomatic Office .
• Enter your details and click Search .

If my application is denied, can I apply again?

Yes, but only after 6 months, if it is still the Korean Embassy in Manila that will be processing it.

Some of our readers have found that the Korean Consulate in Cebu accept applications rejected by the Embassy in Manila. There have been success stories of those who were denied in Manila but were approved in Cebu. I’m not sure if it’s a rule or more like an operational loophole, but I’m just sharing that some people have done it. You don’t need to actually go to Cebu. You can also hire a travel agency to do it.

If you choose to do this, just make sure that you’re adding supporting documents or addressing the reasons you were denied in the first place. Don’t re-apply with the exact same set of documents or you’ll also be rejected and face a possibility of penalty. There has to be more.

What does a South Korea visa look like?

What are the contact numbers of the korean embassy in the philippines.

Feel free to call the Korean Embassy to confirm anything. Here are the numbers:

Manila : (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500 Cebu : (63-32) 231-1516(-9)

I have documents A, B, C and D, and I have this much money in my bank account. Will my application be approved or denied?

I don’t know. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. Sometimes, no matter how qualified or prepared you are, your application can still be rejected.

The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

If you have more questions, we answered more frequently asked questions here: Korea Visa FAQs

For more information about Korean visa applications, contact or visit the official website of the Korean Embassy in Manila.

Updates Log

• 2020 February 2 – Added link to the Word (Docx) version of the application form.
• 2020 January 6 – Added FAQ 4.30. Updated FAQ 4.22. Inserted section 3.1.
• 2020 January 5 – Replaced the application form. The Korean Embassy released a new application form.
• 2019 November 8 – Added the new rule about font (Arial 12).
• 2019 September 25 – Updated the processing time. The Embassy changed it to at least 25 working days.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• HOW TO APPLY for a SOUTH KOREA VISA in MANILA
• AUSTRALIAN VISA: REQUIREMENTS & ONLINE APPLICATION
• KOREA VISA FOR FILIPINOS: Requirements & Frequently Asked Questions
• CANADA VISA: REQUIREMENTS & Online Application for Filipinos
• HOW TO APPLY for a SOUTH KOREA VISA in CEBU
• How to Check Status of Your KOREAN VISA APPLICATION Online: Approved or Denied?
• SOUTH KOREAN SHORT-TERM VISAS Temporarily SUSPENDED!
• List of Accredited Travel Agencies for KOREAN VISA Application

• Recent Posts

• 2024 NAIA Departure Guide for International Passengers (Manila Flights) - 10 May 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with Number of Seats Available - 10 May 2024
• PHILIPPINE TRAVEL TAX: How to Pay + How to Apply for Exemption & Refund - 9 May 2024

Hi, does this only apply in manila korean consulate? or kasama rin sa cebu? we are planning kasi mag apply via cebu kasi malapit kami sa cebu and using the waived financial docs promo ng BDO/BPI gold card na may multiple entry. Pano na yun?

Hi! recently got my 5-year multiple entry visa (no CC used), just 4x visits to SK in 2 years :) however, by June I will be renewing my passport… is it possible for me to have my visa transferred to the new passport?

Hi Jeric, sa Cebu, you can still apply directly at the consulate. :)

Hi po, im a housewife and plan po namin mag korea sa Oct. With my kids pero hindi po kasama ang husband ko. Need pa po ba ng affidavit of support of spouse? Thank you!

Hi my visa got denied here in Dubai. Plan ko mag jeju na Lang kasi no need visa. Okay Lang ba kahit kaka denied visa ko lang tapos pupunta na Lang ako jeju?

hi sarah i read ur post regarding the denied visa in dubai. Plan to apply for K. visa in dubai as well. why you were denied?

Okay lang ‘yan.

Hi po, paano po magapply ng visa kung ang masponsor yung relative n nkatira sa Korea, student yung pupunta dun

What if I am currently unemployed but still have the finances to support myself on the trip?

Medyo mahihirapan po. They want to be sure of not just the financial capacity but also rootedness in the Philippines.

How about I just graduated med school, so technically I am unemployed since I’m still doing internship but also I am no longer affiliated to any school, only to the hospital hence I am unemployed. Also, I already traveled to s.korea last 2018 when I was still on my last year in med school. Can I still apply for a visa? If so what are the requirements? Is it still the same?

Hi Elle, pwede pa rin naman. You can write an explanation letter that you have just graduated and you’re doing internship. If pwede ka rin humingi ng document from the hospital proving na nag-iintern ka sa kanila, makakatulong din un.

Hi yoshke. Do i need to put sa “previous travels” sa form pag nagdomestic travel sa US kasi nagbakasyon ako sa florida and nagpunti rin ako sa new york or USA lang ilalagay ko.

Hi Hana, dun ba sa 7.7? Kung ako yan, USA na lang ilalagay ko. :)

Paano kung Fresh college graduate ako, pero supportado padin ng parents ko.

Hi. How if isasama ko tatay ko mag travel sa korea pero unemployed sya. Do i need guarantee letter? Thanks

Hi Janzell. By any chance, is your dad a senior citizen or retired?

Hi ask ko if magkano required account ng bank statement?

#12 in our FAQs. https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/south-korea-visa-filipinos-frequently-asked-questions/

Hi. It is said na those who have visited any country from OECD is exempted from submitting ITR. I already visited SoKor and planning to visit again, would I be already exempted from submitting ITR?

hi ask lang kung pwede yung previous school ID ko, kasi late na ako nakapasok ng school, next year pa daw yung pwedeng mag pa ID

Just to inquire both my parents already senior they want to travel in South Korea financially stable do I need to make a letter of support? Thank you.

[email protected]

Hi Cecille, for seniors, these are the requirements:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size photo 3. Valid passport + photocopy of bio page 4. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only) 5. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB) 6. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months) 7. Copy of Senior citizen’s ID

hi ask ko lng if ung application need ng computerized or okay nmn kung print then susulatan? thanks

Hi Mark, last time I applied, pwede handwritten basta block letters (capital letters).

Ask ko lang po if below 3 months palang ang account is it still possible to apply for visa?

Malamang denied po.

Sir above 3 mos na po yung account ko pero kasi delayed yung sahudan ok lng po ba?

hello po ask ko lang po sa pag kuha ng student visa, paano po kung walang business ang parents ko at walang bank accnt pero meron po akong inviter sa Korea at sponsor po??

Hi, I’ve been in OECD member countries (France and UK) last year. Is it possible that I’ll be given 1 year visa? I’m going this August then 2nd visit is in December.

Hi Antonio. Naku, di namin alam process kapag longer than 59 days. :(

Wala po akong idea sa student visa. Tourist visa lang po alam ko.

pag credit card po ba pwidi mag request ng bank statements?

hi, my employer funding my trip to Korea. What are the requirements needed? Do I need to provide my bank account & certificate of employment although they will shoulder it? thanks a lot your blog was really helpful. I am nervous because I am first time traveller and not have been to any countries abroad. I only travel locally.

You may request copy of your credit card statement of account (SOA) to the credit company where ur a holder.

Hi, i want to apply korean visa, but i stopped working last December 2017, because my korean boyfriend want me to stop work. And i have bank account .may chance pa kayang ma approve ako sa korean visa pag mag aaply ako?

Mahihirapan po, sa tingin ko.

Paano po if student tapos ofw ang parent? Tapos they are not filing ITR. Single mom and wala pong bank account. Possible pa rin po ba?

Find another sponsor, preferably relative, and write a cover letter explaining why that relative is sponsoring you.

hi, i will be applying for korean visa as self-employed. Yung DTI and mayor’s permit ko under my mother’s name for she was the owner and i took over the business last year. will it be acceptable?

I have my BDO credit card, bank statement, and PRC card. also i’ve been to korea last 2016. Thank you in advance.

Hi Heidi. You can put on your application “UNEMPLOYED” kasi hindi nakapangalan yung DTI at Mayor’s permit sayu. Tsaka hingi karin nang Affidavit of Support at marriage Contract at Full pages of ITR with BIR stamp sa mama mo for Verification purposes din provide your own Bank Certificate and Bank statement . Hope it can help.

sorry i want to ask, i have plan to visit in korea with my mom, but the prob is i dont have work now i am ofw before for 7 years and now im for good now. i just came back sept 2019, my mom have on buss like RTW i just want to know if ok lang ba sya ang mag sponsor sakin???

Hi Heidi. I don’t know if it’s a good idea to apply as self-employed if hindi nakapangalan sayo ung business. Maybe some of our readers know…

hi . my sister wants me to go with her in south korea the problem is im jobless no itr, bank account… but she will support and shoulder all the expenses . will i still have the chance to have a visa.

hi Im jobless but my sister wants me to go with her in south korea and she will shoulder all the expenses , i dont have bank account and itr what should i do, its just a 1 week tour. im 50 yrs old . will they grant me a visa

hi . my sister wants me to go with her in south korea the problem is im jobless no itr, bank account… but she will support and shoulder all the expenses . will i still have the chance to have a visa. its just a week tour

Hi can i still try applying for visa even if i dnt have ITR? Or sure denied if without ITR?.. reason for visit i won a raffle prize from paradise city resort and casino (3 nights accomodation and casino playing voucher). Will this help as additional credential?

Hi Rowell, if you can get a letter from the sponsor certifying that you indeed won the trip, that would be helpful.

If you have a reason why you can’t provide an ITR, you can put that in an explanation letter.

–> For Employees, ITR with BIR Received or BIR Certified True Copy Stamp Question: Paano po itong part na to? Kasi pag check ko sa embassy website nila wala naman po nakalagay na dapat may stamp. Kelangan po ba talaga idala pa sa BIR para ipa-certify?? Thank you po sa sasagot ;)

Hi Tin! Yep, inalis na nila sa website yung mention ng stamp. But I’m not sure if kailangan pa rin or hindi kasi yung previous list ay specifically nakasulat dun yun

Hi, paano po para sa mga OFW? BIR Certified Copy po ibibigay?

Di yata covered ng BIR kapag earned abroad. Di ko alam. :(

hi po good day! Ask lang po kung ano ang requirements ng Mother at Sister ko for korean visa? ung mother ko, Housewife sya pero may dollar account po and ung sa sister ko, employed na pero kaka-hire nya lng sa work and wala sya mapoprovide na ITR and Bank Statement but i will be sponsoring their trip po.

Hi. Question lang po. Applicable po ba if 2307 ang Requirements ko instead 2316? I’m Property Specialist “agent” from SMDC. And galing po sa Company ko ang 2307 ko. Possible po kaya na maka kuha ako ng visa? Thank you. God Bless.

Hi Ijin, for your mom, nasa taas yung requirements nung for housewives.

For your sister, she can write a cover letter explaining why she can’t provide ITR and bank statement, although walang guarantee that it will be approved. It’s still up to whoever will process.

They can also submit a notarized Affidavit of Support to show that you will be shouldering their expenses.

Thank you so much for your response! I Hope ma-grant ang visa namin

hi Yoshke Dimen! just got my visa and its approved! thank you so much!!!

Yay! Your mom and your sister too? :)

Hi! I have availed the bpi promo and was granted a 3 years multiple entry which will expire on aug 2019. Since dec 2019 ang end ng promo, i plan to reapply using credit card. Same process rin kaya? Thanks!

Did you still submit bank statements?or only the bank cert and itr are waived when using credit card promo?thank you.

I think same pa rin. Best to call a designated travel agency to be sure.

Hi, I am planning to visit Korea this September with my 4 year old daughter. My husband is working there. But I have my own bank account and could possibly support our stay there for 10 days. Do we still need an invitation letter?

Hi! Yeah, I think it will help your case.

I am travelling with my daughter, do we need to fill up 2 application form?

I think so, yeah.

Hi! My son wanted to apply a visa for south korea. He doesnt have any ITR kasi kaka employ lang nya. He can provide employment certification and bank certification. Is this possible to be granded? Thanks

Yep, just write a cover letter explaining why he can’t provide ITR.

Hi.. i have an invitation for training in korea for 1month under the sponsorship of WHO, do I still need bank statements? Do you have any idea how much is needed ..my only accnt is my payroll accnt from where I work..tnx

Hi Jill, no idea. My knowledge is limited to personal experience, which covers tourist visa only.

Pano po kaya kung employee naman ako but walang ITR? But I have bank statement. Can I still apply for a visa? Thank you. :)

Just write a letter explaining why you can’t provide an ITR.

Hi! Wanna ask po, what if 6 mos na yung bank acct ko? Possible naman pong ma grant? :) thank youuuu

I think so. Basta nothing fishy sa transaction history.

hi, til when po validity magamit un Bank certicate & Statement of account from the date issue na pwedeng mag apply ng visa? Thanks po

Hi Magnolia, I don’t know for sure. Pero ako, ang rule ko sa sarili ko ay 1 month.

Hi. A Committee invited my theater team to perform in Korea this coming August . I was wondering if you know what type of visa we should apply for and what the requirements for this trip are. Thank you very much!

Hi Jong, naku, I dunno. Best to call the embassy or any of the accredited agencies to be sure.

Hi Ill be applying as a student in korea. Do you by chance know the process for this?

Hi Jay, we have no idea re student visa. :(

Best to contact any of their accredited agencies: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/korean-visa-travel-agencies/

Hi po pano pag ang kasama ko lang po isa sa parents ko but im still a minor po and were planning to go there for maybe a week only ano mga kailangan requirements? kaso yung dad isn’t working here sa ibang bansa po? may kailangan po bang letter from my mom that is allowing me to travel po kasama dad ko?

Same lang din. If kasama mo dad mo and he’s not working here, he needs equivalent of ITR nung bansang un.

Hi! As stated on Student’s requirements, they need to submit parent’s Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp), what if kasama naman po kaming parents nya going to Korea, does she needs to submit this requirement?

Hi Rowena, I haven’t done applying na sabay with family so hindi ko alam. Pero feeling ko kailangan pa rin kasi individually yata inaassess ang application. Pero di ko rin sure talaga.

Hi I have submitted all the requirements, however, umalis ako sa job , as in resigned on the process of application. Maapektuhan ba yun? I have travelled to Korea 2x na rin naman but usually single entry. thanks

do they really call the employers?

hello, i would like to ask if there would be a problem kung mg,apply ako ng visa sa pinas? im currently in canada and dito din ako ng.work. i am planning to go home sa pinas and dyan na lang din mg.apply ng visa. thanks

Yep, pwede. Just bring the equivalent ng documents na required.

Hi, i would like to ask lang. me and my siblings kasi want to travel sa seoul, been there last may but single entry lang, and i have my requirements namn pede ko b i sponsor ung minor siblings ko? And ung isa kasing kapatid ko mas matanda sya sakin pero disabled sya can i sponsor him too? Or need niya tlga ng requirements? Thanks po

Hi Blue, kahit i-sponsor mo sila, need pa rin nila nung docs nila. Ia-add lang yung docs mo as sponsor, pero kailangan pa rin ng kanila.

For the ITR requirement— since I traveled to Korea once before in 2015, I no longer need to submit it right? Or should it be 2 times to visit Korea or any OTHER OECD contry?

Hi Kat, according to one official agency we talked to, the UPDATED POLICY is this: it’s waived only for those who have traveled to South Korea more than 2x within the last 4 years and applicants who have traveled at least once to any OECD country within the last 5 years.

In summary, if Korea = 2x dapat. other OECD = kahit 1 time lang.

If once ka pa lang nag-Korea and never other OECD, in my understanding, you will still need to submit ITR.

Question lang, are there specifications/ requirements for the passport photo? Thank you.

Hi Avy, passport-size, colored, white background, business/professional yung suot (with collar pag men)

Ung account ko po is bdo kabayan savings.hindi po ba magtataka pag nakita a banking history na more than 70k ung once na dumating sa acc kc ngppdala tatay ko po ?at ung sahod ko dto sa pinas eh hndi naman gnun kalaki?

If once lang dumating, magtataka sila.

I am currently employed in a start-up company and we don’t have an HR, our finance head yung nagbibigay ng ITR/CoE namin. My question is, is it okay to put our finance head’s name & signature in my CoE since dapat HR Manager yun nakalagay?

Yep! Pwede mo ipaexplain sa same COE na ung Finance Head din ung naghahandle ng HR matters kasi start-up.

Hi. Would like to ask if ok to submit just the copy of ITR because that’s what our company only provides. Does it needs to be Certified true copy? I’ve just went to BIR on our RD but they don’t just stamp Certified true copy without the “transmittal letter” as proof that our company filed. Or ss a written letter will suffice why it is only a copy of the ITR? Thanks!

Hi Zel, I discussed this in the post above. The embassy website no longer mentions that the ITR copy must have BIR Received or BIR Certified True Copy Stamp. But this stamp was required previously. I don’t know if it’s still the case.

Hi plan po nmin magtour ng family ko,yng isang daughter ko po ay student pa ang isa po ay graduated na 2 yrs ago pero unemployed po sya..ano po kaya application form yng dapat nya i-fill out at bale yng husband ko lang ang magiging principal sponsor nmin…magrant kay kmi ng visa?thanks

Hi Ems, naku di ko alam pag unemployed. :(

Hi po ask ko lang regarding the release of Visa. Pwede po ba iba ang kukuha during the releasing day? Pero ako po yong mag aapply pero iba lang kukuha. Thanks po.

Hi Ronley, I think with most agencies pwede naman, pero padala ka ng authorization letter and copy of ID.

Message…I do not have any bank account, I can apply

It will be hard to get approved without a bank account.

Hi! just wanted to ask yung isang kasama namin is currently working in australia. And she wanted to join us in our trip to korea this december. However, this december pa siya uuwi and will travel from ph to korea. Any advice on how we can apply for her visa here in ph?

Mag-apply sa kahit alin sa designated travel agencies. Di naman kailangang personal mag-apply. Kahit isend lang ang documents, basta complete and satisfactory.

kelangan po ba tlga parent’s passport and bank statements etc. What if sister ko mag susuport sakin and ung parents ko walang passport?

and i’m currently a student.

Ang alam ko pwede naman. I-explain mo na lang sa cover letter. Pero to be sure, call the agency na lang kung saan ka apply.

Hi po! Kelangan ba na original copy ang i-attach ko na bank cert & bank statement para sa mother and sister ko? Ako kasi ang maagsponsor sa trip namin.

Hi Jenah, okay lang photocopy ang bank cert and statement for your mother and sister. Important original copy is yung attachment for your application.

Hi Jenah, ang alam ko, oo. Pero di kasi ako familiar kapag group application. Pero get na lang original copies for all to be sure.

Hi po! hindi na ba available ang promo yung sa BPI pag kumuha sa agency.

Kaloka. Ambibo-bibo ng question & answer portion mo. Luvet!

Anyway, makikisawsaw na rin ako:

1. Usually walang company IDs pag freelance, what document(s) do we need to show sa immigration?

2. I’ve read above that it’s possible for a travelling companion (friend, not relative) to provide an affidavit of support for you. Would you know where to download that form? I saw one but it’s for a parent-child affodavit.

Thanks in advance and more power to you!

1. Humihingi ako sa clients ko ng sort of Certificate of Employment/Engagement. Tapos nakalagay dun ano ung arrangement ko with them. :D

2. Usually merong templates ang mga lawyers. Pero if mas gusto mo mabilis, pwedeng ikaw na magtype. We have another here pero for relatives. Edit mo na lang: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/03/sample-invitation-letter-immigration-sample-visiting-relatives-friends-affidavit-support-guarantee/

Regarding #1 answer mo, may formal template ba ang COE? :) For freelancers.. :)

Hi! I’m self-employed. May sarili akong negosyo. Complete requirements naman nsubmit ko. Bank account is good. Pero denied ang visa application saying i’m not qualified. Pwede ba yun malaman kung bakit? Dahil wala ako makita reason para sabihin na hindi ako qualified.

baka po may questionable transactions sa bank statement nyo po

pwedeng magtanong kung ilang years nb ang business mo at ung bank account mo pls reply

Hi Billy, impossible po for me to know kung ano ang reason. It could be any of so many factors. Di rin enough na complete ang requirements, dapat satisfactory sa kanila yung documents.

Hi ask ko lang for homebased/virtual assistant na katukad ko na walang itr for the past few years, possible bang maaprove? Can you give some Tips in what tl do and paano maapprove kapag self employed na wala namang mapoprovide na itr or business permit? Thanks

Hi Grace, see #13 and #14 of our FAQs: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/south-korea-visa-filipinos-frequently-asked-questions/

Hello may friend po ako na US citizen and also a senior she wants me to go to korea all expenses paid to accompany her. Its there a possible na maapprove ang visa ko.?

Hi Jackid, it’s impossible po for me to give an opinion ng super konti lang yung info na alam ko po about your case. Depende po kasi yan sa napakaraming factors.

I traveled to Israel last year. Do I need to submit the original arrival slip (since they dont stamp your passport)? Or will a photocopy of the said slip suffice?

Hi Mara! Not sure. You can post this on our support group. Baka some members know for sure: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/

Hi po, ask lang po regarding sa Form 2316. Nasabi po ninyo na sa website nila hindi na naka-indicate na need na ng may BIR stamped po tama? Kasi po namomroblema kami ng boyfriend ko dahil yung Form 2316 nya walang stamped by BIR though yung sakin meron. Need your advice po kung ano pwedeng alternative way para may chance mas maaprove si BF kahit walang stamp yung Form 2316 nya. Magaapply na kasi kami ng visa this coming August 20. Thanks po.

Hi Kay, yep, wala na sa Korean embassy website yung “stamped” requirement. But you can make sure by calling yung agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply. You can find the list of accredited agencies with contact numbers here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/korean-visa-travel-agencies/

Hi Ms. Yoshke Dimen,

Tinawagan ko na po yung pag-aapplyan namin na agency. Okay nga daw po wala ng stamp ng BIR kapag galing from HR yung Form 2316. Thanks for your help po. :)

Hi Po. What about for Nanny/Yaya? Ano po requirements? Kami po magsponsor sa kanya. Actually, yun Yaya if first cousin ng asawa ko ka-apilyedo lang din namin. Thanks.

Hi Mei, most likely you will serve as her sponsor, so you’d probably need an Affidavit of Support and a cover letter. Best to ask na lang the travel agency kung saan kayo mag-aapply for the other possible requirements.

Thanks for the response Yoshke. One more question, actually parang natanong ko na to in one of your blogs. May cousin kasi kami na gustong sumabay, she can provide bank cert and statement which I can assure have enough amount to fund her travel. However, pagdating sa COE kasi yung monthly salary is just about 15k which also will appear in the ITR. May chance po bang ma-approve visa nya? May mga small businesses kasi sya but not registered like pautang kaya may enough savings sya.

Hi Mei, if may savings naman sya and stable yung job or matagal na sya dun, I think okay pa rin ang chances na maapprove. Yung job kasi, hindi lang proof of financial capacity but also proof na may reason sya to return to PH.

Hi Yoshke, I just want to ask regarding sa bank account ko. inopen ko sya last 2017 pero hindi ko sya hinuhulugan until June 2018. I started depositing money last July pero nagwiwithdraw din ako using the same debit card meaning – in and out yung pera sa account ko pero continuous naman yung monthly deposit ko nababawasan nga lang. We are planning to apply January of next year. what do you think will happen? Thanks so much!

Hi John! kamusta pag kuha mo visa?

Hi John, okay lang naman yung bank account mo based on yung dinescribe mo na activities. Nothing fishy naman. Assuming may maayos na laman sya ha. :)

hi im a student applying for a visa but im not going with my parents but my mothers officemate is it still possible that my mom could support me even though she is not coming with me?? or do i need my own bank account??

Thank you in advance!!!

as a tourist po ba kyu or studying in korea?

hi po, i have online business(im lazada merchant),my online shop is NOT YET registered in DTI or BIR, since online nga lang po sya,like other online shop, , but i can prove po that i can finance po my vacation in korea for 6 days , im having a payout of 6 digits every 2 weeks , for the last 7 months and i can prove that or show my lazada statement of account every 2 weeks, and my bank details where they deposit my payout/money, i just want to know po if this is reasonal enough to get a visa, if not ,what should i do po ,? hope you can help me , btw im 23 years old ,so old enough to travel alone i guess,

Hi Ilhoon, yes, pwede yan. Just write a cover letter explaining your situation and why you can’t provide an ITR, but you also need to provide more proof of income. Show them your invoices and lazada statements.

Of course, walang guarantee. Parating risky kapag hindi full-time employee or hindi pa registered ang business.

But I highly encourage you to register your business na and pay taxes para mas madali na next time mag-apply ka ng visa sa any embassy.

and additional na din po ,wala po akong itr, your reply po is highly appreciated

Hi, ask ko lang, required ba na may credit card ang mga nag-aaply ng visa? Im dont have a credit card but im employed and with savings account in BDO. thanks

hi mam lyn, add ko lang po sa comment kay sir yoshke, promotional lang po ang credit card.. i think till the end of the year lang cya… mas maganda po kase kung credit card kasi po may chance na mag multiple po ang visa nyo.. pero ndi nman po required..

Wala naman po sa list of requirements ang credit card, unless multiple ang aapplyan.

hi sir ilhoon.. just make an explanation letter why you dont have an itr..

ask ko lng po employed po ako pero ang bank account ko po ay transaction sa new business ko employed po ang inapply ko kc nga 3 months pa lng ung business ko may chance kaya ako magka visa ty

Depende kung anong klaseng transactions un. If bigla-biglang may nadagdag na malaking amount sa account mo, the embassy might find it fishy.

Hi! ask ko lang po, employed po aq pero 3 months pa lang but I have enough money sa savings account q for show money. Am I eligible?

Pwede naman yan basta complete pa rin ung documents. If wala kang ITR, explain mo lang bakit sa cover letter.

My sister in Australia is the one who support me financially and she sent me money tru my bank account po. As a student po, kanino po ba kailangn na bank statement and bank certificate? Nag hehesitate po kasi ako kung bank account ko or bank account ng kapatid ko ang ipapasa ko pag mag aapply ako ng korean visa thank you po sa sasagot! Godbless

Sa sister mo. You might also need to prove your relationship with your sister, usually birth certificate nya, pwede na.

hello po! I just want to ask if mababa or mataas ang chances that i will be granted a visa using my mom’s and mine’s dollar joint account? do i need a letter stating that my mom is allowing me to use the joint account, or hindi na? i also have my own bank account pero nasa 13k lang laman niya. i have an ITR pero 0 yung nakaindicate kasi i opened my BIR early, months before i actually got work (2017 ako nag-apply, 2018 ako nagkaroon ng kita). do i have to make a cover letter to explain?

Hi Kai, to clarify, your joint account is an “OR” account? Not an “AND” account?

If “or”, definitely no need na for a letter. I used a joint account with my mom when I applied din dati. Di naman ako nagkaproblem, pero it’s an “or” account so i can withdraw from it anytime, without permission from the other party.

Regarding ITR, pwede mo i-explain sa cover letter. Pero walang guarantee na maapprove kasi parehong hindi ideal yung account and ITR mo.

What if hindi nalang ako magpasa ng ITR but I’ll pass other BIR payment proof s/a 1701q and 2551M? Pwede po kaya yun?

Hi Kai, no idea. Best to contact a designated travel agency.

Hi! pano po if na-approve ung Japan Visa ko pero di pa po ako nakakapunta, tas mgapply din po ako ng korean Visa? Two weeks po ung interval ng travel ko between Japan and Korea since mahirap mag-leave pero since 2 weeks lang, I’m planning na kumuha na din ng visa. Considered na po ba aq na nasa category ng with OECD? Can I use the same bank statement para sa two visa applications? Thanks

the OECD visa has to be used para i-honor ng Korean embassy.

Regarding bank statement, kuha ka na lang ng 2 copies sa bank kasi di yan ibabalik ng embassy pag sinubmit.

hi there! just to confirm, if i have been to an OECD country (let’s say, Japan) in the past year, i’m exempted from submitting my ITR, right? actually, yung (expired) visa is nasa current passport ko na ipapasa sa kanila.

i’m just being paranoid ig, haha. since this will be my first time applying for a SoKor visa.

Hi Sele, yep, if you’ve been to Japan in the past 5 years (meaning you have a used visa), no need to submit ITR.

Hello, planning to apply this september, wala ring BIR stamp ang ITR ko because online nag file ang employer ko. Pero nag email ako sa korean Embassy they said kng walang stamp need dw ng copy of email confimation from BIR. Is it okay ba gumawa ng explanation letter and mag provide ng supporting docs. Like my company’s transmittal letter and Alpha list? And factor rin po ba na ma deny ako because Im a nurse? Maraming kakilala ko na deny are nurses.

Hi Carmel, yes, pwede kang mag-submit ng supporting docs. And yes, okay gumawa ng explanation letter para malinaw sa kanila.

Regarding being a nurse, hmmm, first time ko narinig yun, so I’m not sure if nagmamatter. Pero baka hindi naman. Nasa strength pa rin yan ng documents mo.

Hi! plan ko po mag travel sa sokor nxt year,I’m an OFW at mag for good na sa Pinas nxt yr, wala po akong Itr. Do you have any idea para ma aprrove ang visa kapag mag apply ako? or any other documents na needed?

Hi Ai, if may tax document ka dun sa bansa kung saan ka nagwork, pwede yun. If wala, naku, di ko na alam. Contact na lang an official agency.

Hi! We’re planning to apply for a family visa next year. Yung mother ko is a housewife, may business siya na mga paupahan pero not registered. So dun siya sa category na housewives, pero yung father ko is a retired senior citizen na. Pwede bang istate na lang namin na we, me and my sister, will sponsor her trip or no need to state na since we’ll travel as family? Thanks. :)

Hi April, best to explain it in a letter para malinaw.

Hi good day ask ko planning to apply korean visa kasi yung pamangkin ko isang US citizen ikakasal sa isang korean national sa korea..paano po wala akong trabaho or meron man na hindi maka provide og ITR og bank account? Pwede po bang yung pamangkin ko lang ang mag sponsor sa akin or yung korea?at saan mamakuha ang OECD? THANKS

If wala pong work, medyo mahihirapan kahit na may sponsor. Pwede pa ring i-try pero best na magpatulong na lang sa designated travel agency kasi mas alam nila ang gagawin sa ganyang cases na very specific ang purpose.

Yung OECD ay organisasyon ng mga bansa. Ang hinahanap nila ay stamp or visa mula sa mga bansa na member. Optional lang naman yun, kung meron lang.

Hello, please I need a work visa to south Korea, can you help me get it?

No po. We have no idea about work visa. Best to consult a travel agency.

I just want to ask me my husband and my 2 kids (2yo and 5 yo) will be traveling in dec. Enough na ba ang 3500 usd or 4000 usd for 7 days trip? and need b na ung illalagay mo sa application form is ung amount mo sa adb? or bast mas malaki ung nsa statement ok lang?

and also, since both of us are employed and from same company, kelangan pa ba tig isang coe, bank cert/statement and itr ilalagay naming sa mga bata?

regarding sa itr, yung mga friends ko they applied with only the itr provided by our hr with no stamp and approved naman sila.

Hi Ana, sa akin enough na enough na yan. But that depends entirely on your travel style and spending habit. And yes, ideally, mas malaki dapat yung ADB kaysa sa budget nyo.

Regarding kung tig-iisa ung docs, I haven’t tried applying as a family so di ko alam. But I think kelangan ng copy for each applicant. Tawag ka na lang sa travel agency kung saan ka mag-aapply.

Got my korean visa approved a few days ago. This will be my second travel outside the country. First was my Taiwan trip last yr. Indicated $1000 in the application form, present a bit more than Php 100000, complied will all the requirements as stated.

Congrats, Chi!

Hi, ano po ang mga requirements sa pagkuha ng working visa kasi po Yung asawa ng tita ko na kakilala nya nangangailangan po ng worker so kami po ang nirecommend ng tito po namen

Hi Claire, wala po kaming alam sa working visa. Best to consult a travel agency po.

Hi, can anyone send me a sample cover letter as a support document explaining I’m a fresh grad and unemployed? I also can’t give my school credentials yet kasi naka hold pa sa school. I’ll be travelling with my family, my parents will support the trip. Booked our tickets in Oct already!

Any updates po for this? :(

Same case. Any updates?

Any updates? Currently unemployed din but also reviewing for a state board exam. My parents will be sponsoring my trip.

Just wanted to ask if possible po ba na ma grant ako ng visa because me and my mom are planning to apply for one this month. My mom will be sponsoring me. I am a fresh graduate (graduated last March 2018) and still unemployed because I am planning to pursue a master’s degree this second semester. The problem is that we’re planning to go to Korea at the end of October but the enrollment for the second semester starts around the same time din po, last week of Oct. Do you think po ba na makakakuha ako ng visa if I send a letter explaining why I can’t present a school certificate and school I.D? Thank you so much. Looking forward for your reply.

Hi Jill, pwede mo naman i-explain na kaka-graduate mo lang and magma-masters ka. Submit a letter na lang and proof na grumaduate ka recently for good measure.

Hi, question regarding the new rule for ITR submission

As stated on your blog.

“For Self-Employed, BIR Form with Corresponding Payment Receipt from a BIR-authorized bank.”

I am a freelancer, I registered as a single-proprietior this January 2018 and will get my first ITR January 2019. No specific form is indicated on your post, can I submit any form (ex. Percentage/Quarterly IncomeTax)?

Thank you. Your reply is greatly appreciated.

Hi mmm, it’s ITR. But if you can’t provide that, you can write a letter explaining that you’ll get your first ITR in January but in its place, you’re submitting the quarterly income tax instead. That’s what I did the first time I applied.

Hello. Please help kasi first time out of the country ko yung korea. I initially declared na 10 days lang ako and now that i have my tourist visa, it means I’m allowed to stay for 59 days max, right? So my concern is, would they question me if I extend my stay? It’s my first time and I want to make the most out of the trip so after further planning and after the approval, I’d like to stay for 40 days na. I have funds to finance the trip naman but I’m wondering if they’ll ask me why I put 10 days sa application if in fact I will stay there for 40 days? Your answer will help me a lot as I’m an inexperienced traveler.. hehe.. thaank you!!

Hi Mia, yes, you’re allowed to stay for up to 59 days.

Usually hindi naman kailangang kung ano yung dineclare mo na number of days, yun lang talaga yung stay mo. Kasi ako rin, lumalagpas naman ako. Kaya lang, di ko alam kapag ganyan kalaki yung difference. Medyo malayo na kasi yung 10 days sa 40 days. So hindi ko sure. Baka yung immigration officer, di mapansin, pero baka maging issue yan next time mag-apply ka ulit ng visa. Again, nagse-speculate lang ako kasi di ko alam. haha

hello po. this december matatapos contract ko dto sa Saudi and i’m going to Exit na po. and plan ko sana mag tour muna sa sokor before mag process sa next work po. I don’t have an ITR kasi exempted po ang OFW jan and i don’t have any coe din po kasi tapos na contract ko, so wat i do po para ma approved visa ko. my enough savings naman po ako intended for my travel lang po.

Hi Janenne, you can try writing a letter explaining your situation. Mahirap din yan though kasi baka isipin nila na magwowork ka sa Korea.

Mas okay talaga if meron ka nang next work before ka mag-apply ng visa. Di kailangan na nagstart ka na sa next work mo. Kahit contract or job offer man lang sa next work mo, basta mapakita na may work na naghihintay sayo.

What if I get invited by a relative from the Philippines? What are the requirements to specify him/her as my sponsor/guarantor? Thanks!

Hi Claire, not sure pero ang alam ko, dadagdagan mo lang ng Guarantee Letter (or Affidavit of Support) and proof of relationship.

Pero hindi magbabago yung mga requirements from you. You will still need to submit your own ITR, COE, etc.

Hi! Ask ko lng may Plan kmi mag Tour ng family ko next year my Mother(walang work) my sister(ka-start plng s work) my Daughter(student) ako nmn hndi ndin ngwowork pero nag online business ako like selling yung mga binebake ko. At support ako ng Bf ko (pinoy) n nsa middle east. Nag travel ndin kmi ng Hongkong nung 2017at nagtravel kmi ng Japan last April 2018 Sponsored ng Bf ko lhat. Kc nung ng apply kmi ng Japan Visa nagpadala lng xa ng Letter of Guarantee and His Bank Statement. Xa yung nging Sponsor nmin. Tpos gusto nmin isama yung wife ng Brother ko first tym nya mag travel. May chance kaya kmi? Thanks

Hi Azil, may chance pa rin naman. Pero best to consult any of the designated agencies para ma-guide nila kayo kung anu-ano dapat isubmit.

Hi, good day..do I required for a ITR for tourist visa since I am a retired AFP officer and no work at all. All I wanted is to try vacation in S Korea with my own first. Next town around I’ll bring with me my whole family. Thank you.

Hi sir, wala po kaming idea kapag retired na hindi senior citizen. :(

Hello :) ask ko lang po sana if possible ba maapproved yong visa if my invitation naman from Korea kasi may competition do’n. But unepmloyed po ako and ssponsor lang po sana ng friend ko ang pagpunta ko do’n. Ano po gagawin? Please reply

Kapag unemployed, mahirap ma-approve kasi need ng COE and ITR etc. You can create an explanation letter pero walang guarantee na maaapprove

Hi! We are planning to travel South Korea with my fiance. What if student pa lang ako ngayon pero yung fiance ko has travelled to OECD country (greencard holder sya sa US) and he will be sponsoring our trip for 5days sa South Korea for our Anniversary. Ano po ang mga kailangan namin icomply? May chance po ba na ma-grant yung visa ko? Hoping for your response. Thank you :)

If student ka, nag-aapply pa rin sayo yung requirements for students listed above. Your fiance having traveled to OECD country will have no effect to your application. You will still be treated as a first-time non-OECD applicant.

Not sure about the requirements kapag hindi immediate family ang sponsor. But I guess the sponsor will have to provide everything required from parents plus an affidavit of support and proof of relationship.

Hi Good Day! I just want to ask, if ever hindi maka provide ng ITR pwede na po ba yung VAT Certification? I am a government employee job order lang ako hindi kasi pwede sa amin ang ITR kasi for Regular employees lang daw,

Thank you, have a nice day!

You can write a letter explaining why you can’t provide an ITR and say also that instead of the ITR, you are submitting a Certification of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source Form instead.

Walang guarantee kasi strict talaga Korean Embassy now pero may mga kilala akong ganyan ang ginawa and naapprove naman.

Pwede ba i sub ang Vat certification sa ITR? I am a goverment employee at job order lang ako hindi pwede ang ITR sa amin instead Vat Certification (Tax withholding form 2307) ang binigay

Thank you so much.

You can write a letter explaining why you can’t provide an ITR and say also that instead of the ITR, you are submitting the other form instead.

Hi po panu po pag ofw ka..need p din ba ng bank dito at matagal n ba dpat ung bank accounts

Yep. If may bank account ka dito sa Pilipinas, pwede rin yun.

Hello nadedeny din po ba pag ofw?

Yes po, pag hindi nameet ung requirements.

Just want to ask, yung kasama ko mali yung spelling ng name nya sa ITR, plan po namin gagawa nlng sya ng explanation letter, ksi mejo di nya pa mq kukuha kng bagong ITR nya na correct spelling ng name ya, possible ba ma ddeny sya?

You can try na magpagawa ng letter from yung HR ng company saying na may mistake. Baka tanggapin yung letter. I mean, better than nothing.

Hi! I’m planning to go to SoKor with my brother. Problem is I only have an online job, employer is based in Japan so I can’t submit an ITR or COE. However, I can present proof of payment via PayPal. Oh, The whole trip will be shouldered by my brother too and he’s a US citizen. Am I still qualified to apply for a visa?

Would you be able to get any letter from your employer in Japan stating what you do for them and the type of arrangement you have with them? That would help your case a lot.

You can also write a letter explaining why you don’t have an ITR and instead you will be submitting other proof of income like Paypal invoices. Of course, there’s no guarantee of approval.

For future visa applications, you might also want to get an ITR na rin.

Hello! I’ll be travelling with my brother and his wife this coming November. Tanong ko lang po sana if dun sa section na “Are you travelling to Korea with any family member?, do I need to write the name of my sister-in-law? Mdyo confuse po kasi ako dun sa stement nla na “Definition of a Family Member – your spouse, father, mother, children, brothers and sisters”.

As far as I know, nope.

Hi. If I apply for a Korean visa using the BDO/BPI promo with no definite travel date yet and got approved, is there a period which I should already use my visa and if i don’t travel within said period will my visa be forfeited? Thanks.

Hi, should a 50k bank statement be sufficient for a 4 day trip given that i have an OECD Visa and travelled to an OECD country (also non-OECD countries) in the past 5 years? Im employed and can give the other requirements but im just nervous with regards to my bank statement. Thanks.

Hi Gel, no idea about how much yung sufficient. 3 years ago, I would have said yes, ok na yan. But the Korean EMbassy has been really strict these days so it’s hard to tell.

Hello Yoshke!

My dad will be sponsoring our trip to Korea. I am currently employed. Will they also look for his bank statements and ITR since he will be the one to pay for this trip?

Hi Rina, Yep! :)

Hello. My classmate and I will go to SoKor this coming November. Our flight’s booked already. We’re both students, but ako, I have work. So she’ll be applying for a visa as a student while ako, as an employee. I just asked our HR department today and they said that they can’t provide yet my ITR kasi January pa ang releasing ng company. I got hired last May 2018 by the way and this is my first job. What are the chances that I will get approved if mag p-provide nalang daw ang HR department namin ng explanation letter about my ITR? I told them that my trip will be this coming November kaya I need to process my visa requirements already. I am really hoping for an advice from you. I’ve been reading this blog since January. Thanks and more power!

Hi Lah, you have 2 options.

1. Continue applying as an employee. Pwede naman yung explanation letter from HR. Provide na lang din other proof of income/employment like payslips to make up for the lack of ITR.

2. Apply as a student but you will need to submit your parents’ financial and employment docs.

If confident ka naman sa financial docs mo (bank cert/statement), okay naman yung Option 1. Pero if stronger yung docs ng parents mo kaysa sayo, mas okay yung Option 2. :)

Thanks for the reply! :) I want to consider the option 2 but my mom is actually a self-employed but we don’t have any stores/stalls related with her businesses. She’s like a middleman sa field niya (direct selling) and she’s been there for like a decade na and I would say she really has stable savings. My worry is that if I apply for a student visa, baka di ma-approve kasi wala kaming mai-pprovide na business permit from the mayor’s office, ITR or even certificate of employment. Will an explanation letter suffice?

Also, I would like to ask which is better sana. I have 2 bank accounts kasi. The first one was opened way before when I was a child and it was opened by my parents and the other one naman was opened 4 years ago when I entered college. All my recent savings for the past few months nasa second bank account ko but hindi pa siya umaabot ng 60K. My mom said what if gamitin ko nalang yung first bank account ko which may stable savings (more than 100K) but the thing is walang masyadong hulog dun for the past 3 months. This month ko pa lang sana siya huhulugan. I will transfer some of my savings from my second bank account going there sa first account. Is that a safe move or good idea? If ever, yun nalang kasi ang ippresent ko for bank cert/statement. I am really looking forward for your advice cause we are about to submit our requirements this coming October. Thank you so much!

Hi lah! We are on the same situation. Kamusta application mo? Whay docs did u submit? TIA :)

About your mom’s business, mahirap nga yun if wala syang documents. Better to apply na nga lang as an employee.

Regarding bank accounts, naku, don’t transfer anything. It may look suspicious. What I suggest is to submit BOTH your bank accounts. Pwede naman yun. Explain na lang sa cover letter na you have 2 bank accounts.

Thanks for your response regarding the cover letter, Yoshke! :) Also, ask ko lang din po if okay ba na sabihin sa cover letter ko na I am also a student and that I am working at the same time? Would that be okay or baka maging cause pa siya ng problem? Hoping for your reply. Thank you!

Pwede naman yun. Pero I think generally, if strong naman ung supporting documents mo sa either, mas okay kung pili ka na lang para hindi complicated.

I see. Sorry, what cover letter po? Hehe!

You can submit a letter when you need to explain something about your application.

Hello! Thank you for your diligence and patience with answering the questions. However, I’d just like to ask if it’s okay that my HR officer didn’t put my salary in my Certificate of Employment? I had specified that it’s for visa application purposes, but it slipped my mind to list the required information. Will I have to ask for another certificate or will this suffice? Other than that, the information is complete.

Thank you very much!

Hi Pat, if you can get another one na merong salary, better yun kasi required detail yun. If hindi mo na talaga kaya kumuha, pwede ka rin magsubmit ng payslips in addition pero mas okay if may salary sa COE talaga.

Sharing some information that might help those who are going to apply for Korean Visa.

My husband and I applied last Sept. 24, 2018 with Reli – Dusit. They only accept typewritten or computerized answers dun sa application forms. Leave the items that are irrelevant to you BLANK. Do not put N/A. If ever you need to reprint, the agents there can help you, so save your application form in a thumb drive in case you need to reprint. They charge P5/page. We already got our visas and i was surprised that we were granted a 5 year multiple entry visa!

Hi Charisse, thanks for sharing! Very helpful. We’ve added your tips to the FAQs above.

You’re welcome. I always read your travel blogs, they’re very helpful! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. God bless you!

I’m currently employed in my mom’s company but she’s willing to sponsor my trip with my friends naman since i don’t have enough funds to sponsor my trip on my own. Possible ba yon? What requirements should i submit? Thank you so much!

You will need to submit both your sponsor’s and your own financial and employment docs.

Hi. I’m currently employed right now sa office ng mother ko for almost a year. Mag-apply ako for a visa cause i’m planning to go with my friends. Since wala laman masaydo bank account ko since i had to pay for something recently and hindi naman po mataas ang salary ko, would it be okay if i submit my financial documents and yung sa mom ko? She’s willing naman daw kasi to shoulder my expenses for the entire trip. Stable naman po ang work niya and maayos ang sweldo niya. May chance po ba ako ma-approve for a visa? What do you suggest na gawin ko po? Thank you so much!

Hi Andrea, pwede pa rin naman. You will still have to submit your own bank account though kahit na sponsored yung trip mo ni mama mo. :)

Hi yashke ! Memo Mahabad eto ha, so bear with me . Mine was kinda different from the rest. I was supposed to submit my application thru reli ‘s mega, I came late , and the agency , as always seems to be very busy with super long queue and waiting time . And then , nadaanan ko c travel pros , while nag pa papicture ako , na caught ng eye ko yung poster nila ng Korea and japan visa app. So pag google ko, yey ! Accredited pala Sila for Korea visa din , nag doubt p ako coz walang pila s kanila. But if s reli , it will take me 2 hrs min, give and take … so bahala na , nag inquire ako s kanila . Pang second ako s line, in 2-5 mins I’m done hehe. My dilemma comes next ….. sept 25 ako nag submit around 6pm,and the agent told me na, by sept 27 pa mkakarating s korean embassy yung application ko. Sept.27 (thurs) , around 9-10am , a landline number was calling me na wala s directory ko, pag ganyan hndi ko agad sinasagot coz bka mag offer lng Kung anu anu hehe…. imsomiac p naman ako , and late magising . But that day , nasagot ko sya . And lo and behold…. “ Good morning mam, this is *** , from Korean embassy, are you *** ? Omaygad , natararanta ako …. jusko lord , tinawagan ako ng consul ! As in sa akin nag CI , Nevertheless, I answered all her queries truthfully and confidently . Note : I applied as an employee, although hndi ako active s company, coz tamad n ako, sori , I’m 45 na…. i worked hard for the past 25yrs na and time for me to relax .., Yung pinaka highlighting question nya was if where I am right now , I answered home. Then she asked, if I have work, why am I at the house at this time and day of the week. .? . told her , I don’t go to work anymore although I am still employed with payroll and allowances . And why is that ? told her my hubby and his fam owns the company, .. sounds rude and arrogant , right ? Jusko lord , pati ako ako nagulat sa sagot ko… pacencia na s mga readers coz yun kasi lumabas s taklesa kang bibig, nasa Huli talaga pag sisisi….and so the waiting game starts. Nag research ako , if Meron same nag experience ko na ako Mismo applicant ang tatawagan, but so far, wala ako ma sight… so lalo ako kinabahan , and feelin ko lalo n hndi mka ka sleep…. nag status check ako nag Thursday night, waley pa… then sb ko nga insomiac and restless na ako s sobrang kaba , grabe, every hour nag checheck ako… bet 11 pm to 12 midnight of that same day (thurs sept 27) , yey ! Approved !!! Dunno if na swetihan ko or hndi ako pinabayaan ng mga guardian angels ko and or Nakuha s Dasal. But one thing is for sure talaga… Just be truthful and submit all requirements talaga and it will be as easy as 1, 2, , 3. Good luck to everyone !

Hi Yey! Ka-aliw yung pagkwento mo, haha. Congrats! :)

hello good morning senior citizen at retired na po ako my sister buy me ticket para mg tour ng 6 days sa koria , maka kuha kya ako ng visa 21 months ago ng travel din ako ng asian cruise 4 na country ano mga requirements, na maka tour na rin ako ng USA .canada my pg asa ba ako maka kuha at saan.

Hi po! If okay naman ung requirements, pwede naman pa rin. Nakalista na po sa taas ang requirements for retired seniors.

Good Day. Meron po kaming invitation letter from my husband’s employer na nsa Korea. Kakastop ko lang po magwork last Dec 2017. Ang existing account ko po ay 3. Ung remittance nga asawa ko hnd ko sure kng pwede kc po E-9 visa holder sya. Ung 1 po last year lang naopen pero below 100k kapag ngdeposit kmi dun bka maging suspicious transaction. Another na pede ko gamitin is ung Joint Account namin ni mother ko since ako po nagmamanage ng business nia. Maapprove po ba un? Alin po ang d best gamitin para maapprove.

Hi Meshies, naku, di ko alam. Di kasi ako familiar sa e-9 visa and kung ano implications nya. Based on experience, okay lang naman ang bank account.

If nakapili ka na ng travel agency kung saan ka mag-aapply, best to contact them directly kasi for sure mas alam nila kung alin ung pinaka-ok.

Hi, need papa ng travel agency kapag family application, or khit ako nalang representative tia

Lahat ng applications for a tourist visa have to be coursed through a travel agency.

Hi!! I will be travelling with my boyfriend’s family, i’m currently unemployed since I passed the local board exam(Physical Therapy) last feb 2018. Then starting this november, mag stastart na din another state board review ko for US. My father who is currently overseas will be the one sponsoring my trip. I already have copies of his bank certs and statements, ids and COE (although photocopy lang since he brought the original copy with him). I also have my supplementary credit card, Atm account and passbook saving kaso around 10k lang yung laman nun. My question is do i need to submit documents din ba like my bank accounts or SOA? What other documents can I provide besides the one that I listed above? Our travel date is near na, nov 29 na and I’m afraid baka di ma accept application ko :( btw, i also travelled before to singapore (5days) hongkong (3days).

Hi Aica, generally, based on experience of a friend na kasabay ko nag-apply dati, kahit na sponsored, they will still ask for your own financial docs. If hindi mo kaya ibigay, pede ka gawa ng explanation letter pero malaki chance na madeny kung wala talaga.

Hi po ask ko lang po last 2016 galing po ako Japan, then 2017 na approbahan din ako ng visa sa south korea, balak ko po sana mag apply ulit ng visa sa South Korea this coming 2019 ma approbahan po kaya ako ng multiple visa? tapos yung gagamitin ko na account inopen ko lang sya last January 2018?

Hi Aileen, generally, you can be granted a multiple entry visa if: you’ve been to Korea at least 4 times in the past 2 years or 10 times total, or you have an eligible BDO/BPI credit card (listed above).

There are cases when applicants are granted a multiple entry visa even if hindi frequent traveler to Korea or walang BDO/BPI premium card. BUT these cases are very rare.

If you’ve only been to Korea just once before and you don’t have an eligible credit card, best to apply for a single-entry visa para less yung risk na ma-deny.

Hello! I had an idea which i did in my japan application which got apparoved. Ilalagay ko lang 4 days stay kahit 8 days stay tlaga just to lessen the budget for the trip when applying so pasok tlaga sa bank account ko ung budget (we’re planning to apply with 100k in bank account) do you think it’s okay? Hahaha. Para lang makalusot. Thanks! Di naman cguro magmatter kng gano ka matagal magStay tutal 59 day stay naman sya once approved ka. What do you think? :)

Hi Jessica, that could work since flight itinerary is not required. But it’s going to be a problem if they suddenly decide to ask for it.

What we did at the japan application din is we provided a flight itenerary which conclude a four day stay. pero totoo, 8 day stay kami. Naapprove naman sya. I’m just scared sa korean visa, since sila mas mahgpt sa japan now :( Thank you for your inisight! ♥

Ask ko lang dn sana kayo for your opinion. I am a self employed interior designer. So nagregster nako ng business ko. Complete permits which i use for japan and korea visa. My mom recently resigned from her previous office a year ago. So i took her under my wing and employed her. Ngayon aapply sya visa but im the one issuing all requirements. And she will have no itr pa since mag1 yr plang sya sakin and ippsa namin is cover letter with her 2017 itr. Tngn nyo po ba okay ung gagawin nmn?may chance naman sya to have approval? Thank you!

Hi Jessica, di ko sure. There’s always that chance na hindi nila paniwalaan yung employment nung mom mo. But if I were in your shoes, I would still try. Just make sure na you explain what your mom does for you in the letter. :)

Thank you so much! ♥ Yes i will still try. Worse comes to worst, magJapan nalang cguro , mas madali maapprove don :( Thank you so much!

Hi Yoshke. It’s me again. I have question regarding the sa pag fill up ng VISA application form. I am really confused. Dapat ba leave it blank lang para dun sa mga questions na not applicable or put N/A or NOT APPLICABLE? I am indeed confused. :( I am reading a lot of forums/blogs tapos sabi nila DON’T LEAVE ANY INFO IRRELEVANT TO YOU BLANK. Help! :( Thank you.

Hi Iah, it’s confusing kasi the rule has changed. Dati kasi, oks lang na isulat N/A. But now, they mandated the agencies na dapat blank if hindi applicable. :)

hi sir, I’m OFW here in saudi arabia, my question is do the salary matter if it’s not that high? and for the bank do they accept the bank here in saudi arabia? i have no account in Philippines, but i can ask Bank statement in my Bank here in abroad. thankyou :)

Ang important is if it makes sense for them yung salary mo and laman ng bank account kapag tiningnan with your length of stay and itinerary.

Not sure about banks abroad now. Best to contact na lang po a designated travel agency kasi mas alam nila.

im a phil passport holder however im working in SG. Is personal appearance required in processing for Korean visa? I have no issues on the requirements just asking if processing will be in Manila thru the different travel agency or can it be done here in SG. Thanks

Hi John, personal appearance is not required. But u must course it through a designated agency.

If Korea has an embassy in SG, you can apply there too, but I just don’t know what the process is.

Hi! my daughter would like to watch a k pop concert in 2020. She wants me to come with her. I wonder what are aur chance of getting our visas approved. She has been working for 2 1/2 yrs as an IT software engineer. I have been separated from my husband and unemployed. In the past we have been to S. Korea using a transit visa . We( me, son and daughter) were able to get a US dependents id (me and my son only) below 7 yrs old is not allowed to have an id yet also an id for the Us base Commissary. Their father works for the US army.. Do you think it will help to write a cover letter regarding that trip & affix the tickets we had then. I don’t have those passports(2000) anymore i wonder if DFA got it. Does DFA have the list our past travels or does S. Korea have that list. I am just wondering if it can help us get our visa approved. I messaged you din sa post mo on Japan Visa I am thinking kung hindi matuloy ang travel namin 3 doon this 2019 what are the chances na ma approve pag kami lang ng daughter ko to S. Korea naman in 2020. .Thank you again.

I don’t know whether or not the US dependent ID would help or whether or not the DFA has a list of your past travels.

But if your daughter has enough funds, stable employment, and satisfactory papers, she can sponsor you and there’s a good chance the application will be approved.

Thank you. very much! Last year when i travelled to HK with my my godmother(but i call her aunt) we are not blood related,There were many questions sa immigration here and in Hk. When the IO asked me if i have travelled outside the country,I mentioned the trip w. my children in 2000 in Sk ,He asked for the year and month of that trip at sino mga kasama ko and checked on the computer After a while okay na, That;s why i asked you baka you have any idea.

Hi! How are applicants given MULTIPLE ENTRY visas? Do we need to specify it in our application? Or like the US Embassy,they will be the one who will determine if they will give single or multiple entry visas even without the request? Thank you very much.

Hi Dane, to be honest hindi ko alam. Di ko pa rin kasi na-try. Ang alam ko lang is may BDO/BPI promo.

May mga online sources na nagsasabi na those who have been to Korea 4 times the past 2 years or 10 times total (most recent in the past 2 years) can apply for multiple kahit walang BDO/BPI premium credit card. Pero di ko sure kung paano gagawin yun or kung totoo yun.

Hi Yoshke! Ask ko lang, once nakakuha nako bank cert/statement, pwede ko naba kaya agad withdrawhin ung money from the bank? or will they look into it pa? thank you so much!

Hi Georgie, kung konti-konti lang, pwede. Pero if malaki iwiwithdraw mo, wag muna. Wait na lang na ma-issue-han ka ng visa. The Korean Embassy is very diligent. Minsan tumatawag talaga sila. Minsan humihingi sila ng additional docs.

Hi Yoshke! Wow, good to know. Thank you so much!

No problem!

Hi Yoshke, my partner applied for a korean visa with the following situation: 1. He was just hired this March 2018 and his employer cannot provide him his ITR. He included in his application a cover letter explaining why he failed to submit an ITR. 2. His bank account is just new, opened on May 2018 but he applied for a Bank Certificate and Bank Statement when his bank account is more than 6 months already. 3. His employer deposits the salaries of their working amounting to thousands of pesos but were also being withdrawn the same day. He is assigned as a site engineer by the way. 4. Attached to his cover letter is the Project Assignment from his employer but his name was affixed by an “Engr.” eventhough he is not licensed that is why the consulate asked for his PRC ID. 5. Since he is not yet licensed, he submitted another explanation letter that he is not yet licensed that is why he failed to submit a photocopy of his PRC license.

Is there a chance that his application be approved considering that he submitted the complete document?

Thanks in advance.

Hi H! Naku, mahirap for me magbigay ng opinion sa ganyang case and especially na wala akong idea sa details ng application. And if nasubmit naman na yung application, there really is nothing you can do about it but wait. :)

Thanks Yoshke. Sana ma-approve din sya. Just got approved today. Tomorrow is his scheduled date ng release ng visa application nya.

He got denied. The reason is: “Your purpose of entry has not been explained in detail.” even though we had the same purpose of travel in our applications. Sad. :(

Did your boyfriend also submit full requirements? Like yung itr lang kulang niya? I wonder bakit na deny siya :(

Aaaw. Sayang! :(

Hi, ask ko po..meron ako business at nakapangalan saken permits etc and my husband is the one who provide all the capital to start my laundry business when he is in abroad. My husband is no longer working abroad and want to apply for korea for maybe 4 days only. Can he state in his application as self-emplyed and I will make cert of employment as my husband is the managing owner?would that help his application?thanks..please reply naman po…hehehe

Hi Carla, di ko alam if same case kung married, pero in general if hindi sa kanya nakapangalan, di sya self-employed. If iissue-han mo sya ng COE, mas Employee sya.

Hi sir Yoshke im planning to visit korea and stay for 5 – 7 days meron po ako business d2 sa pinas computer shop meron dti and mayors permit meron na rin akong bank account matagal na. Kailangan ko pa ba ng ITR?

yes po. If wala, best to explain bakit wala.

You said in the important notes section:

“Submission of ITR is waived for applicants who have traveled to South Korea more than 2x within the last 4 years”

Question: Does traveling to Jeju twice count as a visit to South Korea? I have a friend who traveled to Jeju (MNL – HKG – CJU, then CJU – HKG – MNL) without stepping foot on the mainland.

Hi Al, not sure if counted ang Jeju. Baka ung binibilang nila ay yung number of visas, di ko knows. Contact na lang the agency where you want to apply.

Pero yung “MNL – HKG – CJU then CJU – HKG – MNL,” counted as one lang yan if ever. Unless twice nya ginawa.

we will travel po as a company, mga 6 kmi, tpos ung company ang magsponsor, tpos makkapgprovide po ang boss na affidavit of support for our travel as what we did also last year for japan, di na po ako ng submit ng bank cert/bank statement. approved namn and ive been to japan twice already this year(both with sponsor).

this next month for our travel to korea, as what i read from above na need po talaga ng bank cert/statement kahit may sponsor.

in my case, okay lng po ba wlang bank cert?

ung reason po kse, i need to go to province pa to get that documet, and other than that hindi rn po sya gaano kataas ung lamn

Hi Joseph, yung experience ng teammate ko na sponsored by a company (kasabay ko sya mag-apply), hinanapan pa rin talaga sya ng bank certificate. This was in 2016, direct to embassy pa noon. Best to call na lang a designated agency for advice kasi baka mas alam nila. :D

Hello po! I have issue po regarding with my COE is it okay po if my COE is signed by my boss electronically kasi po he is out of country? thank you!

Hi Mia, when I first applied, yung COE ko was digitally signed din kasi Singapore-based yung company, wala namang naging problem. Ewan ko lang ngayon if pwede pa rin.

Hello po sir Yoshke… Meron po akong trip to Paris via Asiana Airlines tapos may layover po sa Incheon Airport for 8 hrs.. Pwede po ba ako makalabas ng airport during that time? Or kelangan ko po mag apply ng visa?

Tapos pagbalik ko ng pinas layover ulit sa incheon..

Salamats po…

Hi Allan! Yung last na alam ko, hindi kasama ang Schengen visa sa mga allowed to exit without transit visa. Pero double check mo na rin sa embassy. You can call or check their website kung meron silang info.

Me and my friend are planning to visit Korea this August 2019. My friend is working in Japan tho. Do you have any idea on how to apply for Korean Visa from Japan for OFW?

Thank you po! :)

Hello Melissa!

Punta lang sya sa Korean Embassy sa Japan.

Ang alam ko need lang is yung visa application form, picture saka yung residence card. Mabilis lang yung process nila pero very strict sila sa time dun, 9am to 11am lang ang application. pag 11:01 di na nila tatanggapin. Sinamahan ko kasi yung pinsan ko mag apply tapos lumagpas lang ng minuto hindi na talaga tinanggap.

Kung sa Tokyo sya nasa may Minato-ku yung Embassy. For clarification, patawagin mo na lang sa Embassy yung friend mo :)

Hi Melissa, naku di ko po alam paano if sa Japan mag-apply ng Korean visa. :(

Hi SIr, Im planning to apply korean visa with my son 1 year old. Meron po ako bdo visa gold credit card at bank account po na nkapangalan sa anak ko. nid pa po ba ng bank cert para skin?Thanks. God bless

Hi Feewee, di po ako ganun ka-familiar sa policy pag multiple kasi di ko pa natry. :( Pero you can contact the agency na lang since required naman na idaan sa agency.

Hello. I would like to go to South Korea. Havent traveled to any country yet. Can this be a reason for a denial of visa ? Thank you

It can be, but it still depends on many other factors. There are those who don’t have international travel history but because they have stable job and more than sufficient funds, their application is approved.

Sana po makatulong. Need mo pa rin 3 months bank statement at bank certificate on your own. Nag apply kasi ako nun direct pa sa korea embassy need nila yung 3 months original credit card statement mo at yung original c. card titingnan lang naman di ko nga kasama asawa ko sa kanya kasi yung BPI gold credit card. Since sa mga agency na baka pwedeng photo copy na lang. Tapos yung sa anak mo birth certificate nya lang at marriage contract nyo. Na approved yung asawa ko 3 years multiple entry. Pero naka note sa visa nya. BPI

Sir, Yoshke Dimen. Salamat sa blog nyo. Everytime plan ko mag travel dito ako nagpupunta para mag ka idea. Salamat ulit sir.

Salamat din po sa pagbisita, Janet! :)

Hi po good day!

First time traveler outside the country with my cousin (she is an Irish citizen). Regarding with the application form, ano po ba input ko sa kung sino kasama ko. Do I write with cousin? Or mas better alone na lang? Baka may follow up requirements sa cousin ko kahit taga Europa sya.

Please help.

Hi Joselly, better na ideclare mo na lang yung totoo. Di ko lang alam if may additional docs pag ganun, parang wala naman pero ewan ko rin.

Hello, I would just like to ask a few questions regarding Korean Visa application. 1. How do I apply for my whole family (myself, my spouse, 2 kids aged 16 and 11)? 2. Are bank documents required if you have been to any of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries for the past 5 years? 3. My wife and I are both employed, do we need to provide both our COE and bank documents? 4. How do I indicate in the application form that both of us will be funding the trip on our own?

Hi Raffy, I haven’t tried family application myself so I’m not familiar with the details. Best to contact the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application para sure. :D

Hi I just want to ask because my sister will be sponsoring my Korea trip on Feb 2019 however her company sent her abroad already and won’t be able to get her COE from the employer here in PH. I asked her if possible to authorize someone to get the COE but their HR says that only my sister can get the COE in person here in Pinas. What should I do? Can I provide a cover letter explaining the situation?

I asked her if possible to authorize someone to get the COE but their HR says that only my sister can get the COE in person here in Pinas. — It will be safer to convince the HR of your sister’s company to provide a COE than to convince the embassy to grant you a visa without the COE.

Hello, good evening po. I’m applying for a visa for me, my husband and 2-year old son. Filled out application form and PSA birth certificate lang po ba ang kailangan para sa anak namin? Thanks very much

Hello Sir Yoshke, ask ko lang po when is the best date to apply for our korean visa if may booked flight na kami on 23 May 2019. Thank you.

April or March. :)

hello good afternoon.meron ba agency pa korea sa davao.? and magkano ba ang show money?

Hi Hyerin, yep, meron sa Davao. Rakso Travel. You’ll find the address here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/korean-visa-travel-agencies/

Good day mam!! I am planning po to visit Korea next year po sana. And i-memeet po ako ng tita ko na resident na po dun. Pwede po ba mag stay dun ng 3-4 months gnun po?

Hi Yuri, any particular reason bakit ganun katagal yung stay mo dun?

Usually, mahirap maapprove ang ganyan unless may valid, justifiable reason. Read #2 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/visa-denied-reasons/

Hi po! Pano po pag OFW both parents ko but I have a bank account naman po pero invite po kasi ako ng ninang ko na nakapag asawa ng koreano. Pwede po bang yong bank acc. ko nalang po gamitin? Senior high School Graduate this coming April 2019 then april din po sana want kona magapply visa.

Hi Kim, I think it’s still best to submit your parents’ docs kasi they might need more than yung bank account mo kasi student ka pa lang.

Ako from manila to Seoul, magkikita kami doon ng anak at manugang ko galing ng US, mga 3-5 days lang tapos sabay din kaming uuwi ng Manila, ano po ang pwede kong gawin sa mga documents ko? facebook account po ang gamit ko …pwede po imessage sa messenger. Salamat po..

Same pa rin po ang process as indicated above.

Hello, Yoshke! Freelancer po ako and I am a registered taxpayer BUT wala pa akong ITR kasi nung October 2018 lang ako nakapag register and also, my client who is based in the USA will sign naman sa COE. My questions are:

1. Okay lang ba na ang PERCENTAGE TAX (2551Q for 4th quarter) lang ang e attach ko?

2. Since I am a Freelancer, I am registered as ‘Self-Employed Professional’ sa BIR, okay lang ba ang ilagay ko EMPLOYED under “Employment” sa Application Form? ang gagawin ko kasi na COE (on behalf of my client – he will only sign) is “Remote Worker”. baka kasi ma e compare nila ang employment/taxpayer type ko sa BIR at sa COE.

3. Okay lang ba na EMAILED COE at HINDE ORIG. ang ma i present ko?

Thank you in advance! GOD BLESS!

Hi Maria, it’s best to ask the designated agency kung saan ka apply kasi mas alam nila kasi minsan iba-iba rin sila ng leniency.

Hi super thank you for this! Ang problem ko lang is instead of 2316, I have form 2307 and 1701 (Annual ITR for Self Employed) I’m contractual kasi so I’m working with a company pero my BIR forms says I’m self employed. Do I have to follow the Employed requirements and file as Employed or the Self Employed requirements and file as Self Employed? My company is willing to give COE naman to me.

Hi, i have a question regarding sa OECD. I’ve been to Japan and Australia. I understand that they will need an original copy and photocopies of the OECD visas but I’m wondering about the AU one, since online lang nila iniissue yung granted visa, will printing a colored version of the granted AU visa be considered original copy na and then I’ll just make a photocopy of that one na lang. I don’t have stamps din since they don’t stamp passports na in AU.

Hi Jacq, you can use a printed version of the e-visa as proof.

Hi, Magiging unemployed ako this comming April 2019 and will be getting maried on Oct2019. We are Planning to have our honeymoon in korea on Oct2019 also. maapproved kaya ako for korean visa?

Pwede pa rin naman yata, basta prove mo lang na kakakasal mo lang and submit mo na lang din documents ni husband.

Pero mas malaki talaga chances pag employed.

Hi. I would be going to South Korea this coming Feb. for 5 days and will be going back again on last week of April to the first week of May. I don’t have BPI or BDO Credit Cards only Citibank. Do I need to re-apply for Korean Visa again after I used my Feb. Korean Visa or is it possible to apply for Multiple Entry Visa? Just an added info. I’ve been to South Korea once (Last Year). I hope you can read and answer my question. Thanks in advance and God bless!

Hi Jonavie, yes, unless you’re eligible for multiple, you will most likely to be granted a single entry visa so you will have to apply again after that.

My friend and I plans to travel on May 2018 and I plan to apply for Visa on April. However, I have a conflict employment… I resigned last April 2018 and started a new work last June. The company is like a branch from US and started last May so we don’t have an HR dept yet.

– We don’t have a company ATM and my salary is deposited semi-monthly on my Bdo payroll account from my previous company. Can you advise what should I do here for may bank statements and bank certificate?

– How do we create a cover letter? Do we compile every explanation on a page or should be separate?

Hoping for your answers. Thank you! :)

Naku di ko alam pag ganyang situation. Ang worry ko is, kasi dahil mukhang new yung company and di pa naka-settle ng maayos yung PH office, baka pagdudahan nila yung company. Registered business naman sila? You can explain it in a letter and then attach other proof? Wala pa silang HR pero can they provide COE?

Ideally 1 page lang yung letter para di tamarin magbasa yung mag-a-assess.

Hi, thanks for the feedback. Registered sila, may few requirements pa inaayos dito sa PH. Makakapag-provide din sila ng COE. Yung Admin/Supervisor/HR namin dito ang pipirma, pwede naman yun diba?

Hi Gracee, sa experience ko, tinanggap naman nila yung COE coming from my boss nung freelancer pa ako. Wala rin kasi silang HR that time. I think okay lang, pero di ko sure kasi baka mas naghigpit na sila. Pero sa experience ko, tinanggap, naapprove naman.

Apply Seoul visa mga 15 Wala pa ang result pero my OECD visa sa US sa Cagayan De Oro po ako

Nagcheck na po kayo ng status online?

Hi! I was granted a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years and wanted to bring my family to Korea soon. I’m the breadwinner of my family. My mom is a housewife and my stepfather is currently unemployed. My siblings are both still in high school. I can provide the embassy lots of documents (bank certificates with high YTD ADBs, mutual fund/UITF/stock certificates, vehicle OR/CR, land title, etc.) that can prove that I can finance this trip. May chance kaya na ma-approve sila? Thanks! :)

Hi JS, yep! Basta sabay-sabay yung application nyo dapat and you can prove na you can support them all and okay naman yung employment mo, ok pa rin chances nun.

Hi! Good evening! My company/ employer will be sponsoring our korean tour this month, as our bonus. However, i still have some clarifications. 1. I don’t have sufficient amount in the bank right now, or a letter from my employer will suffice and guarantee, since it’s a company sponsored? 2. I applied korean visa dated 2014 but i was denied then, and I already lost the “slip paper” from korean embassy stating rejection. Do you think, korean embassy will still look for that piece of paper when re-applying korean visa again after 5 years? Thank you very much

1. They will still look for your own bank documents even if it’s company sponsored. Happened to my teammate before.

2. Di ko po ito alam. :(

Hi… im applying for korean visa.. but the problem is i dont have an ITR because right after i graduated march 2014 i worked in our own business (my parents business),and they didnt add me on the list of their employees.. just only this year 2019 of january they add me as one of their employees. If i provide COE, what should i put on the date hired? the date were i started working in the year 2014 or this january 2019 were im being registered under my parents business Also for ITR, dont have it pa.

Hi Claire, that’s a tricky situation either way. I don’t know which is better or worse though.

If you declare that you just started working in January, you will appear to be not as rooted in PH. But there might still be a chance if you have a good travel history and ok funds in your bank account.

If you decide to declare that you have been hired by your parents’ business since 2014, question: what proof will you submit? How will you explain why you don’t have an ITR?

Hi, ask ko lang about ITR 2316, need po ba ng BIR Stamp or ok na po if I include the alphalist when submitting the documents?

Hi JM, not anymore. If employee ka, di na required ang BIR Stamp or Alphalist. :)

I’m planning to avail this year for SoKor but

1. I have no ITR and COE since I do freelance job (and yes no ITR since I haven’t settled to get one yet for 2018) 2. Gold card holder, can I present my SOAs and bank certs/statements instead? 3. Travelled to Japan last 2018, UK visa 2009. Other Asean Countries with no visa for the past 6 years 4. Planning to apply for Australian Visa as well, would you recommend to get a AU visa first or Korean Visa?

Hi Carlo, if you’re holding a valid participating Gold card, you don’t need to submit bank certificates or ITR. (According to Constellation Travels, at least.)

Re Australia, doesn’t matter which goes first. You can apply at the same time since AU application is completely done online.

I am a freelancer and do not have ITR. Just like for Japan can I send letter saying why I cannot provide ITR

Yes, you can submit an explanation letter, but it’s best to also provide other proof of income to make up for the lack of ITR.

No guarantees, though.

Hi, thanks for your detailed article. Question, any tip you can give for a Online job employee? I actually stopped paying tax when I stopped working in a corporate office. If mag submit ako ng ITR form and it will reflect there that I am no longer paying tax and ma cross check nila sa aking bank account that I am receiving monthly more than the amount na hindi excempted sa tax. What will happen?

Hi Dee, kelan ka umalis ng corporate?

Hi, can we use online print-out for bank statement? Same with online SOA for credit card? I’m a holder of gold master card.

Can i ask if pwede ka ma approve if bago kapa lang sa work? Like one month palang po? I recently resigned kasi on my past work, took a break for 5 months, and recently started working again.

Thanks in advance!

Pwede pa rin naman, may chance pa rin naman yun. May ITR ka naman from your previous job di ba? Explain mo na lang sa letter bakit iba ung company sa ITR mo and yung current company mo. :)

Hi Yoshke… my family and i will be travelling to Seoul in a few months… my parents are both retired from work, senior citizens.. they only have a joint account… pwede kaya nila gamitin yon? in presenting their bank cert and bank statement? sponsoring themselves kumbaga… if not naman… if, through my account na lang, sponsoring them for the travel, do they still need to show their bank cert/bank statement? Thank you..

Hi Izel, if may sufficient funds naman yung joint account nila, pwede nilang gamitin yun.

Yung experience ng friend ko, when I joined a friend na mag-apply, hinihingi pa rin nila yung personal bank docs kahit sponsored yung trip. Pero baka nagbago na now.

Hi there Yoshke,

Ask ko lng sana if pano yung situation ko. I will be applying this march sa korea pero yung tanong ko lng is married ako from last yr pero wala pa akong ID na married ako. Lahat ng Id ko as of now is still single kahit yung passport. pwede ko ba ilagay sa application form ko na single ako, kahit na married ako using my single ID’s? Thank you

Hi Angel, ang alam ko, you just need to submit a copy of your marriage cert. Lagay ka na rin ng explanation letter to be sure.

Hi po! ask ko lang po, kasi gragraduate po ako this June ng college and plan po namin pumunta this June din po, need ko pa po ba ng school certificate (kasi di rin po ako sure kung bibigyan pa po ako) or gagawa nalang po ako ng letter of explanation? kasama ko po ung nanay ko and siya po ung magfifinance ng trip po namin, Thank you po :)

Yep, kuha ka ng school certificate to be sure.

Thanks for all the info on your blog. I usually use your blog for tips when travelling.

I was granted a 10-year multiple entry visa to SoKor last month. It was my first time to visit Korea and planned it to coincide with my birthday so I was ecstatic after I claimed my visa. Great blog!

Yayyyy! Congratsss! Enjoy Korea!

hi po, tanong ko lang po mag aapply kame nang anak ko nang tourist visa 2 yrs old po anak ko ano po requirement sa bata?? tanong ko din po asawa ko nasa korea nag tatrabaho gusto nya po pupunta kame dun kami sa bat…paano po ba yan hindi pa po kame kasal?

Hi Janien, unfortunately, di ko alam dapat gawin pag sa case mo kasi outside my experience po. Contact na lang po a designated travel agency.

Hi! My lola will be travelling with me and she’ll be sponsoring the trip. She’s already tax-free since she’s a senior citizen. Do we still need to submit an ITR? Since i’m a student, do I need to submit my parents’ bank certificate and ITR still? Also, for the section in the form saying “Details of sponsor”, is that referring to my lola, or is it not applicable to me because that section is for those with korean resident sponsors? Thank you so much!

Hi Paula, according to the agency we talked to, as much as possible, immediate family member yung best na mag-sponsor, which means, if ok naman ang docs ng parents, mas okay na sila ung ideclare na sponsors. Di ko lang sure if sa situation mo, better kung yung lola dahil sya yung kasama mo.

I don’t know din if needed pa ung docs ng parents if lola yung sponsor. Hopefully yung ibang readers na naka-experience would be able to answer this.

Hi! I am a student graduating this May 2019. However, I don’t have plans on applying for a job yet since I will be taking a board exam on the last week of October. Gusto ka sana mag concentrate in studying to pass my board exam. So sa months na june to october is unemployed po ako. I am planning to have my SK trip on November since this will also be my graduation gift and I choose this month para makapag focus ako ng study sa board exam ko. My parents will support my trip but wala silang bank account. I personally have 2 savings account sa 2 banks. Btw, my mom is employed and my dad is running our business. Will there be any chance of getting approved? :(

Naku, hindi ko alam kapag ganyan. :(

Hi po, paano naman po if ganito yung case:

Incoming freshmen po sana ako sa college kaso nag-stop po ako ng studies kasi may immigration visa case kaming on-going sa US. Di naman po ako employed and no longer a student. Balak ko po kasi mag travel ng korea this october with my cousins lang po but my mom will be financing my trip (and complete naman po yung mga papers niya). May chance naman po na ma-approve yung visa ko???

I’m soooo nervous kasi sobrang gusto kong pumunta :(

hello what about po sa ofw, ok lang po ba ang bank statement is from here sa abroad? thank you :)

Hi Bernard, ang alam ko po ay okay lang yun.

HI. applied Korean visa on March 7 2019. 5 pax kami. 3 already approved. 2 kasama ako, status is application received. Any idea if status “application received the same to denied status”

Thank you. Have a good day!

Hello Bren,

I have the same status as “application received”. Would you mind sharing if your Visa was approved?

If yes, how long does it take for that to reflect online from the time they have received the application?

Thanks, Trish

Hello! I just wanna ask, me, my mom and her best friend are planning to go to Korea, I’m still a student and my parents are self-employed. I want us to spare the time of submitting banks statements and the likes, so can the best friend of my mom act as a sponsor for us? She’s a permanent resident of Japan.

tldr: Can a friend sponsor our travel in Korea given that she will also be travelling with us.

Hi, may I know how your visa application turned out? Halos same tayo ng situation, fresh grad ako ang still unemployed, tapos ang mom ko naman ang permanent resident ng Japan. Thank you.

Hi Moe, ang alam ko, they can BUT chances of approval are much lower than if your mom is to submit her own documents. I took care of an application of a sponsored friend before and even though sponsored sya, the embassy still requested that she submit her bank documents.

Hi! ask ko lang po paano po kayang mangyayari, ininvite kami sa korea to lead a worship bilang music ministry sa church namin the problem is wala kaming lahat bank cert ng mga parents lahat sila self employed. yung sponsor lang ang meron. ok lang po ba yon? salamat po ]

Hi! Di ko po alam. Sa experience po ng team namin, kahit sponsored, hinihingan pa rin ng bank cert.

Hi! My first application was approved and this is my second time applying for korean visa, how long will be the process if considered i have an OECD visa (korean visa) is it 3days or 5days?

Usually, 3 days sa embassy but agencies usually add more days for their own logistics.

Hi! I have an ITR however it has no BIR received or BIR stamp since our head office is in manila and it was filed in BIR manila then the company cannot also provide an alphalist since it is confidential. I have a PRC ID and COE. Is there a chance of me getting an approval?

I cannot certify my ITR with BIR received or BIR stamp here in BIR Cebu since my ITR is filed in BIR manila. Thank you

Hello, I was wondering if it’s possible to go on a tourist trip to Seoul even if you’re unemployed but your parents will pay for your expenses? If it’s possible, then which list of additional requirements do I follow?

Hi VL, di ko po alam kapag unemployed. :(

Hi. I am a freelancer. Though I have consistent and long term contract, i think they would still consider it as part time. So I applied for credit card listed for exemptions in bank requirements and itr.

If I receive my credit card which is among the list for multiple entry visa, do i still need to submit job certificate?

Yes. Required pa rin ang Certificate of Employment.

Is it okay if my coe is as homebased freelancer?

Yep. When I first applied, my COE was as a home-based freelancer. :)

Hello! I have a question :)

Yung COE is pwede bang i-type lang ng head ko? Home-based freelancer din pala ako :) or is it a legal document talaga?

Thank you!!

Pwedeng yung head mo gumawa. Basta important na andun yung mga details tapos may signature and contact number nya.

Hi, me and my 2 daughters who are current studying are applying for visa as a family. Re: Bank certificate and bank statements, do I need to submit 3 original or pwede ng photocopy yung dalawa?

One original copy will do. Dala ka na lang din ng photocopy to be safe. :)

Hi! Our family is planning for a vacation this july. And we’re kind of stressed re: sa visa application. Paano if one of us works as a job order worker? Accepted pa rin po ba yung COE kahit walang employee-employer relationship? Thank you!

Hi Ace, I think pwede pa rin. But best to consult a travel agency.

Can bpi supplementary card holders avail of their promo? Need pa rin po ba yung itr and bank statements for it?

According to the travel agents we talked to, supplementary/extension card holders can avail of the promo provided that the primary card holder is applying at the same time.

Hi po! Pwede po mag tanong. It’s about the supporting documents po specifically OECD Visa. Meron po akong granted Tourist Visa po sa Australia, pero I didnt push through with my travel due to personal reasons. Will I still be able to include it as my OECD supporting document?

Please help me po. You may reply with this comment or mas okay po sana sa email ko po at [email protected] . MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA MAKAKTULONG PO. Urgent lng po talaga kasi mag aaply sana ako next month dito sa Cebu.

Hi, USED Visa po dapat. Hindi po credit pag hindi used.

Hi Ksha, ay, di ko po alam kapag unused. :(

just want to ask, yung certificate of employment po ng employer ko is electronic copy since yung lang talaga yung binibigay nila. Wala rin pong email address ng HR (I have read na it is needed), pero may letterhead naman po ng company and adress and phone number. Need ko pa bang magrequest for another na mas detailed and kasama ung email address ng HR? All details aside from that are in the document. Planning to apply within the week and yung CoE na lang ung hinihintay kong document.

Hi Isay, baka pwede ka magrequest from HR na meron nung details na need nila, para better ung chances. :)

Hi What if po kaka-retire lang ng father ko then wala pong work mother ko, bank documents na lang po ba kailangan kong iready dun sa part ng parnets’ documents?(student pa po ako)

Question lng po. Nag request po ako ng bank cert/statement and COE nung March. but until now hindi pa po ako nakakapag submit ng requirements dahil may hinihintay pa po akong document. Valid pa po ba sila if mag submit ako this May? Thank you!

Hi Jan, kuha na lang po kayo ng bago kasi May na po ngayon.

Hi! Ask ko lang kung halimbawa naapproved yung visa ko then may plan ako magresign bago magtravel, okay lang ba yun? halimbawa, June 8 ang alis ko then June 02 effective yung resignation ko. Thanks

Hi. First time traveler abroad. I wanted to go on tour to Korea via a travel agency. But I am hesitant that my visa application will be denied. I am currently employed 9 months with my current employer. But I am already working for almost 3 years now. the past 2 years is from hospital. As for my funds I got like 60k only but I have credit card under Metrobank. Would it still be possible for my Visa application to be approved? and can I use this VISA to Turkey since, it is part of OECD countries? and how much is the money i need in applying for the Turkish visa also. Thank you

1. Hard for me to say ano ang chances of approval. Pero may naaapprove naman na 60k ang funds.

2. No, Korean visas CANNOT be used to visit Turkey.

Hi, is it necessary to submit passport together with old one?

Not necessary po but mas maagi na -submit with the new one lalo na’t may mga stamps ang old passport.

and I have Metrobank credit card – supplementary nga lang ng card ng motherko., would it still be okay to add that as supporting funds aside sa personal bank account?

Hi good day, government employee po ako under DepEd, tanong ko lang wala bang ibang option kung wala talagang Landline ang Admin namin? and my other question, I will be be travelling with my sister and shes a student, kelangan po ba talaga yung bank certificate ng parent? ako naman mag shoulder ng travel nya.

Looking forward sa advice nyo po. Thank you and God bless

Hi Boe, naku, di ko po alam for sure. Ang alam ko po, pwede nyo po iexplain na wala talagang landline and pwede rin na sister yung mag-sponsor. If may napili na po kayong designated travel agency, sila na lang po ung i-ask nyo para sure.

Hi sir! I would like to ask about what to use, student or employee? I am taking kasi doctoral studies while teaching in a university. I have credit card na BDO. I also have ITR, opened bank account last 2 years ago, travelled most of the ASEAN countries. This is my first time to apply for a visa. Thank you sir.

Hi Daniel, if i were in your shoes, I’d declare employee. :)

Hi. If invited by a Korean, do i need to provide the additional requirements? I have all the 7 listed requirements. And also nkatravel na din ako sa Japan last March lang but just a single entry visa.

Invitation letter and passport copy po ng nag invite ang additional. Since nagkapag-travel kana sa Japan, pwede ka ng hindi ang lagay ng ITR/2316 sa application mo.

Hi ask ko lng, ok lng b na di ko isubmit ung old passport ko kung sa current namn is andun n lahat ng travel stamps ko na napuntahan for the last 3 years? Though i still have a valod visa on my old passport. Plano ko ko kasi ung current n lang since madami naman travel history dun. Thanks

hi! First time to apply for a Korean Visa, pero I recently had one OECD Visa, and a Gold BPI Debit Card. However, yung funds ko nasa passbook, not at the Gold Card kasi it was meant for settlement lang naman ng mga investments. Pwede na po ba kaya magapply ng multiple agad? Or risky kaya better if single-entry muna? Thank you :)

Hi, I am tax exempted but I have the copy of my Form 2316, do I still need to write an explanation letter about being tax exempted? and as for the Bank, I open my personal account 6 months ago (almost 7), is there a possibilities that it would get me denied even though I am a regular employee and has been working for a year already?

Hi, our family is planning for a trip for 5 days. Each one of us has bank statements but the balances aren’t that big (10k to 30k). Pero 2 of us has BPI supplementary and BDO credit cards, so as a sponsor, can we submit credit card statements in lieu of bank statements? Thank you.

Hi CJ, I don’t know for sure so it’s still best to consult the travel agency where you will be lodging your application. But I think they will still ask for your bank docs. You can submit the credit card statements on top of but not in lieu of. Just my opinion, though.

Good day po… meron po ba dito na asawa ng isang EPS (yung dun po nagwowork sa korea ang asawa as factory worker) na na approved ang visa… ano po ginawa nyo…sinabi nyo po na ang totoo na dun nag wowork ang asawa nyo or hindi ko po dapat sabihi …salamat po…

Good day po! Ask ko lang may manlilibre po samen papuntang korea bale pinsan po xia ng step father ko from US.posible po ba na maaproved kami?

Hi Alissa, possible naman pero mahirap lang talaga yan kasi sobrang layo na ng relationship mo sa sponsor mo.

Hi! Just want to ask for a friend of mine. Bale she is a professional job order/ contractual sa local govt. So wla po siyang ITR,. Ano po kayang best na gawin?. Can she apply for itr po sa bir or just write a letter explaining why she dont have itr. Hope for your response. Thanks in advance..:)

Hi Raqs, she can write an explanation letter and submit other proof of employment (copy of her contract, etc.). No guarantees though.

Hi! I’m a student applying for Korean Visa and my parents’ business which is a canteen doesn’t have an ITR and Mayor’s Permit. What should I put in my cover letter?

Hi Nicole, not sure, but it may be hard to prove employment of your parents to the embassy without the documents. Do you have other relatives who can sponsor you?

If sister po mag-sponsor, hindi na po need ng parents financial docs?

Hi, Me and my brother are applying for Korean Visa on January 2020. I am going to apply in Qatar since i am working here, while my brother shall apply in the Philippines. I am going to write his name on the application form that I am travelling to Korea with my brother and vice-versa on his case too. My question is, do we still required to submit our Birth Certificate as well even though I am not going to sponsor him on our trip in S. Korea?

Many Thanks in advance.

Hi Yuehan, unfortunately, I don’t know the answer to your question. :(

Hi! Just want to ask for my friend na kasama ko sana papuntang South Korea next year. Is it ok kung and aunty niya (sister ng mom niya) i declared niya na mag iisponsor sa trip niya? For big chances of approve korean visa sana, kasi wala pa syang 1 year sa work and mag oopen pa lang din ng savings account this month of june which is kaya nya naman maka-ipon to finance his trip.

Hi. My sister and I applied for korean visa as family application. Sister ko lang ang nag provide ng bank docs. She got approved kanina lang tapos yung skn wala pa update. Malaki ba chances na approved din ako? Thanks in advance.

Hi Wil, ang alam ko pwede naman ang aunt basta maprove ung relationship and may proof na sya ung magsusupport.

Hey Yoshke!

Was wondering if you could help. I’m currently planning to go to South Korea this September but I’m confused at to how I should proceed with my visa application. Because I’m currently taking a year off from uni this year, therefore, I cannot pass a “school certificate”. My mother (who will be my sponsor) has permits from her business and her own bank accounts and certs. I also have a good enough bank account (50k-60k) if ever I need to supply them myself.

If I were to write a cover letter, how do you suggest I should go about it? Providing them a copy of my return ticket be sufficient?

Hope you could help! Means a lot!

Hi Rosie, I’m not sure of what to do in your case. If I were in your shoes, though, I’d probably state that I’m taking a year off from school and explain why. But yes, I’ll also include the return ticket even though it’s not a requirement, just to show the will to return. That’s just me. Whether or not they will submit the ticket is up to the agency though. Have you decided which agency to lodge your application at? You might want to contact them directly and ask for their advice too. I’m sure they have more insights.

Hi Good day ! naimbitahan po kasi ako umattend sa isang International Forum for University students sa Korea this coming July 10. so mgaaply po ko ng Visa for student.. Bali Ang kulang ko nlng po ngaunsa requirements is bank statement ng father ko po. Bali ganito po kasi un nagnyari,, since both nsa abroad ung parents ko po, ngprocess po sila ng SPA doon para makakuha po ko dito sa Pilipinas ng bank cert and bank stament ng father ko po. But the problem now is hndi naindicate ng father ko ung bank statement dun sa pinagawa nyang SPA kaya hndi din ako nakakuha ng bank statement, only bank cert ung nirelease ng banko. Bali ngaun ngpprocess po ulit si father ko po ng SPA dun and it will takes another week bago yun makarting d2 sa Piliinas. So pagganun hindi na po ko makaabot sa date ng forum, eh nakapgbook na din po ko ng flight. If that’s the case pwede po kaya ko mgfile nlng ng cover letter explaining kung ano ung nagyari and mgprovide nlng po ng proof of income ng parents ko po like their payslips..iccconsider po ba nila yun?

Hi JNN, di po ako makapagbigay ng advice sa inyo kasi di ko po alam kapag ganyang case. :S

Hi Yoshke! My mom and I plan to travel to Korea this December. She’s a housewife, while I’m employed and has a stable income. She and my dad are no longer in good terms although he still provides financially from time to time. Haha sorry our family is complicated lol. Anyway, that’s why she is able to save and even got her own BDO credit card. Do you think I could sponsor her even though she technically has her own money? Thus, she doesn’t need to submit my dad’s business documents anymore but only her BDO credit card. Thank you!

Hi Jes, as far as I know pwede naman na child ung magsponsor ng parent. I asked din kasi a travel agent about it and un ang sabi nila. Basta parent-child, madali naman kasi ma-prove. Di ko pa naconfirm though. Malalaman ko yan by experience soon kasi mag-apply din ako for me and my nanay.

what if yung sponsor ay walang maprovide na COE and ITR, but may work po sy and may active na Passbook. May chance po ma approve? Ok lng ba na mgpasa nalng ng explanation letter stating kung bakit hndi sya makapgprovide?

You can try naman pero mas mahihirapan talaga maapprove kapag ganyan na sponsored pero kulang ung docs nung sponsor.

Thank you, Yoshke! :)

Thanks din po!

My husband has a BDO gold credit card. We are travelling as a family (with my 2yr old son and brother who is a student). Do we need to submit bank statements?

hello po.. galing na kmi ng korea last may, nag apply kami as a family kaso di namin naisama si baby because of inevitable circumstances. Gusto sana nmin bumlik for autumn season. i have BDO gold cc pero not grnted a multiple visa, inisip ko baka kasi nag apply kami as a family kaya di nbigyan. plano ko sana mag apply ako solo para may chnce for multiple visa. then si husband and baby sabay nalang. ok lng kaya yon? and kung ikuha ko sya ng supplementary card ok lng ba yon gamitin for chances na maapprove sila. thanks po

Magapply ako this August 1,

The thing is Ive been to Taipei last Nov 2018, so it will be an edge naman since I have traveled na once?

I have 2 bank accounts, parehas savings. yung isa payroll so regularly napapasukan ng money but nawawalan ng balance din or laman pero regular yung transactions. will it be okay na ipakita pa din kahit walang laman now?

The other one is a time-locked account here at my workplace. regular na nalalagyan ng money, 2016 nagstart yung acct, nasa 30k na yung laman nitoo. no trans ng withdrawal or anything. mas safe na ipakita ito ito diba? though baka hindi normal na bank certificate and statement yung maprovide ko since technically its not associated with any bank. they will just give me the summary and transaction history nung account. cover letter na lang ba isusubmit ko to explain this?

Hi Freya, you can submit naman all 3 accounts (2 bank accounts + yung sa workplace mo) tapos explain mo na lang ung sa workplace mo.

Thank you! :) I’ll just do a cover letter then. I do hope the visa would be granted since 3 days lang naman plan ko. Ive read from other blogs na mas concerned yung consulate on the maturity and activeness of the account rather than the actual balance.

They take maturity, activity and actual balance — all of them — into consideration. :D

Hello! Planning to apply for a visa this October. I’m currently employed and I’ve been with the company since June 2018 so my ITR statement is much lower than my actual earnings since June-January 2018 lang yung na-cover niya. Will that be an issue kaya? Should I write a cover letter explaining that or gets na naman nila yun since may COE naman that would state na June 2018 ako nahire?

Also, I’m currently enrolled in graduate school so I’m wondering if pwede rin mag-submit ng enrollment certificate for additional proof na babalik talaga ako ng Pinas. Pwede ba yun or useless lang siya?

Thank you! :)

Makakatulong ung enrolment certificate to prove na babalik ka. :)

And yep, you can submit an explanation letter. Makakatulong din un sa ITR situation mo and to explain na you’re also in graduate school.

Sorry, June-December* 2018

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, I 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

Follow up to this, I got my visa for the second time (first was march of this year). What I did with my dilemma is I submitted my ITR from 2018 + COE from the prev branch that I was working in + Independent Contractor Contract + Explanation letter.

Hope this could help anyone with situation.

Can we choose the date/time of interview at the Korean embassy? My sister and brother-in-law wants to travel with us but lives in a remote island so they would like the interview date to be close to the actual trip so that they need not make two trips to Manila – one for the interview and another for the actual flight to South Korea.

What interview are you referring to?

As far as I know, there is no interview.

Hello Poor Travelers,

I am Anj. I am frequent traveler to South Korea. I already have a multiple visa entry to South Korea. Overall, I went to South Korea 5 times plus my flight this November, so that’s 6x. My first flight was October 2017.

I would just like to ask if it’s okay to renew (or apply) for a multiple visa while my visa is still valid? It will expire on October 2020. Thank you.

Hi Anj, ay, i don’t know if that’s possible sa Korea. Ang alam ko ay yung sa Schengen States, may rule talaga sila na no 2 valid visas at the same time, so need ipa-invalidate ung isa if mag-aapply ng new one. Pero di ko alam if same ng policy ang Korea.

Hello ask ko lng po. Need po ba both parents, mother & father ung may cert of employment? Kasi nkaleave ung mommy ko ngayon. Di daw sya mkakuha. Is it oky if father lng may cert of employment?

Hello Poor Travelers, want to ask sana pano po pag i have two bank accounts(bpi and Pnb) pero wala pa sia 3 months old. Pero same is may laman good for 8 days sa korea. The thing is i have an account sa bdo pero pinaclose ko kasi nahihirapan ako mag deposit kasi po laging pila. Kaya i decided to open new accounts sa other banks. Can i have a letter of explaination about this? Or malaki possibility na i will be denied? Im a Deped teacher then i have an invitation letter coming from my relatives sa south korea. Appreciate your answers. Thank you for your help

Aww sad to hear po about your friend. So mas maganda po if d ko nlang ipass ung Invitation letter? Ung sa akin naman po is 2 bank accounts. Halos 2 months old sia. But to have an evidence na nagkaroon tlga ako bank account na matagal na sa bdo. Okay lang b na idikiit ko sa cover letter ko mga letters o records ko from BDO?Naisip ko , how about magpasponsor ako? Ayun nga lang d ko sia immediate family but very financially stable account nila. Kumpleto na rin po ako ITR, Appointment Letter from Civil Service Commission testifying I’m a permanent teacher, Employment Letter at iba pa po. Pinagprapray ko po tlga matuloy. Kasi po greatest goal po nmen at nakapag book na din po flight and hotel. Appreciate your help po Sir. Thanks a lot po.

I wish alam ko ung dapat i-advise sa’yo pero di rin ako confident sa mga nasa isip ko regarding your case. Ang alam ko lang, pag sponsor, ideally immediate family member.

I think it’s best to consult the travel agency where you plan to lodge the application. :(

Hi Marie Antonette,

Naku, mukhang mahirap yan. Same ng nangyari sa isang friend ko. Lumipat sya ng bank so pina-close nya ung account and nag-open ng bago. So 1 month pa lang open ang bank account nya nung nag-apply. Hindi tinanggap ng embassy. Nag-ask sila ng other bank accounts, eh isa lang ung sa friend ko. Binigyan sya ng option to proceed pero may risk of denial talaga or iwithdraw na lang ang application. Nag-withdraw na lang ung friend ko kasi malabo raw talaga.

This was at the time na wala pa sa picture ang mga agencies. So di ko alam ngayon.

The invitation letter wouldn’t help much. If anything, mas lalong magiging strict sayo ang embassy kasi may kakilala ka dun.

Hello Yoshke,

Preparing all docs needed for Korea Tourist Visa. I have downloaded one form which is Letter of Guarantee sa heading nya. Does it apply to us Filipino applicants na mag ssponsor/guarantor ako sa member ng family ko since my father is unemployed/retired OFW and my sister who is a student? Do I need to fill up that form as a guarantor/sponsor? We are not sponsored by anyone in Korea. So plain tourist lang talaga as a family. Will they allow me to sponsor 2 members of the family at the same time? Or would you recommend my other sister or mother who are both OFW’s but will apply their visas abroad that’s why we opted that I will sponsor 2 other family members. I have enough show money for the both of them. Thanks!

I don’t know. I haven’t applied for a Korean visa na sponsored or na magsponsor ng someone else.

Pero dati, nakapagtanong ako sa designated agency pero tungkol sa kapag hindi immediate family. Need daw ng Affidavit of Support. Pero di ko natanong kung needed pa ng Affidavit kapag immediate family.

I recommend consulting a designated travel agency para diretso na. Try Constellation Travels. :)

Hello people~

It will be my 5th time to apply for a South Korean tourist visa. My 1st 4 visits were done within 2 years (November 2017 – April 2019). So does that mean I can get a multiple entry visa?

Another question: I recently changed jobs kasi, I used to be a Contractual worker sa isang government agency sa Bicutan. Then last June 2019, I started my new job as a Permanent government employee sa BIR QC. The thing is, mas mababa kasi ang basic salary ko sa permanent job compared dun sa contractual job. Kailangan ko pa kaya magsubmit ng letter stating my job transition? Or okay na COE nalang from BIR ang ipakita?

Thanks sa makakasagot~

ALSO NOTE LANG SA IBANG MAGAAPPLY: I’ve applied 4x for a Korean visa and approved na less than 60k lang ang laman ng bank account ko. My last application, my bank only had 22k in it.

Hi Beebee, I don’t know for sure.

According to a travel agency that I consulted, dati pa raw yang “4 visits in 2 years” na eligibility sa multiple. Di na daw sya nag-apply ngayon. Mas erratic and unpredictable daw ngayon. Di ko sure yan, nashare ko lang ung sabe saken.

Good afteenoon po! Mam I want to travel to South Korea on October 2019 ( Autumn). I’m currently working here in Saudi Arabia. My problem is, I want to try to apply for korean tourist visa here in Saudi but I don’t know if its easy. Saan po ba mas madali mag-apply po, dito saudi or sa pinas na lang po? Uuwi po ako sa Pinas by October. Wala din po kasi ako ITR, wala naman po kasi tax dito saudi. So, ano po ba ang mas maganda kong gawin? Thank you so much!

Ay di ko po alam kung alin ung mas madali kasi wala po ako point of comparison. Sa Pilipinas ko pa lang po kasi na-try. :(

Hi. I just want to ask if you have heard about the embassy’s issue with system generated COEs? I recently submitted my requirements to Rakso Air Travel and Tours Inc. but they told me that the COE has to have an indication that it is system generated so it won’t look like I forged the document. The agent gave me the choice if I want to try submitting the one I have but declined because I don’t want to take the risk. Please let me know your thoughts/advice on this.

Hi Angela, haven’t heard of it. You mean that the embassy prefers system-generated COEs?

I never submitted a system-generated COE to the Korean Embassy. The COEs I submitted were always manually prepared by my IS or client.

Hi! I was wondering if you can help me in filling up my form..I’m not sure where I should put my middle name? Or hindi na ba siya required ilagay? Thank you

Hi again Yoshke!

I’m a bit confused if I’ll pass the requirements of being employee or self employed. Because I’ll present my bank account where I used for my online business (I only have one account) and I will present my employee requirements. Hindi ba parang fishy sa consul yun?

PS. I got rejected three times last year ng korean embassy :((((

Hi Den, ano po bang employee status nyo now? Full time employee pero may online business on the side?

Yes, exactly! Full time employee and may online business as my sideline. Inaasikaso ko pa kasi mayor’s permit and BIR, but DTI registered na :)

If I were in your shoes, I would apply as an employee and declare that I also have an online business. Then, I will also submit an Explanation Letter and proof of income from my online business.

When you were denied before, what employment status did you declare?

Employed rin ako dati, same company.. Pero under agency kasi ako, nagkacater ung company ko ng nurses and doctors sa iba’t ibang sites. (I’m a nurse). Nung unang beses ako nadenied: nagbigay ako ng explanation letter na bakit dalawa COE at ITR ko (kasi nagend na ung contract ng dati kong agency sa company na kinicater nila, tapos nagpaabsorb kami sa bagong agency). That was March 2018.

2nd time na nadenied ako: Hindi ako nakapagpasa ng original COE kasi soooooobrang tagal ng processing ng COE namin wala na akong time. 3rd time: triny ko sa Cebu right after nadenied ako sa Manila, mga after two days lang. All complete requirements except walang tatak ng BIR ung ITR ko. (Both November 2018)

So it will be easier if I’ll pass my DTI registration and proof of income from my online business?

When did you register your business? If bago pa lang, parang malabo pa rin sya itake ng embassy seriously.

Hi! I hope this helps anyone who is under the same situation as me.

I applied for a Korean Visa last December and travelling solo. Although I’m a student, ako magssponsor sa sarili kong trip using my savings/allowances. My parents weren’t in a good financial position kasi kakadebut lang ng kapatid ko so they’re basically nganga that time lol. What I did was I submitted my own bank certificate and statement along with a cover letter explaining why my parents can’t sponsor me for this trip. Sinama ko din school certificate ko para ma-ensure sila na babalik ako ng PH. I already had my flight and accommodation details din with my application kasi yung laman lang ng bank account ko that time was around 30K BUT my account was very active (specifically 13 pages inabot ng bank statement ko lol). Yung ADB din nung account ko was around 10K lang that time. I just submitted my parents’ marriage certificate and COE.

And yes, my application was approved! I stayed in Korea for a week and it’s literally the best week I’ve had. And super rush pa nya since naapprove visa ko merely hours before my flight sobrang nakakaloka. Pero now di na pwede super rush since they’re discontinuing daw yung express application from Sept. 9. And now i’m excited to come back for the second time next week with the same conditions as i had the first time around. For those who is in the same situation as I’m in just make sure to explain everything on your cover letter as in everything BUT dont make it too long. I explained everything in one page lang.

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing! For sure maraming matutulungan.

And glad you had an awesome time in Korea!

Medyo stressed po ako since it’s about a month and a half na lang til my flight and I haven’t secured a visa yet. Ready na sana lahat ng documents ko when I saw my ITR (2316) didn’t have the signature sa #58 – this is the one at the very bottom for the present employer to sign.

(Note though, na merong signature si present employer sa #56. Bakit di nila pinirmahan both!!! Kaloka).

Anyway. I contacted our HR and since large corporation kami, it took them several days to answer. Huhu. Sabi nung isa – “Since you were a new hire last 2018, you are classified under nonsubstituted employees, and #58 has no signature. Per payroll team, that is still valid for any legal purpose.”

Sabi nung isa (yes, magkahiwalay pa sila sumagot LOL) – “We can only stamp a Certified True Copy, and we will send this to your department.” Ang problema, faint na nga yung certification stamp, dun pa sya sa may #59 (employee’s signature) pumirma ng certification signature. So parang nag-overlap yung signatures naming dalawa.

HAAAAY. Sorry Yoshke, sayo ako nagdrama. Hahahaha. Wala na rin kasi akong pag-asa at this point. Tatanggapin ba to ng agency/embassy? Should I just use the uncertified version (walang ugly stamp and signature, at least) then just go for a cover letter? I’m not sure what to do at this point.

Hoping you can share any insight.

Best, Athena

Hi Athena, if I were in your shoes, since may flights na, i-gora ko pa rin. Submit whatever you have then write an explanation letter and hope for the best.

Kung ako lang yan ha.

Hi! Just wanted to share that Reli Tours in Megamall has been relocated to (outer) Ground Floor Building A, the street area between Building A and Building B! :)

Hi, my brother’s son will be joining us in the trip and he’s just 2 years old as of now. Should I use the same application form po ba or may separate form for children? and also for the reqs, should I need to photocopy the reqs from the parent and attach to the application of the child? Thanks

Hi, What is the minimum age for Visa Application? I have a 5-month-old baby and she will be 9 months old by the time we apply for Korean Visa.

Please enlighten us.

Hello po, ask ko lang po kung meron na po kayo na experience na nag punta muna nang SG tapos pagbalik saka kumuha nang korean visa na na approve po? Natatakot po kasi ako sa friend ko. Kasi hindi na siya nakapag file nang visa ngayon kasi nextweek na po ang alis niya, eh 10-15 working days po pala ang pagkuha nang visa. Salamat po sa makakasagot.

I’m traveling with my family, but can apply as an individual?

Hello! I’ll be travelling with my family to korea this december. I visited korea last april but i was only given a single entry visa. I was a student then, and already graduated last june. Do I check unemployed in the visa form? If so, how can i explain that im a fresh graduate and my dad who will be travelling with me will support the trip? Do you think i’ll be given a visa again? Thanks so much!

Hi LJ, you can submit a cover letter to explain that you’re a fresh grad.

Hello! What if form 2307 is provided but not 2316 due to a non-contractual job? The acctg only provides the 2316 to regular, permanent employees. Will that suffice along with an explanation letter. I have worked in the same organization since 2017. Additional docs included are my payslip and employment and salary details.

Hello Yoshke, tanong ko lang kung ang Cebu is kasama sa new Visa application processing time?

Hi Maria, nope. According to some members of our support group and a travel agency in Cebu, di affected ang Cebu consulate.

10 days lang ang processing time sa cebu consulate but the problem is, yung mga travel agency dun, 20 applications per day lang daw pwede nila masubmit. so nakapila pa yung samin sa oct.15 pa isusubmit ng agency,huhu. if only we can afford to go to cebu just to submit personally but we can’t due to our jobs. so sad naman na nililimit ng korea mga tourists/visitors nila :(

Hi, for new passport (10 years) if wala siyang signature, will it not be valid? will it be grounds para ma denied ang visa?

Di ko po alam if makaka-affect. Pero ang nakasulat po sa passport, “Not valid unless signed.”

Good morning. Just have some concern regarding sa application ng Korean Visa. Me and my 2 friends will travel sa SoKor on February 2020. Our first application was done last November 2018 but only 2 of us was approved. My friend tried to appeal since okay naman ang bank statement nya (100k) and matagal na nyang ginagamit but, that time when we applied he was not yet a regular employee (3 months) sa new job nya. We’re planning to go back in SoKor next year together with my 2 friends again and this time ay regular employee na siya and the bank statement he will going to use ay payroll account since every month may transaction doon unlike sa previous account nya na bihira lang magkadeposit and big amount pa minsan kung malagyan. Is there a possibility na ma approve na siya now or madeny again second time?

This not our first travel together. We travelled on some asian countries (6) before we apply for Korean Visa.

Thank you and sorry for the long explanation. I hope you can help me.

It’s very difficult for me to say if maaapprove or madedeny this time around. That rests solely on the visa officer. My only advice is, if he has been denied before, make sure that he will not be submitting the same documents. So yes, okay yung ibang account na may regular transaction ang isubmit this time around.

There is always a possibility na madeny, especially pag na-deny na before. Pero since nag-iba na ang situation ng friend mo from yung nung last application, I think it’s worth a shot.

He was denied when he appealed to Consul last November 2018 so we are trying a second application now and hoping that it will be approved this time

I have got the Invitation letter for business Trip. But where can i found the Word fli of Application form? I am only getting pdfs.

You can find it here: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3283/view.do?seq=724702

Hi! For the “Countries you’ve been to in the last 5 years” part of the visa application, should we put ALL the countries we’ve been to in the last 5 years? We have more than 5 countries kasi so it won’t fit the given space. Are we supposed to add a separate sheet for it ba?

Hi Pat, ang ginagawa ko first five lang tapos separate sheet na ang iba.

Hi Yoshke, can you share the template of this separate page? Thanks! :)

Hello po! Tatanong lang po kasi nagtuturo po ako sa isang maliit na Foreign Language School pero hindi po ako professional teacher. Bibihira ang estudyante sa amin kaya wala masyadong income ang school at sahod na natatanggap. Pupunta po ako ng Korea at mananatili roon ng isang buwan para mag-training. Naisip ko pong magpa-sponsor na lang sa magulang ko. Matatanggap po kaya iyon?

Hi Doms, pwede po naman na isponsor ng parents pero they might still need to see your own financial and employment documents and they will take those into consideration pa rin. Also, hindi ko po alam if covered pa rin yang purpose of travel nyo ng tourist visa. Check nyo po with the embassy kung ano ung best visa type for you.

Question lng po: First time ko kumuha ng Visa for SOKOR pero may mga travel na ako international free visa counties like (Hongkong-Macau, Thailand), then 6 years na regular employed. meron na rin ako bank Certificate & bank statement ang laman ng personal bank account ko is around 60-65K for 6 days. nasubmit ko ko na din lahat ng requirements na kelangan sa agency.. copy ng ITR from employer and then COE. Actually, magtravel kami kasama ko yun family ng sister ko. sama sama kami.

Ano po yung question nyo?

Ask ko lng if possible kaya na maapprove yun visa ko? Thanks!

Possible pa rin naman po basta walang fishy dun sa bank transactions.

Although maliit yung 65K for 6 days, may chance pa rin naman yun maapprove. Mas malaki lang ung chance syempre if mas ok yung finances.

Hello! Thanks for the comprehensive article, very helpful! I am traveling with my sister to Korea next year. She is 18 years old and still a senior high student by that time.

My worry is, I already have a multiple-entry Korean visa, thus, I cannot apply together with her as family. As her sponsor and companion for the trip, what do I need to submit to prove my financial capacity (We will also submit our birth certificate to prove the relationship, including my track record of entry to Korea).

Do you recommend that she should have her own bank account, or will our parent’s employment and financial documents suffice, including my own? I also plan to submit a cover letter explaining the situation, as well as supplemental proof that she will really return here. Thanks in advance!

Hi JK, as far as I know, pwede na ung employment and financial docs ng parents pag student. Di need ng personal bank account for that. :)

You can call a designated agency to confirm din.

Hi! Good day. Question lang po.

My family and I decided to spend Christmas Holidays in South Korea. Will be applying na for Korean Visas on November 13, 2019 in Cebu, and we already bought our tickets to SK because of impulsiveness.

I’ll be traveling (21, and unemployed) with my 2 minor sisters, 3 aunts, and 1 cousin. My mom is dead and my father works abroad. My first aunt is a freelancer, which means she doesn’t have an ITR. My 2nd aunt has travelled to more than 5 OECD countries in the last five years, and my third aunt is a BDO and BPI Gold card holder.

my 2nd, and 3rd aunt will be sponsoring our flights and entire stay in South Korea. What are our chances of approval if my first aunt is a freelancer and is unable to submit the complete requirements? Will our applications be evaluated individually or as a family? Thanks.

I’ll try to answer your questions adequately.

What are our chances of approval if my first aunt is a freelancer and is unable to submit the complete requirements? — Yung ginagawa ng ibang walang ITR ay nagsusubmit ng explanation letter + other proof of income (registration document, etc.)

Will our applications be evaluated individually or as a family? — As far as I know, even if you apply as a family, you will be evaluated individually. Merong mga cases na family or group application pero di lahat approved.

Do I still have to provide our dad’s certificate of employment and his bank statement abroad even though he isn’t the one sponsoring our trip? — Ang alam ko po, mas ok if magsubmit ka pa rin nung employment certificate and bank statements ng parents mo. In addition, kailangan ng Affidavit of Support from your tita kasi di considered immediate family ang tita. Call mo na lang din ung agency kung saan ka mag-apply para sure.

Do I still have to provide our dad’s certificate of employment and his bank statement abroad even though he isn’t the one sponsoring our trip?

Hi! I’m traveling to South Korea with my famliy (me, husband, 2 kids – 5yrs and 8yrs old). We were granted 5 years, multiple entry visas since March 2019. Finally, we plan to travel this December 14-19, 2019. I would like to bring my children’s nannies. My son has autism and my daughter is only 5 years old and we would really need the help of the nannies with us. We already brought our nannies to HK and Singapore and they have stamps in their passports. My questions are:

1. Can we bring 2 nannies? 2. Is it advisable for me to sponsor 1 nanny and my husband to sponsor the other? 3. What other documents will i submit for them? 4. Can i inform the agency if we can have express/expedite processing given the dates?

1. Yes, I don’t see why not. As long as you can show that you can support them financially.

2. Yes, I think it’s possible.

3. You can submit a notarized Affidavit of Support, stating that you are their employer and why you need them on the trip. You can also write a letter of explanation.

4. I think they have cancelled the express option.

I would still suggest that you call the designated agency where you plan to apply, in case I missed something.

Hello po, my question po ako regarding sa new rules ng korean embassy in filling the new application form.

I applied pala via Constellation Travel dito Iloilo. Now my concern is, last time I applied way back 2016 lahat po ng questions na not applicable for me sa form nilagyan ko ng N/A and thankfully approved naman po. (but not sure kung merong impact pag my N/A or wala)

Now po diba my new rules na dapat Arial 12 format? I followed din naman yun but this time di ko na nilagyan ng N/A yung mga questions na not applicable sa akin and just leave it blank na lang as adviced by constellation. But I’m confused cause when I called the Korean embassy they told me to just put N/A.

Do you think it will affect my application?

Thank you po

I don’t know if may changes na, but the agencies that I consulted about that — Reli, Constellation — both say to leave fields blank pag hindi applicable.

Pwede nyo po iexplain in detail yung 3 ways para visa free entry? Yung first po, halimbawa from Phil to Korea, pagdating doon, may proof dapat na may flight ako going to a third country. Lets say Taiwan, tama po ba?

Hi Jeck, di ko pa po nababasa or nakakapag-research about sa visa-free 3 ways.

Sige po Sir, I will wait for your blog entry about it. Kasi sobrang tagal ng waiting time para sa visa processing ng Korea. Thanks Sir for your reply.

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

approved na visa namin yesterday lng :) tuloy na tuloy na kami next month. thank God lahat kami na approved.

Yayyyy! Congrats!

Buti ka pa. Kami hindi natuloy yung pagbalik namin kasi di na aabot ung visa sa travel date namin.

Thank you…nakakakaba talaga kase dami ko nabasa about sa mga na denied sa embassy sa manila.. pwede na kami mag start bumili ng mga kelangan lalo na’t winter sa korea ng December.

Bili ka lang ng for 1 day. Mas mura ang winter items if sa Korea ka bili kaysa dito sa Pinas. :)

Really, nice idea..meron nman ako pang isang pang winter pwede dun n lng ako bibili.

Thank you so much :)

hello everyone i have a something to say and i need to get answer i`m Egyptian my wife is Korean now we married 1 year and 8 months i had problem with immigration so they pushed me to leave korea last march now we in egypt together my wife left korea when she was pregnant in first 3 months after we came to egypt i submitted for marriage visa but embassy rejected it now we have a baby i`m really worry if they denied it again i forgot something before we leaved Korea immigration told me i can`t enter Korea during one year

now we we have baby can i back now or still can not embassy here very bad and won`t to help any idea???????????

Hi! Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the policy for Egyptian nationals so I don’t know how I could help you. :S

hi question lang po, may unused korean visa ako last november 2018, di ako natuloy for some personal matter, tpos ngaun mag aapply ka ulit ng visa, may need ba ko isubmit na explanation letter as to why hindi ko sya nagamit? thanks

Hi Ella, di ko alam for sure kasi di ko pa naranasan.

Sa FB Support Group namin, may nagsasabi na hindi need ng explanation. Meron ding nagsasabi na kailangan daw. Meron din daw additional fee. Pero di ko sure.

I suggest gawa ka na lang ng explanation letter para sure tapos when you go to the agency to submit, ask mo sila if needed ba yun kasi mas alam nila for sure. If needed pa, at least may dala ka na.

jut got my visa yesterday…nag submt ako ng application last oct. 21 pa……sa sobrang excited ng barkada, maaga palang nag reresearch na kami ng tenerary at application process kaya nalaman namin agad na sobrang tagal na pala ng releasing ngayon unlike dati…….

Great thing you applied early! Congrats!!! Enjoy Korea!

Check out our Seoul Travel Guide here, too: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/01/korea-travel-guide-seoul-itinerary/

HI sir, regarding credit card holder promo.. Is it okay to provide certified true copy of 3 months credit card statement na lang plus credit card certificate from the bank?

Hi Yoshke, my family (mom, two younger siblings) to Korea in spring 2020 for tourism. Our flights are booked. Been to Korea thrice for the last five years and for this family trip, I will be the sponsor. My mom is a housewife, my youngest sibling is employed but the other sibling is unemployed and currently lives with me. He was an OFW back in 2014-2015 but returned to the Philippines for good and due to our family set up (dad passed in 2015, I had a medical condition in 2016) she handled the household affairs and was unemployed until she lived with me early this year and started a home-based online business in October. Since she is also bent on starting her own business in our hometown (buy and sell), she will apply for business permit in January. I am planning to file our visa In February.

1. What do you suggest the best thing we do, since I will sponsor the trip, is it better to declare her unemployment in the application? She is in her early 30’s.

2. Or since she will apply for business permit in January, is it better to declare she is self-employed? She will also open a new bank account in January dedicated to this business. Should we submit a bank cert/statement from this account? Will the embassy accept it?

3. Or will her new online business suffice plus a letter of explanation narrating her current circumstances as stated above? She also has a dedicated bank account for her online business but the amount is less than 10,000.

4. Will her financial status negatively affect her application even if I will sponsor the trip?

5. What is her best option to increase her chances of visa approval? How can she convince the consul that we will only travel for tourism as a family.

6. I am financially capable to bear all the expenses, has stable employment (12 years and counting, frequent traveler). Does this send a message to the consul that our only purpose is tourism? Will it increase our chances for visa approval?

7. Should I also submit a cover letter for the family?

That’s a lot of questions but thank you very much for your advice :)

I’ll try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge, but I would still encourage you to get in touch with the designated agency where you plan to lodge your application.

1. Since by the time you apply she would already have a registered business, she can use that. In my opinion, it’s better to have a new source of income than none at all. That said, they will definitely notice that the business is new so it’s best to be forthcoming about it by explaining why in a cover letter. The things you shared in your comment seem to be valid reasons.

2. Does she have an older bank account, even a personal account? They may be forgiving about a new business, but I’m not sure how considerate they can be if the bank account is ALSO newly opened.

3. Our teammate tried applying for a visa na sponsored din, but she was still asked to submit her own bank certificate/statements regardless.

4. Yes. Embassies tend to be stricter with sponsored applicants. More reason for them to scrutinize her finances.

5. To be honest, I don’t know what else. But if I were in your position, I would take a personal approach and explain why your sister had to stop working for a couple of years and that you just want to thank her by spending time together. That’s what I would do, but that’s just me.

6. The thing about Korea is that even if the applicant is sponsored, they still look at their own personal financial and employment status regardless. That’s why kahit na family application, it’s not unheard of na may isa na denied tapos approved yung iba.

7. Yes, that will help.

Hi! Thank you for all the information! I am planning to apply for a tourist visa sometime next year. I want to take my mom with me. She’s a senior citizen and a housewife, no bank accounts or anything. Just some cash savings in her drawer. Lol.

I can submit all the requirements, I think. I’m just wondering how I can let the embassy know that I can cover for my mom’s trip expenses. Do you happen to know how I can go about with it? I would really love to see South Korea with her. Thanks!

Hi Jemibee,

I was supposed to go to Korea with my senior citizen mom last month. Di lang natuloy kasi di aabot yung visa. But according to the travel agency we consulted, if ako yung sasagot, need ko: – Proof of relationship — kahit birth certificate lang ay okay na – Bank certificate AND statements — to prove that I can financially support both of us. Dapat sufficient yung laman and walang fishy transactions – COE/ITR — to prove may work ako and may source of income talaga ako – Cover letter explaining that I will be sponsoring the trip. Since immediate family, di naman daw need ng Affidavit of Support.

Makakatulong din if magsubmit mom mo ng copy ng senior citizen ID.

Best to call pa rin the designated travel agency where you plan to lodge your application para mas ma-guide ka nila. Ihe-help ka naman nila basta sa kanila mo ifa-file. :)

when we download the form, kapag itype natin automatic naka arial size 12 na ba yun?

Hi Sen, pwede namang ichange yung font and size when filling out the form digitally. What program/app do you use when filling out?

I use pdf. kaya lang in order to edit, kelangan mag purchase haha

the font being used now is very different ba from the font before? kasi i just downloaded the form sa website ng embassy, so im not sure if it was already in arial 12 or not.

if ever the font i submitted was in, say, times new roman, ibabalik ba nila application ko?

Hi Sen, I think they’re referring to font when you type your answers. Just the answers. You don’t need to change the font of the questions. The actual form, as is pa rin siya kasi wala naman silang newly released na form.

I was referring to my answers font. i downloaded the form from the embassy website, and just type. i dont know if the font when i typed my answers ay naka arial 9 na. kasi sa pdf, i couldnt check or edit font. when i tried doing it, may bayad kasi.

what if my answers hindi naka arial 9, magkakaproblema kaya at ibalik nila sakin to retype? 8 kasi kami mag apply, lahat ng form nafill out na kasi when we found out thru your site regarding sa font. yung ibang kasama namin bumalik na sa province, so if we have to retype everything, they wont be here to sign it. this is so stressful. the korean embassy website kasi walang sinabi regarding sa font size. only that it should be printed on A4 paper.

The update on font size was cascaded to designated travel agencies, which was then shared with us.

I get that the file type you’re using is PDF, but what program are you using to open and type on it? Acrobat Reader?

Anyway, if it’s easier, there is a Word version of the application form available on the Korean embassy’s website. We also have a copy here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Visa-Application-Form.docx

And it should be Arial 12.

Hi! I have the same question regarding font size. Meron kasi akong mahahabang sagot like address, name of school, so nagaadjust na sya mismo sa format ng visa application kapag word. Ok lang ba yun? And if pdf edit naman, lampas lampas na sya. Eh sabi bawal daw lampas sa space yung mga sagot. Nag-aapply pa kaya ito for 2023? Worried lang kasi first time ko sya and na-abolished na yung accreditation ng mga travel agency. Thank you!

Hi, I’m planning to go to Korea with my friends next year. I have been to Korea last April with my parents, but was only approved a single-entry visa. I’m 23 and I work as a freelancer, so no ITR to present. When I applied for a visa for the April trip, I had many stamps from my Southeast Asian trips, a letter of explanation why i don’t have an ITR and an Affidavit of Support from my Dad since he’s with me naman during the trip. However next year, it’s going to be just me and my friends and I still don’t have an ITR to present. Can I still ask for an Affidavit of Support from my Dad even if he’s not coming with me sa trip??

If you’re declaring that your dad will be shouldering the expenses, yes, you can submit Affidavit of Support.

Hi, i have BDO Gold, but i don’t have a statement of accounts since my card is almost new and didn’t have transactions yet. Latest original credit card account statement and photocopy of the credit card should be submitted during visa application. any thoughts on this?

Diba pwedeng mag enter ng Korea visa-free kapag may OECD Visa ka and then confirmed flight to that country within the next 30 days? What if I just get a ticket with a 24-hr free cancellation? Kasi di na aabot yung visa ko for the flight and I have the OECD visas naman. Do you think this will work?

Di po ako aware sa ganyan. :S

Sorry nakikicomment lang, I dunno how to add a new comment. I would like to clarify on the OECD visa kasi po it was mentioned that persons who have travelled as TOURISTs in OECD countries are exempt from submitting an ITR. Is the exemption limited only to tourists po and not those who have previously worked there? My boyfriend used to work in Italy and came home sa Pinas last 2016.

Thank you so much for your help!

Di ko po sure, pero ang assumption ko doon ay for non-work lang yun nag-aapply. I could be wrong.

Hello po, Happy Holidays…

Magtatanong po sana ako… What if college student ako pero I’m working as part time.. May pera na din sa bank kasi nag stop ako before para magtrabaho full time… Should I submit requirements for the ’employed’ or kasali na ‘student’ kasi ako lang magfifinace sa self ko…

Also, my mom is a Korean fan pero unemployed siya, housewife lang. She’s here in Cebu, boarding with me. I want her to accompany me in my Korea trip. Is it okay if yung i-papasa na requirements for her sponsor is mine? or kailangan Certifcate of Employment and ITR of my dad? Kasi ako rin naman magsposponsor sa kaniya eh. Also for her, does she need to submit some economic ties here in the country?

Also, sa bank statement ng mom ko po… Dun siya nagkukuha ng pera para pambili ng grocery etc. pang daily life namin dito sa Pinas.. And it turned out na hindi malaki yung pera niya don sa bank account niya kasi hindi siya nag-iipon. Ma de-deny po ba siya sa ganyan because of the small amount of money in her bank, kahit na ako yung mag fifinace sa kanya during the duration of our trip?

Last one po, super pasensya na talaga… I’m just very confused at the moment… We don’t have a travel history.. Is it okay lang na first time namin yung South Korea as our international trip or kailangan talaga pumunta muna sa mga visa-free countries?

Thank you so much po, sana masagot po itong mga katanungan ang I’m very sorry if super mahaba yung tanong ko.. I can’t find the answers on the internet kasi plus hindi pa ako pumunta ng travel agency kasi baka nakakaintimidate sila hahahaha… God bless :)

Hi Ralph, no worries, I feel you!

Isa-isahin natin ha. Pero bago yun, medyo complicated yung case mo so I still suggest consulting a designated agency kasi mas alam nila gagawin. Anyway, try ko pa rin sagutin yung questions mo as far as I know.

1. Should I submit requirements for the ’employed’ or kasali na ‘student’ kasi ako lang magfifinace sa self ko…? — In my opinion, both. Normally, sasabihin ko ay choose one lang para hindi ma-complicate. But since you will be sponsoring your mom, you need to prove that you have a source of income. But it might help na idisclose na student ka pa kasi ties pa rin yun dito sa Pinas.

2. Ma de-deny po ba siya sa ganyan because of the small amount of money in her bank, kahit na ako yung mag fifinace sa kanya during the duration of our trip? — Pwedeng maging basis ng refusal ung maliit na amount sa bank. Hindi naman nawawala yung ganung possibility. Marami ring applicants ang malaki ang laman ng account, nadedeny pa rin. They look at the full picture kasi.

3. Is it okay lang na first time namin yung South Korea as our international trip or kailangan talaga pumunta muna sa mga visa-free countries? — May mga first time na mag-abroad na naaapprove naman. Pero feeling ko, honestly, given everything you mentioned, the safer way to go is build travel history first. Pareho tayo ng sitwasyon. Pangarap ko sa nanay ko makapunta kami sa Korea dati pa pero hanggang ngayon di ko pa sya nadadala dun. hahaha. Inuna ko muna ung mga visa-free like HK, Macau and Singapore. Tapos nag-Japan na kami. This year, medyo malakas na ang loob ko na mag-apply sa Korea.

hello mam ask ko po sna kng nid k p mg punta s oecd contry,,kse galing n po ako ngtour s malaysia at 2 mhigit ako s dubai,,eh na denied po kse ako ngaun s visa for korea

at singapore po pla,,tapos po eh ung bangko k eh kakaopen lng kse galing po ako s dubai,,pero may laman nmn n 500k,,anu kya reason ng denied k po

Most likely po ung bank account nyo kasi kung bago pa lang, red flag un sa paningin nila.

Hi! Heads-up, the Embassy released a new application form (Jan 2020)

http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3275/view.do?seq=760835&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=1

Thanks for letting us know! Ayan, pinalitan na namin. :D

Hello po, me and my friend will travel to SoKor this coming March, i will apply a visa here abroad and she will apply po sa atin sa pinas, my question is she will only have around 30k sa payroll account nya before mag apply ng visa, her ticket and hotel po, ako na ang mag shoulder, means makakapag pasa sya ng requirements together with the confirmed 2-way ticket and hotel booking. We will stay there 5days po, how many percent of chances po kaya na ma approve ang visa nya since around 30k lang ang magiging bank balance nya? Thanks po.

Hi Clyrrah,

Pasensya na po pero mahirap po for me to say kung ilang percent ang chances because it depends on a whole lot of factors, hindi lang ung laman ng bank account.

Hi. Anyone who experienced entering Jeju Island after a denied korean visa? My korea visa was denied last Jan.6,2020 and plan B is going to Jeju on Jan.19,2020. I called the Korea Embassy in Manila and they said it doesn’t matter kung may korea visa denied stamp since Jeju is visa-free. My worry is on Jeju Immigration. Kung may maeencounter ba akong problem or worst is di nila ako payagan mag enter ng Jeju because of denied visa although dapat wala siyang bearing since visa-free ang Jeju. Any same experience encountered or any advice? Thank you.

Helllo there, thank you for the updated Korean visa requirements. Confirm ko lang if hindi na talaga sila nag aallow ng borrowing ng passport if you have a travel before the intended travel to Korea? I called the embassy just this end of December 2019 and sabi inaallow na nila since matagal yung processing. Please advise, naconfuse ako. Thank you.

If sabi nung embassy na ina-allow nila, baka binago na nila ang policy. Di lang siguro nila na-cascade to agencies. Kasi yung last message nila ay di na pwede pero that was before humaba yung processing time. So baka pwede na nga now.

if my credit cardis newly issued about 2mos can i use it as a requirement?

Hi, I was granted a single entry visa to korea and will expire on March 26, 2020. I intend to travel February of 2020 but due to unavoidable circumstances at work I rebooked my ticket May 22, 2020. If I apply again for another visa, is there a guarantee to be approved? When can I apply again? Is it possible to apply earlier than expiration of my visa since the processing is longer so that it can be released before my flight?

Hi sir! Tanong ko po if yung ITR na magagamit ko po is yung sa dati kung employer kasi dito po sa bagong pinagtatrabahuan ko April 2020 ko pa dw po makukuha. Eh April po yung target date namin for KR. may chamce po ba na ma dedeny ako?

OK lang po yan. Para di sila magtaka, sulat ka lang po ng Cover/Explanation Letter stating that you have moved to another company and that your ITR from your current company is yet to be released, so you will be submitting the ITR from your previous employer instead.

Hello! Thank you for this very comprehensive article! By any chance, would you know if a Travel Authority is required for government employees? Thanks in advance!

Hello po. I just want to ask if it’s ok to course the application through a non-accredited travel agency? My Japan visa was processed by them and I find their service quite satisfactory. They are offering Korean Visa processing so I’m quite enticed to try it as well. Will it be okay? Would appreciate your insights. Thank you in advance. :)

If they’re offering Korean visa assistance, pwede pa rin naman. Ganun yung ginagawa ng mga applicants sa mga places na walang designated agencies.

But these non-designated agencies are most likely still going to course the application through another agency na accredited.

Thank you for the response. Your blog is amazing! Keep it up. :)

No prob! Good luck with your application!

Hello! Ano meaning nila ng valid Philippine Passport? What if walang sign sa page 3 at sa Emergency na portion reason na kaya yun for denial?

I am working kasi sa family business since last year and wala akong ITR that time, ung ITR ko naman for this year ay sa April pa marerelease. Paano ba ang gagawin pag ganun? Ung experience ko kasi nung nag-apply ako ng Japan Visa last year, pinagawa nila ako ng letter of explanation. Then naapproved naman ako. Ganun din po ba sa SoKor Visa?

Yep, gawa ka na lang ng Explanation Letter tapos submit other proof of income na alternative. If you have payslips, invoices, etc. :)

im a dual citizen with a phil and british passport, if i want to go to korea and use my british passport, do i still need to get a visa?

Hi. Dapat po ba na ifollow yung days na nakalagay sa application form? Pano po kapag 5 days ang iniligay sa form then biglang nag decide to stay for 7 days?

Pwede naman po yun, basta within the validity period and allowed length of stay.

Hi, magaaply po sana kmi ng family ko for korean visa. dun po ba sa estimated tavel cost, do i need to put the total for the whole family? o ung budget ng bwat isa sa invidual application, kasi may kasama kming dalwang bata. thank you very much.

Pwede nyo naman pong isulat na “(amount)/per person”. I-indicate na per person para malinaw.

Hi, Have you heard of cases reapplying for visa wherein they have unused visa due to cancelled trips? we do have a scheduled trip this end of February and already has approved visa but due to the ongoing corona virus outbreak, we are contemplating to cancel and reschedule it by the end of this year. Was hoping though that the embassy would give extension giving the current situation. XD

Hi Princess,

Sa FB Support Group namin, merong members na hindi nila nagamit yung visa nila.

Di naman daw sya issue. Nabigyan pa rin sila ulit ng visa. Pwede ka apply ulit after. May nagsasabi na hindi need ng explanation letter. Meron ding nagsasabi na kailangan daw ng letter to explain bakit di nagamit.

Hi. I’m planning to travel po sa Korea on May 2020 with my niece without her parents and I will be the one to shoulder all the expenses. Other than DSWD at Affidavit of Support, May iba pa po bang requirements like letter of explanation etc.?

Hi I would like to share my experience in applying Korean visa in Cebu, this might help somebody.

It was on 2017 when me and my sister applied for the visa, this was our conditions at that time:

1) we have no travel history (so it was our first ever attempt at travelling outside the country) 2) My sister didn’t have a job, but she was reviewing for the upcoming Accountancy Board Exam 3) Hence she has no source of income, but she had an old BDO account with little money from her former freelance work

I myself had no problem with everything because I have a job and steady cashflow

so this is what we did for my sister:

1) we had our parents sponsor her, so most documents came from them 2) my mother is a housewife, my father an OFW (seafarer) 3) we requested my fathers’ Certificate of Employment from his agency in Manila. In less than a week it was delivered to us. 4) my father has no ITR. so my sister went to BIR and ask for Certification stating my father doesnt have to pay taxes (more of this below) 5) went to the bank and asked for Bank certificate and statement for my parents Joint account (my parents has many accounts separately, but we asked for the one which had most funds) 6) we made an explanation letter about my mother being a housewife and that my parents will support my sisters’ travel

so aside from the common requirements these are what we submitted for my sister:

1. COE of my father 2. Certification from BIR (OFW) 3. Certification from the center that she was reviewing for Board exam at that time 4. my sisters Bank Statement and certificate (even if it had very little money) 5. My parents Joint account Certificate and statement 6. Explanation letter

Now about the Certification from BIR. My sister went to BIR and asked for the requirements. She accomplished each of those and submitted it to BIR. I forgot if they released the certificate same day or if we waited for a few days. I also forgot what are the requirements, but I was sure they asked for my fathers Employment Contract (this is different from the COE from the agency). When my father departs to his job abroad, the agency will deliver a copy of his contract to my mother.

So if your father is an OFW/Seafarer, try to keep his contract. :)

And yeah we both got approved

Hi, just want to ask po. If 4 days lang in the country yung stated sa application dapat po ba exactly 4 days lang or I can stay longer?

I can see you updated the blog in 2020. Is there any new update in the meantime?

hello! i’m planning to apply for a korean visa. i was previously granted a single entry visa as a student. i am employed now, however, my savings account isn’t that impressive yet (30k ish balance) because i haven’t been working that long. my mom is willing to financially support the trip as a belated graduation gift, and we will most likely be traveling together as well (she already has a multiple entry visa) so i was wondering what documents i need to submit? do i submit both of our documents like coe, bank cert and statement? and do i still need an affidavit of support?

Hi Anj! Not sure if may changes na now kasi we haven’t applied since nagpandemic, pero usually kapag may sponsor, hinihingi naman pareho ung docs ng sponsor and ng applicant. Mas OK if kasama mo mom mo pag-travel. :)

Hi, I am asking anyone who’s had experience with refusal of visa due to failing to provide enough reason of stay. My cousin and I are supposed to be traveling this October 14-20 to South Korea with our whole family. We applied later than them due to personal circumstances, but our whole family was accepted. We got news today that we got denied due to the reason of failing to provide enough reason of stay even though we had the same itinerary and trip duration as everyone in the family. This is both our 2nd time to go to SorKor and we’re well-traveled (gone to Europe many times, US, North America, and Asia).

Is there a way we can request for this to be reviewed again and maybe we can send documents such as plane ticket to check?

Really hoping anyone answers me :(

Hi! I will be traveling with my mom who already has a multiple entry visa, so I will be applying alone. Do I need to provide a letter explaining why I am applying alone when I wrote in my form that I will be traveling with my mom, and birth certificate to prove our relationship?

Hi! im planning to go to korea march next year with my husband & some of my friends. In visa application, i can join my husband in my application as a family member with his own duly accomplished application form. Problem is he doesnt have any bank account but he is employed. Enough na kaya ITR & COE when it comes to financial support docs? though he has his own money nman. Ok lng kaya na shared kami sa bank account ko? What to do? Thanks

Joint accounts are accepted naman, lalo if married naman.

Hi Yosh, thanks for the reply. But im wondering, ung bank account that we will use is under my maiden name, we have no joint bank accounts since we got married just 2 years ago. Do you have any idea kung ilalagay nlang sa application nya that i will shoulder his expenses as a sponsor or we have to explain pa why he doesnt have any bank account even if he is employed? He will be paying for our plane tickets & accommodation anyway. Thank you so much!

Hello, are APEC card holders exempted from applying for a korean visa?

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Philpad » Visa » Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines

Updated Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines 2020. The requirements on how to get a tourist visa for Korea if you are a Filipino or a Philippine passport-holder are shared in this page. How much is the processing fee? How long will the visa be released?

Good news, South Korean embassy has simplified the requirements to attract more tourists visiting South Korea. This 2020, all applicants can now apply for a tourist visa through an accredited travel agency. See the complete list on this page: List of Accredited Travel Agency for Korean Visa.

Unlike other travel visas from OECD countries, getting a tourist visa for Korea is faster. Visa processing takes only 5 working days for first-time travelers. Much quicker for frequent travelers because it takes only 2 working days to get the visa.

Meanwhile, travelers who are in a rush also have the privilege to apply for an Express Visa which can be applied and submitted at the date of application. This type of visa is released in 2 working days excluding the application date.

Take note that this post is about tourist visa only, some requirements may be different for fiancé visa, student visa, working or immigrant visa, seaman and many more.

There are separate pages for them. Select your travel agency who is authorized to process your visa for you to comply with all the rules and requirements.

Primary Requirements:

Table of Contents:

• Tourist Visa Application form – this can be downloaded online from the Embassy of South Korea’s official website or just get a form from your travel agent. You must properly fill it out and sign it.
• 1 passport sized colored photo
• Passport plus photocopy of the first page – make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months
• (optional) Photocopy and original previous or valid visas to US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand or Korea

Download Tourist visa for South Korea Application Form

Those are the primary requirements. If your status is employed, self-employed, student or someone who was invited by a Korean friend or relative, there are additional documents required. Check them below.

Additional Requirements:

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Employed Individuals

• Employment Certificate (Original)
• Personal Bank certificate (Original)
• Income Tax Return (ITR) photocopy or Form 2316 from the previous year
• ACR or ICR (if you are a foreigner resident in the Philippines)
• Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

Korea Tourist Visa Update

The embassy announced that , the following requirements are strictly needed:

• Certificate of Employment – must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address
• Bank Certificate – must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)
• Bank Statement –  original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months
• Income Tax Return copy –  with personal TIN

All documents must be issued within 3 months on the date of application.

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Businessman or Self-employed

• Business Registration from SEC or DTI and Mayor’s Permit
• Personal Bank Certificate (original)
• Bank Statement
• ITR (photocopy)

If personally invited to Korea by a friend, relative or a company in Korea:

The applicant is requested to submit original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the Korean national who invited him. If invited by a Korean company, submit original Invitation Letter and photocopy of the said company’s Business Permit .

Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Students in the Philippines

If you are still a student and you will travel and visit South Korea for tourism purposes, you are required to pass the following documents aside from the primary requirements mentioned previously:

• School certificate (original)
• School ID (photocopy)
• Birth Certificate (photocopy)
• Copy of parent’s passport first page
• Parent’s Bank certificate (original)
• Parent’s Employment certificate (original)

Korean Tourist Visa Fees

• 59 days or less stay in Korea – Gratis or Free!
• 60 – 90 days stay in Korea – P2,000

Korea Tourist Visa Processing

• 3 working days (for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years as tourist)
• 5 working days (for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years)

Depending on the Consul’s decision, processing of visa takes about 5 working days for first timers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. Releasing of visa is from 2-4pm . Interview may be required before the result or issuance of visa depending on the Consul’s decision.

• Single Entry visa or short term visa for tourists is also called C-3.
• Double Entry C-3 visa is issued for those who plan to visit SK twice within 6 months thus this kind of visa has a validity of 6 months.
• Multiple Entry visa have certain requirements for qualification. Should you wish to know more or apply one, just go to the SK Embassy.

Tips in applying for a tourist visa for South Korea

To have a smooth visa application and approval, make sure your requirements are all complete, signed and dusted before you apply. That being said, it is convenient and helpful if you prepare extra photocopies so you can use them when you apply to other countries. Make sure your personal information are all consistent and that they tally with each other.

Double check the info you have put in the application form and other documents like your complete name, address, birthdate, family info, TIN, passport number and the like. Also follow the procedures discussed above.

Korea Tourist Visa Exemptions

• If you have Philippines Official and Diplomatic passport
• If you are a national of these countries
• If transiting only to SK and going to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and with confirmed onward ticket to those 3 rd countries.
• If going to Jeju Island only, you can stay there visa-free dor 30 days. There’s no direct fight though from the Philippines to Jeju. You can do this by going through a 3 rd country in transit like Hong Kong or Japan.
• If you’ve been to Korea for 4 times within the past two years with C2 or C3 visa or if you’ve been to Korea for more than 10 times (wow)

Share you tourist visa application experience with us by commenting below. God bless!

Share this!

Related posts.

How to Apostille Documents in DFA Philippines (Birth Cert, TOR, NBI)

Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa in the Philippines

List of Accredited Travel Agencies for Korean Visa in the Philippines

Fehl is the founder of Philpad and has been writing online for 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Accountancy and a background in Finance. She is a licensed Career Service Professional and author of a poetry book at Barnes & Noble. In her spare time, she likes to travel and discover new places.

629 thoughts on “Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines”

We are travelling with our son who’s 8 yrs old. Do we need to furnished original documents for his application as well such as bank statement and certs, ITR, marriage contract? I hope you can also have answer to this query.

Many Thanks, Lawrence

Hi po… Last July lang po ako na-hired and I can’t provide COE kasi nag-rerelease yung company ko after 3 mos. of employment then wala ring ITR kasi minimum wage earner daw po ako.. No past ITR din kasi unemployed ako for more than a year.Letter of explanation lang ba need or may other documents na hahanapin? By the way, invited kami for a workshop and may invitation na ipprovide.

hi … na approved ba Visa mo nang wala ka COE?,, thanks

My Sister in South Korea wants to invite me for about 2 weeks tour. May i know what are the requirements needed?

Hi. Im an OFW for 6 years in Riyadh as a Nurse. Im having plans to end my contract in my current employer and to seek another job offer dito pa din saudi arabia. Pahinga sna muna 3 months and plano sna mgbakasyon south korea. Do u think mabibigyan ako ng tourist visa in my case? 🙁

Hello. I’m also working here in Saudi. How’s your plan to get a tourist visa for Korea? Ok po ba? Plan ko kasing mgKorea during sa 1month annual vacation ko. I wonder if possible ba ako magrant ng visa in my case.

Hi Did you got an answer for this question? and what you did because i have the same matter. kindly please help me what did you do? thank you.

Hi , Did you submit COE when you applied the Visa … i am an OFW too ,…

Hi po student po ako. Daddy ko po employed. Pero wala po syang bank account. Pero may mag sponsor naman po sa trip ko yung tita ko. Pwede po kaya yun? Na ang submit ko documents ng tita ko.

Hi! I have the same situation as you. I emailed the embassy about that and their reply to me is that I need to submit my parents documents together with my uncle’s document since my uncle will support me for my trip. ANyway, have you already applied for the visa? Pls help me if you already have. Thanks!

Hi! I have the same situation. My uncle will fund me. Im also a student.. have you processed your visa yet? Pls help me if you have. Thank you!

Hi. I really need your help! I’m currently a college student. My brother and I are planning to visit S. Korea this end of March, my brother is an OFW by the way and he already applied for visa in the country he is in now. On my part, my mom who is also an OFW will be the one supporting me for this trip, my dad is currently unemployed. I read in other blogs that OFW’s does not have an ITR because they are exempted to pay. So what should I do in terms of the ITR requirement. Also can I submit both my personal bank certification and statement along with what my mom’s bank certificate and statement that she had delivered for me? It will not be a problem right?

Another question is about the Affidavit of Support. Since my mom will be financing for my trip, does it mean she needs to go to the Embassy or consulate of the Philippines in the Oman to asked for the Affidavit of Support or I could just gave her the format, have her signed in it and I could personally asked an attorney to validate it? Sorry this is my first time applying for a visa by myself. Though I have a lot of travel history. Please help me!!!!!

Hi Jessie! Ill share my first experience when I applied korean tourist visa as a student.

I just send Application form School certificate original photocopy of school id Birth certificate photocopy My personal bank certificate and bank statement original Valid passport for 6 monts You dont need an ITR if you have all this requirements.

And now Ihave 5years multiple visa in korea ☺️

Hello, I’ve been having anxieties because I wasn’t able to pass the marriage certificate of my parents. My mom is a housewife and she’s the one who will be sponsoring of my trip. I submitted her bank certificate to prove that she’s financially capable. My step dad is the one who’s giving her money and all. Is there a possibility that I will be approved for my visa application?

Hi are you working or unemployed so I can give an advice on how to apply korean visa,

Hi… Need ko po ng advice. Di ko po kasi alam kung anong aapplyan kong visa (student or fiance visa)

1. Im currently 3rd year college, may sarili po akong bank account na kakaopen ko lang last few weeks ago which i have more or less 30k na inipon ipon ko from my allowance. since parehas senior citizen and both unemployed ang prents ko at wala silang bank account parehas di ko alam kung tatangapin ba nila kahit wala bank account ng parents? (at kung may kaylangan pang ipasa na requirements aside sa bank account nila).

2. may boyfriend ako and invite nya ko sa SK to meet his parents kasi may plan na din kami mag pakasal sa SK january 2019 employed sya nag wowork sya sa company if ever na may invitation letter ako galing sa kanya at bukod sa basic requirements may kaylangan pa po ba akong ipasa?

3. Kaylangan ko po ba hotel booking and travel itenerary? Kasi napag usapan namin na sa bahay nalang nila ko mag i stay for 1 month if ever.

Thank you in advance. I look forward for your response. (para sa pag ibig)

Hi! It’s now school vacation and enrollment is scheduled a month later. What can be submitted in replacement of the school certificate for Students? Is report card for example accepted? Thanks

pa advice po… im employed pero wala po akong itr kasi minimum wage earner lng nman po ako.. but i have savings in my bank account nman po. what shud i do po.. thanks.

I am a US citizen with SOFA status working in Korea and would like to bring my Fiancée to Korea. What do I need to bring to the Korean Embassy in Manila.

My boyfriend has same working status like you. My visa was approved. Have you already reached korean embassy in manila? I’m assuming yes since your message was posted last Feb.

ma’am, i am unemployed but studying now… wala po akong bank account and ang mother ko po is matanda na and walang bank account. but the one who will sponsor my trip is my brother.. can i use his passport and his bank statement po instead of my mother? i hope you can help me since i am applying for a visa this week.

May balita kba dto kung pwede? Kc ako din mag sponsor ng parents ko but they are unemployed.. matanda na sila kc.

Hi, i have applied a south korean tourist visa last 2015 and they granted me one. I declared my sister as my sponsor as my parents couldnt afford.. And I was still in my third year in college that time.

Hi! Ask ko lang kung anong parent’s documents and sinubmit mo? Kasi last week I went to the Koream embassy and tried to submit my application but I only have my sponsor’s financial documents. Di nila tinanggap yung papers ko kasi hinahanapan nila ako ng parent’s documents but I don’t know kung anong documents ang ipapasa ko especially my parents are both unemployed. I’m kind of hoping your immediate response. Thank you 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl,

Ask ko lang po if ano minimum ADB amount? And regarding sa ITR exemption kahit past korean visa lang meron ka like no other OECD visas exempeted pa rin ba from submitting ITR?

Hello 🙂 I’m applying for a Student Visa, our school schedules a study tour in seoul south korea this November 2017. I would like to ask if paano po kung yung father ko po yung mag sponsor ng financial support ko pero he already resigned from his work since July 2017, and his company id po kailangan ibalik sa company kasi nga since he resigned. Pwede po ba yung requirements na ipasa ko is for housewife (bank cert. and marriage cert?) Thank youuu.

Hello po! If I am entering Jeju from Shanghai, do I need a china visa?

hi ms. fehl, good day…thanks po sa very informative blog ninyo…ask ko lang po sana advice ninyo, me and my husband were both OFW po currently working in KSA, we’re planning to apply as family visa sa Pinas since andon po ang anak namin (minor, 5yo), plan po namin ipadala ang lahat ng papers namin and passport sa pinas (visa application forms, coe, original bank certificate and statements certified by philippine embassy, certificate of tax exemption issued by philippine embassy, nso marriage certificate, birth certificate ng anak namin)…we planned to apply in SK embassy in Philippines kasi po ang anak namin eh walang iqama (saudi alien ID card which is a requirement if mag apply dito sa SK embassy sa KSA)…ano po kaya ang magandang gawin? kailangan pa po ba ng letter of explanation kahit complete na ang lahat ng requirements? sa Nov. 6 po kasi kami uuwi ng Pinas and nakabook na kmi ng ticket to SK for Nov.12. Hope maka reply po kayo ? thank you and Godbless

Hello, any update on this. As i am on same scenario as yours. Natuloy po ba kyu?? Ddting kmi april 20 and our flights booked to korea on 2nd May. Please advise. Thanks

This website is very helpful. However I have a concern. I wonder if you can advise me. I reasigned last june 2017. After 7 years of working I decided to stop to get a vacation since i never had one in 7years. Never had international vacation. However embassy told me that i need to present recent COE. I do not have one now but I have funds from June 2017- now because of my tutorial jobs. I also have savings. I wonder why others only have 20k in their bank balance and they get approved quickly. Mine was returned and said complete the requirements.

hi Grace, i hope you can get this message. i have the same scenario its actually for my fiance and we are planning to go to sokor on october. now he resigned from his work as an ofw for 7years and now he is coming back to philippines for good. could you help me what are the requirements you pass to get a visa even unemployed?

paano po kung yung ITR ko has married status at gamit ko yung surname ng husband ko pero sa passport ko gamit ko is maiden name ko.. magkakaproblema po ba ko sa visa application ko for tourist? we are planning to visit SK next year school holiday sana.. hope to get a reply from you.. thank you po

Yan din yung problema ko, kakasal ko lang this march 2018 and magapply ako this first week ng july sa korea. Ang kaso sabi skn mkukuha ko pa ung PSA 3-6 months, sabi nmn skn ng agency declare ko daw na single as long as na single lahat ng mga ids ko and passport which is oo. Mgkakaproblme ba sa ganito?

Gusto po nmin isama ung ksambahay kso wla syang bank accnt.pano po un?

Hello po nabasa ko yung blog nyo about visa.. ask ko lng po 5 yrs na po kmi dito sa doha with same company bali 3 po kmi ng katrabaho na sabay magbabakasyon sa pinas next yr. so balaka po namin mag tour sa korea for 1 week tapos babalik din kami sa doha qatar. Pero ang problema po wala po kaming ITR excepted po kmi mga ofw. Ano po pwede gawin? Tsaka bali 3 po kmi

hello po need rin po namin ng sagot dito… naapprove po ba visa nyo without Itr??

Hi, waiting for your reply. Pano if wala po ITR? I’m currently in Doha but mag apply po ng visa from Ph. Thank you

Pwede ka mag attach ng letter explaining kung bakit wala kang maipprovide na ITR.

Hi Fhel. My parents are both unemployed since they are already senior citizen but my father was an electrician. But my sister will gonna pay for my trip. Can you help me about this? Thank youuu.

Hello. What if po the parent’s are both unemployed since they are senior citizen already? But my sister is gonna pay for my travel?

My situation is I’m unemployed right now and resigned from my previous job last May 15, 2017 due to my training until July 2017. My friend and I will be travelling in Korea on August 31, 2017-September 7, 2017.

But with the help of my parents they will pay for my trip, advance gift to me when I pass my board exam on November 2017.

Will you help me advice what to bring documents aside from my passport, personal bank statement & certificate, i have my latest ITR with my previous job, my parents affidavit of support, my parents bank statement and cerificate, and other documents from them e.g business permit, mayors permit, dti and ITR.

Are those mentioned above documents are enough to present in korea embassy?

ask ko lng po kung ano requirements pag unemployed . meron syang passport bank cert bank accnt passport bio page 2 bank certificate.. wala po syang coe and itr ksi driver sya ng jeepney na business ng uncle niya.. and ang mag ssupport sa travel niya is yung mother and sister niya na nasa london. . kasama po niya ako mag ttravel and i have my visa na po and kakagaling kolng ng sk nung may 31.. ano po kaya maganda nyang gawin. thankyou po

Hi,i hope you can still read this? May i know what happened sa visa application ng kasama mong unemployed? What documents did the embassy require him to submit? Thanks

hi! i have a problem with my ITR. OFW po ako noon. exit na po ako nun 2015. Last year employed po ako sa isang dental clinic up to present and below minimum wage lang po ako. Klngan ko p bang magfile ng affidavit of non-filing of ITR or pwede bang gumawa na lng ng letter of reasons for tax exemption ung boss ko?

Hi po i need your help po.. work po ako at my mini grocery na nakapangalan saken pero wala ako ITR pero meron po ako pera sa bank.at my boy friend po ako na mg invite saken us army sibilyan po sya my sariling appartment sa sk. Bali ang problema kopo ay wala ako ITR.first visit ko po ito sa korea in the past 7years..so its counted na sa first timer..my possibility po ba na ma approved ako kahit wala akong ITR..?? I NEED YOUR ADVICE PLSS PO…

Letter of explanation will do

Mam, paano po pag recently employed ako as booking coordinator sa fmaily business namin kasi part sa training ko to pra sa business namin ksi ng own kami ng rent a car service po. I have an ITR from my previois employer last year sa 2016. Mkkagawa rin nmn ng COE ang mama ko na emloyed ako officially. Ok lng po ba yun? I have enough funds po sa bank account ko rin po.

Hi Ms. Fehl, I’m planning to visit my husband in SK, ofw po sya don (legal po),, I just want to ask if may additional requirement for acquiring visa po.. Thank you po

same hir po..d po ba pwede mgapply ng visa if factory worker on korea ung husband ko?

Hi po. Ano po kailangan ko na rqmts pag wala po ako work at yung kapatid at asawa nya lang nya lang ang meron? We plan to visit SK kasi ng kaming tatlo. Thank you.

Hello tanong ko lang po, employed po ako mag 1 year na next month, I can provide most of the requirements but mag-oopen pa lang ako ng bank account since atm lang meron for payroll savings account ng company namin. Kailangan ko po ba iprovide lahat ng requirements if invited ako ng isang korean citizen? in addition this is my first time to travel abroad and applying for a visa since I’ve graduated 2 years ago hihi, need advice and suggestions.. thank you very much for any reply 🙂

Hello Fehl, ask q lng po if ever mgapply po q ng visa q s pnas by last week of jan.2018 pro pauwi n po q pnas for good my possibility po b n maaprove ano need q requirements since finish contract q ok lng po b na ung valid n passport q nlng present q at bank statement.kc wla q itr.pls help me wants q lng po pasyal for 7 days since kya q nmn provide pngpocket money q ever.ano po b iba need q req.n ipasa? Thanks po

Good day. Question lang po. I was invited by a KOrean company and may invitation letter naman from them. Kaya lang, kakagawa ko lang ng bank account and 1 month pa lang yung bank account ko. isang bagsakan yung pagdeposit ko . Yung ITR is kakakuha ko lang din. Tourist visa aapplyan ko. Ma-approve po kaya ako? thank you!

Hello, ask ko lng po need pa ung 210mm×297mm[백상지 80g/㎡(재활용품)] sa baba ng bond paper na dinownload ko mula sa internet? kailangan po talga na na 80gsm? ung bigat ng bond paper?

Hi, good day!

Tanong ko lang po, Pano po pag employed pero online job at hindi makapag bigay ng COE ang employer ko, may alternative po ba na requirements na pwede e follow? Tyaka wala po kaming tax. employed po ako dati sa isang BPO company (tax applied),

looking forward for your response that will surely help me a lot. 🙂

I do have the same problem. I just resigned in my previous company. Kaso wala akong Tin number so wala akong ITR and yung sa previous work ko, is minimum salary lang din. Can I still apply for a tourist visa?

Yes, submit a letter explaining why you don’t have ITR. Embassies are considerate naman when you explain

Hello maam.i do have a question po..magapply po sana ako tourist sa korea for 90days and kumpleto napo mga req.ko ang kaso ang inventor kopo ay sibilyan army amerikano po sya maam.he lives outside the army base sa korea po.pwede po ba sya maginvite saken if yes! Ano po dapat ilagay friend or boy friend? Plss help po..thanks po

hi po mam fhel, ask ko lng kung mkakakuha po b ng visa khit nsa 2 months plng bank account, mag aattend po kasi kmi ng conference sa korea. merun na po invitation letter abd company bus. permit sinend ung sa conference. thanks po sa reply.

Hi po. I’m newly employed and I don’t have ITR as well kasi minimum wage lang po ako. Kakaopen ko lang din po ng bank account ko last month. Also mgaapply po kami as family with my cousins po. Isang student po and employed po yung isa and been to OECD countries po. Is it possible na magrant yung visa ko po?

Good day po, ask ko lang po, ofw po ako from Oman and planning to visit my sister in Busan. I have my ticket na, need b ng ofw ang ITR? wall po kasi ako nun uwi aq july 1 then flight ng july 17, aabot po kaya. what are the requirements for OFW? Sana po matulungan nyo ko Thank you so much

Hello po, tatanong ko lang po sana if kung ako po ang gagasto ng trip ko pa South Korea pero studyante palang po ako bali yung expenses ko dun sa allowance ko kukunin na binibigay ng mom ko po, kasi nung nag submit po ako ng bank statement ng mama ko hindi po tinanggap kasi international daw po di daw nila ma verify, pwede ba po yung sa akin nalang na bank vertificate at bank statement ipapakita? Nag aaral palang po kasi ako tas walang ako nung ITR. Ano po ba tamang gagawin? Salamat po 🙂 sorry dami kung tanong hihi

since you are student you dont need itr 🙂 just send a certificate from your school pwde mo namn gamitin yung bank account mo . mas na aapproved ang mga student 🙂

hello zoey! ask ko lang kung anong nangyari sa visa application mo? especially duun sa international bank ng mama mo? anong gnawa mong alternatives? please reply parehas kasi tayo ng situation. Thankyou

Hi Maam! Just wanna raise some querries here with regards in applying for SK. Me and my friends are planning to have a 4 days vacation in SK. Meron na po akong US Visa 10 years multiple entry I was travelled last February, I am currently employed sa government been in some Asian country din, but I was denied last October when we applied for Japan Visa my two friends was granted a visa. We dont know why but maybe because I just presented a newly account that has 50k instead of presenting my payroll account and I submit my application separately. Now we want to try to apply for Korea, and I am afraid that I’ll be denied again just like in Japan. Is there any chance I can be approved? And how much money would I need to have on my account? thank you so much maam!

Hello Ms. Fehl, ?

Possible ba na ma approve kami ng husband ko for Visa going SK, Wala akung work ( As in Housewife lang ako) pero ang husband ko sya may work at my US multiple Visa siya. Malaki kaya ang posibilidad na ma approve kami? Kasi sya naman ang gagastos sa travel namin at iba pang gagatusin. $2500 or higher pa? kasya na ba yan sa aming dalawa just incase lang po? SANA ma approve.

Your response is highly appreciated. Thank you so much ? God Bless.

Yes, you don’t need to worry as long as you provide the complete requirements, they will approve your visa.

Hello Fehl.

Hope all is well. I really think I need you to shed me some light here. Ayaw kasi mag load ng Korean embassy website sakin both sa phone at laptop. Someone commented kasi dito back in September 2016 saying na she didn’t have to submit ITR since she’s been to Korea 4 years ago.

Is it true that it’s indicated sa Visa Announcement Section ng Korean embassy website? I get na you have to be in any OECD country within 5 years to be exempted sa pag pass ng ITR. I don’t have that. I only have Korean Visa 3 years ago.

I’m currently unemployed kasi but I can move our family business under my name. I just don’t want to deal with the ITR thing if I could avoid it.

I’m hoping to hear from you. I’d really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance.

Yes, it’s a consideration for those who have visited OECD countries in the past 5 years.

good day ms fehl, here is my case.. OFW po ako and planning to visit SK in Dec with my mom. dito n po ako kukuha ng visa s SK embassy in Qatar. ok lng po kaya n pag nag apply ng visa ang nanay ko dyan s pinas i attached nlang nya mga documents ko for more chances of approval ( COE, Bank statement, Bank Cert, OECD VIsas) she will provide her SEnior citizen ID, her own bank certificate and statement, my birthcerticate.. she will apply alone in the embassy. pls i will really appreciate your reply. thanks

We have the same case, was your Mom’s visa approved?

Hi ms fhel.. Ask ko lang kung pwede kaming makakuha ng daughter ko(8yrs old)ng sk tourist visa. Kaso unemployed ako at si hubby is working sa sk. May possibility kaya na magka visa kami kung ung employer nya ang mag invite samin?

Yes, just complete the required documents

Hi, ako din po, my husband is US CITIZEN, and ako po is dto pa sa philippines, uuwi po kasi sya at gusto namin mag travel this feb sa SK, wala din po akong work, maaapprove po ba ako ng visa? Sya naman po lahat din gagastus? At im still using my single name kasi dahil naka file ako for spouse visa sa US bawal pa ako magpalit. Mataas po ba chance na makakuha ako ng tourist visa? Pls help ?

Hello po Miss Fehl,

Isa po akong kasambahay at korean po employer ko dto sa pilipinas.. Ask ku lng po kung ano po mga requirements na kailangan.? Kc gusto po nila ako dadalhin sa korea for vacation pero wla po akong bank account. At itr paano po yun? Need ku po help nyu..salamat po.

Hi, good day! Question lang po. Planning to travel SK on January 2017 for 15 days, I am employed all requirements ma cocomply ko naman, Question ko lang is need ko pa ba state sa visa form yung address ng tutuloyan ko kasi may friend ako dun na pwedeng tirhan para iwas gastos sa hote., then also my husband is working there. Inaalala ko baka hingan pa ko ng additional requirements like COE of my husband since employed sya dun. And one thing pa, may chance kaya na deny application ko kasi working si hubby dun?

Legal ba ung husband mo dun sa sk?

Good day poh… ive been working in sokor under e9 visa(4yrs&10mo.)ended last march 30 ds yr.. do you have any idea madam na e grant nla aq for tourist visa… Wla p kc aq nbsa rito n nagcomment na galing e9 visa then nagtour…..6mo. Pa lng aq d2 s pinas…pls need ur advise poh..meron bang certain time bago pwede n mgtour?..

Hi! me and my friends are planning to go to SK next year but all of us are OFW’s, do we need to present ITR? Because we don’t have that here in riyadh…

Hi! possible ba na isponsor ko yung friend ko? student pa lang kase siya eh. vacation lang kami for 5 days

I am planning to go to sk and its my first time for applying tourist visa. My concern is that i am an ofw and recently finished my work here In Riyadh. Is my Coe still valid? In my case, Is there any additional requirements? Thank you.

Hi i have the same case pero next yr pa plan nmn mag travel with friends, any update?

Just sharing my experience. Sana makatulong.

At first, I applied as UNEMPLOYED but my parents are paying for my trip. May family business kami na kung saan tumutulong ako dun but I still applied as unemployed.

Here are the list of requirements I submitted:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)

5. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate 6. Affidavit of Support

My Parents’: 7. Business Registration (DTI) (Copy) 8. Mayor’s Permit (Copy) 9. Bank Statement (original Copy) 10.Bank Certificate (original Copy) 11.Income Tax Return (Copy)

Ginaya ko yung requirement ng HOUSEWIFE/HUSBAND plus I did some digging online. May mga nakapasa kasi kahit unemployed.

Pero sa kasamaang palad, hindi tinanngap yung documents na pinasa ko kahit na may Affidavit of Support. Dapat daw nakapangalan lahat sa akin. Then I explained na may family business kami and asked her kung ok lang kung parents ko gumawa ng Certificate of Employment and she said it’s ok. So nabuhayan ako ng loob, ngayon ITR naman ang problem ko.

Buti nalang I read their VISA ANNOUNCEMENTS and found out na hindi required magsubmit ng ITR yung mga nakapunta na ng S. Korea in the last 5 years. Luckily, I went there 4 years ago, so I don’t need to submit ITR.

So, on my second try, I applied as employed and here are the list of requirements I submitted: 1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5: Certificate of Employment 6:My Bank Certificate 7: My Bank Statement

8: Photocopy of my old visa 9: My old passport (na kung saan andun yung old visa)

I got my passport today and I was granted a visa.

Hi just wanna ask anu naka indicate sa COE mo? thanks

Hi! Ask ko lang po kasi i’m having a problem regarding sa visa application. Wala ako work i’m just helping sa business ng tita ko ayaw nya kasi ako magwork para don lang ako sa business nya magwork i don’t have ITR pero pede daw ako gawan ng COE, okay lang ba na wala ako ipresent na ITR? Thanks.

hi I have been in korea 2x , last year student ako nun nung nag apply ako ng visa ngayon may work nako mag to twomonths palang ako bali ang problema ko ngayon wala akong itr wala pa kasi akong tin number saka minimum lang din sahod ko . nabasa ko kasi Kung nakapnta na ng korea in last 5 years no need na ng itr. tanong ko lang kanino or sino nagsabi sa website ba nila un o sa embassy mismo? salamat sa sasagot 🙂

Hi ask ko lang po if you had other OECD visa or past korean visa lang po talaga tapos na approve na po kayo sa visa?

Hi fehl! What if my passport was just extended. Recently, I used in Hong Kong and Macau and it was still in effect. It was extended up to November 2017. I am supposed to renew it already though it is still in effect until November 2017. I heard from a friend that somebody has been denied of a visa because it has just been renewed. Can I still use my passport although the validity was just extended?

Thank you and more power!

Hello mam. Korean po ang husband ng sister ko at gusto nila imbitahan ang nanay ko sa south korea para mag-alaga ng 1yr.old na anak nila.Senior citizen anga nanay ko at dati siyang vendor ng seafoods. Kailangan pa ba siyang mag submit ng itr?

Hi po ask ko lang graduate na ako ng college last may pero nung nag apply ako ng visa school certificate parin ang pinasa ko may chance kaya na ma deny ako ?

Hello good evening. I would like to ask regarding a single entry visa- C3. I applied for this at Korean Consulate Cebu this month but sad to say it was DENIED. Their reason was “I failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea”. I doubt if I filled out the wrong purpose in the form since nobody was guiding me. My purpose was “visiting family/relatives/friends”. Then there is this box stating “TOURISM/TRANSIT”. Did I check the wrong purpose? I really don’t know what else they want me to prove. Wala naman prob sa funds kasi sponsored ako then I am employed as well. Please help with your advice po. I will reapply this November 2016 kasi. Maraming salamat po.

You should have check Tourist/leisure purpose. If you’ve chosen to visit family/relatives you should have provided more documents from your family or relatives in Korea and if you failed to submit those, you’ll be denied

I see. May nabasa po akong blogsite..she stated in there she ticked two different purposes (TOURISM/TRANSIT and the other one OTHER then she elaborated as VACATION) and her tourist visa was approved. is it possible TO TICK TWO? Is “TOURIST/LEISURE PURPOSE” the same with “TOURISM/TRANSIT” as written in the form? Enlighten me.

SECTION 9. DETAILS OF VISIT 9.1 PURPOSE OF VISIT TO KOREA 1. TOURISM/ TRANSIT 2. BUSINESS TRIP 3. TRADE/INVESTMENT/INTRA-CORPORATE TRANSFEREE 4. DIPLOMATIC/ OFFICIAL 5. MEETING/ CONFERENCE 6. STUDY/ TRAINING 7.VISITING FAMILY/RELATIVES/FRIENDS 8. MEDICAL TOURISM 9. WORK 10. MARRIAGE MIGRANT 11. OTHER

INFO: My boyfriend from US is currently working in Korea and inviting me to spend vacation with him while touring some parts of the country. Siguro naman hindi na ako e deny ng SK Consulate Cebu kung dalawa ang e check ko or ano po nararapat. MARAMING SALAMAT PO. ^_^ God bless to me

Those you mentioned are the same purpose and meaning that is why I think it was ok

Thank you po. Bali malinaw na okay pa la kung mag check ako ng dalawa since same purpose naman si #1 at yung “Other-Vacation”? Salamat

Hello! Nakapag apply ka pa rin ng visa? Thanks!

Hi Ms. Fehl.

Hope you are doing well aside from profiting in stock market 😀

My brother is working in Korea and he wants my mother and father to go to there for 5 days. My mother is just a housewife and my father is only a tricycle driver. Aside from my brother’s original invitation plus copy of passport what else they should submit to the Embassy to be approved?

Thank you and more blogs to come.

Hi Miss Fehl,

I hope na mabasa mo ito and matulungan mo akong masagot yung mga tanong ko. We have a US Military Brother stationed in S.Korea and gusto nya kaming magvisit don for 1 week. 3 kaming magkakapatid, isang student and 2 unemployed. Ano po sa tingin mo yung chance namin na maaprove sa visa since ung brother ko naman po ang magfifinace lahat ng gastos and do you think enough na po yung invitation letter nya para maaprove kami? thank you so much maam in advance.

Ask lang po ako do I need to get SoK visa even if my US tourist visa ako? Thanks po.

Hi Philpad,

I’ve been to Korea thirteen times and my visa expired two months ago

“”If you’ve been to Korea for 4 times within the past two years with C2 or C3 visa or if you’ve been to Korea for more than 10 times (wow)””can I ask where did you get this info?

Can I go to Korea without a visa?

Hi, im a Filipino and I want visit my korean girlfriend in SK. What will I do? She will invite me? by using invitation letter? they will approve my visa?

hi!did u get approved visa??what other supporting documents u had?

Hello! what if I put 4 days on the travel stay but the truth is 5 days talaga balak ko? does it affect? because 40k lang laman ng bank account ko and Ive heard na depende ang show money kung ilang days ka magsstay sa korea. Mind you If I ask how much is the amount of your bank account and how many days you stayed? I look forward to hear from you soon.

Hi Ms fel. Hope I will get your attention. . My sister and i wanna have a vacation in Korea this coming April for 3 days . Were just trying to complete our papers this middle of March so we can submit our papers. We take an agency to make it easy for us to assist. My sister is engr in solar company for 6 years until now.. she’s nearly finish all her papers.. I just wanna ask her bank account it is ok if she has 90k or 80k this is her first time to travel.. I’ve been to korea before I have E6 visa just came back last end of Sept. Now I’m still no work. But I’m getting enroll this first week of March. So I’m a student now.. it is ok if my bank account have 30k only.. thanks I will look forward for your answer.. thanks God bless.

I think that’s ok if you’re traveling with your sister who has funds as well and you will only stay for 3 days. Good luck!

hello po ms. fhel ask ko lang po ung bestfren ko po may frend xang korean and balak nya po mag work as factory worker duon.,ung frend nya pong korean e may factory po duon…anu po ba ang kailangan nya bukod sa invitation letter para makakuha ng visa?tnx po

Hi, the requirements above are for Tourist visa. What your friend needs is a Working Visa. The requirements are different for that type of visa

Hi Fehl, I don’t know if you’ll be able to help me, but here’s my question. I am an English guy going to work in Korea through my English company. I will be working on a UK visa for 3 months at a time. I have a Fillipino girlfriend who still lives in Philippines. How would I go about obtaining a travel visa for my girl please? I’m asking as I noticed the listings only show being invited by Koreans. Any help would be appreciated.

This is tough one with your situation. The only thing I know is letting your girlfriend apply as a tourist but she needs to complete the requirements

Thank you for comment Fehl. My girlfriend will visit a tourist agency who assist with visa applications.

Hi, which city you are going to teach? My boyfriend is from UK too and will start working in Korea as English Teacher. I got my visa thru agency. maybe i can help, do you have any question?

I am not here to teach. I am working in Samsung shipyard Goeje Island as a supervisor. Which agency did you use? My girlfriend is in Angeles City.

Hi duby, ani lahat yung mga requirements mo?

Wow! Really? The manager of the agency has also bf who is working in Geoje. The agency I used is ARC TICKETING, try to find on facebook or google the website.

good afternoon po ma’am , ask ko lang po kung may chance na ma approved yung visa ko . ininvite naman po ako ng boyfriend ko at ng parents na mag tourist sa bansa nila .. since 6months pregnant po ako mahihirapan po ba ako na ma approved yung visa ko ? aboout sa financial yung boyfriend ko naman po yung sponsor dahil wala nga po akong work . salmat po

Hello! Me and my friend just want to ask, it will be our first time to travel abroad and possibly want to go to SoKor. Do we have a chance to be approved for tourist visa? Minimum amount ng bank account namin roughly 30k. Okay lang ba yun ? And is it necessary to put plane itenirary and hotel reservation as well? I have read on other blogs na hihingin nila ung contact number ng hotel. I hope for your answer. Thank you so much! Great blog!

Ask ko lang if I have a chance to be approved. I just graduated last May 2015 and started working as a dentist last July2015 in our family clinic which is owned by my sister. This august, nagopen po kami new clinic but this time, under corporation na po siya and I’m one of the incorporators but not the main one 🙂 Mag apply ba ako as a self emplored or employed? 🙂 Then problem ko po, wala pa po kasi akong ITR since kakastart ko lang po. lilit po ba ung chance na ma approve ako dahil wala po ako itr? Ano kaya pwede maging alternative for the Itr? I’ll be attending a dental scientific congress po sa Seoul this coming April. Should I choose meeting/conference for my purpose of visit? And at the same time tourism din? 🙂 thank you so much.

Not sure with your case but it would be easier if you had DTI and mayors permit since you’re self-employed professional right now

Meron po ako copy ng SEC and mayor’s permit. Ang name po ng clinic nakalagay dun. But through put the copy of SEC, nakikita naman po ung name ko na isa ako sa mga incorporators 🙂 Okay lang po kaya un? Need ko din po ba ng diploma to show na kakagraduate ko lang kaya po wala akong itr?:) thank you.

A Korean invited us to visit their country for 3 days only. I want to visit him pero I don’t have any bank account pa, hindi pa nga ako graduate pero may job na po ako pero contractual pa lang. My mom is going also at sya naman senior citizen na ang may ipon naman kami sa bank kahit papano ang 40 years na siya nagtratrabaho sa isang government institution. Can those factors help me get my visa? Again, invitation letter from a Korean and my mom is a gov’t employee. Btw, my dad is an OFW and nag-iisang anak lang po ako so kahit papano may financial capacity naman po kami.

I think you have a chance na ma-approve ang visa since employed ka although contractual, employed kapa din and your mom is employed too. Just complete the requirements and if may sponsor kayo from Korea, submit the requirements too

Again po wala po akong bank. Employment certificate lang po ang maibibigay ko.

Hello, thank you for your article. Got a question though. I promised to someone that I’ll bring her with me to Korea but she just graduated in college and won’t be able to pass requirements like Bankt Cert, etc. What should we do? Answers will greatly be appreciated! Thanks!

I just invited my fresh grad niece in college she doesn’t have a bank acc.but I sent mine instead but they didn’t accept her application cause she is not my own family the embassy says that I can invite only my parents and sisters/brothers only…I’m not sure if my answer will help you just tried though! ~^^~

About your reply. Really? They don’t allow nieces? Kasi I am planning to bring my niece to SoK as a graduation gift sa kanya coz she is a Kpop fan. I hope Ms. fehl can clarify this. Thanks

Hi! May I ask what are the requirements you passed for you niece? I am also planning to travel with my daughter to SoKor because it’s my grad gift for her. She recently graduated and still having her vacation. Hoping for your reply. Thank you 🙂

Hi. Are you still active replying queries? Meron lang po ko itatanong and i hope na mareplyan nyu po ko since super confused na po ko.

I’m going to travel korea by oct2016 po for 9days/8nights. I have no ITR since meron po kong tax exemption (below minimum wage lang po salary ko) but kukuha ako ng certificate sa BIR or khit sa employer ko nlng kung bkit wala akong tax na binabayaran. Pero when it comes to expenses naman po pagdating ko sakali sa korea, meron naman po ko tska sapat sa no. of days ng pag stay ko.

Bale kung yung ipapasa kong requirements is COE, BC, BS, Cert. of Non-filling tax; i doubt po na magrant parin yung visa ko po since sa salary pa lang sa work ko po e mababa although may ipon naman ako sa savings ko po. Pano po kung magpa support ako sa Boyfriend ko pra lang iprove as assurance na babalik po ko dito sa pilipinas, need ko parin po ba magpasa ng Bank certificate/statement? ano po yung requirements kung magpa support po ko sa bf ko? Salamat po. Sana maka response po kayo..

Since employed ka, I suggest follow the embassy’s requirements even if you will pass exemption certificate from BIR. Your Bank certificate and statement will prove your financial capacity anyway. The boyfriend thing is usually for Korean sponsor

Hello po… ask ko po sana kung updated ITR at COE ang kelangan ipasa? Pano po kung one year na po akong walang work at nagsara na po yung dati kong work kya wala silang mabigay na ITR? paano po pag unemployed? Ok po ba kahit walang ITR at COE? Korean naman po bf ko

Yes they require the latest ITR. If you have a Korean sponsor, follow the requirements for sponsorship

ano po requirement sa sponsorship?

Hello ask ko lang na approve ka ba even if your salary is below minumum? Ganon kasi ang case ko ngayon.. pero i can provide good bank cert that i can finance my trip.. will also include my parent as a sponsor.. please give me feedback please??

having a six-figure or more bank account will help you get approve. Doesn’t matter if your salary is low as long as you can finance the trip and your docs are genuine, those are what matter most

hello ms fehl., ask ko po sana ilang months ang validity ng documents from korea like sponsorship letter.

3monhts po^^

THank po sa reply..do you have any idea po if what kind of proof of relationship ang pde kung e submit kc i have my korean friend who will sponsor my studies in korea just for 3mos. Thank you po

Proof of relationship such as Birth Certificates if you are a family relative or joint account if you are a fiance. For friends, I don’t think of any

how about pictures Ms. fehl and guarantee letter ??

hello ms. fehl. what are the other possible req. to prepare to prove your strong family ties to your country home esp. if your not currently employed.?? tnk u po

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of your children if you have any

Hello Ms. Fehl. Im planning to apply SK Tourist Visa to visit my bf working in Korea. Ang account po na gagamitin ko is may payroll account of which I always withdraw all the money during payday. So walang laman ang account ko, I’m worried na baka madeny application ko because of that. So, would it help po ba if I put my bf as my sponsor? Ano po additional requirements? He’s an American working in Korea. Another problem kasi if ilagay ko sya as sponsor, he is married and his divorce is still on process, would it complicate things?

Another concern ko po is the ITR/Form 2316, since hindi pa vailable ang 2316 for the year 2015, can I use my 2316 covering year 2014?

I would really appreciate your reply.

Hi Ms. Fehl, my ask po regarding po sa application ko sa tourist visa , employed po ako sa family business namin, sa sister ko po pinangalan yun family business . kailangan ko pa rin ba ng coe and itr? and the Same din po ang nilagay ko sa application ko na address at telephone no. since same address lang po yun house at business namin . Magkakaroon po kaya ng problema sa application ko?

Hi mildred, Did you pursue your application for visa? What did you submit as requirements? We have the same situation kasi. Thanks

My sister applied on her own , she got denied, I have the same situation, natakot ako kasi ssiter ko dentist pero denied so II applied through agency, they were helpful namangood luck guys

Hi Rd. Bakit denied sister mo? Does she has her own clinic or employed siya? Anong requirements pinasa nya? Thanks. At ano reason for denial ?

hi guys pleas help me. I have British boyfriend that work in Korea. I’ve been Korea before Nov 5 2013 -Sep 27 2015 i have E6 visa before. I want to go back to Korea as a tourist this coming Chinese New year or stay with him for 1 month Feb 5. I have also bank account but just already last Oct. I don’t have any work now. so I really don’t know where i’m gonna start and i really don’t know what is the requirements. Its is possible to have a vacation even if just came back home. I really love Korea very much. Hope Somebody helps me Thanks.

Good day Miss Fehl…aside from visiting mainly the SK embassy to the Philippines peraonally is there any url or personally known information regarding applyinh for multiple visa entry? Km currently in SK now.

Eh pano po kung kaoopen lang ang bank account wala pa po syang 3mons,makakakuha po ba kaya kmi ng bank cert.?tsaka pano po ung itr ko eh andito nmn po aq sa abroad?

Thanks for your blog. This is very helpful! Hi, this is Ronie. May gusto lang po akong itanong kasi, me and my friend is going to apply for tourist visa this coming next week And we;re just waiting for our bank Cert, and we’re good to go. But, I’ve seen in my ITR, there is a small mistake, is that they input a wrong date of my birthday, yung date lang naman po. And mahirap na po kung ibabalik ko pa po, at kuha ulit ng ITR. Ang tanong ko po ay, Hindi naman po ba ma question yun, mam? Secondly, Yung sa Bank Certificate, tungkol dun sa ADB. Kasi nag open kami ng account only for that show money, last Aug 28, 2015, saktong 3 months na po nung Nov 28, 2015. Ngayun po, d po namin makuha kung ano yung sa ADB, eh ang sabi nyu po dito sa blog nyu is 6 months. Ano po ibig sabihin po nun? Thanks

ADB means Average Daily Balance, Nilalagay yan sa Bank Cetificate. Yan magpapatunay na hindi mo winithdraw yung savings mo. if you have 50k savings for 6 months tapos hindi mo winithdraw yung ADB mo is 50k din. In my case i had 49k. My ADB is 1500 kasi panay withdraw ako tapos deposit ulit. 😀

Good luck sa application! 😀

Hi so did you get approve?

Hi, question lang po…possible po ba na maapprove ako ng visa kapag wala akong bank statement..sabi kasi ng bank ko, ndi sila nag-issue ng bank statement for savings account..although kaya ko makapag-provide naman ng bank certificate..? TIA!

Hi, Tin. It’s strange that you are not given a bank certificate. Did you tell the bank manager it is for visa purposes? I wonder what bank it is? The bank statement is also the Statement of Account where in you will find your transaction history while the Bank Certificate is more of a formal one, a formal certificate bearing the seal of the bank indicating you are indeed a bank client for ____ period with money amounting to ______ for example. With your question, it is better you provide all the docs requested by the embassy.

Hi! there can I ask if I can apply on line for the visa thingy???

Hello po! im planning to visit korea next year but i have doubts with my average bank statement foe my application. But i’ll be travelling with my boyfriend & since he already has a visa since he was granted witj mutiple entry visa last year whem he vsisited. In this case, would it be better to pass the tickets that we will be travelling together and maybe his bank statement of account? Or do you have a better suggesstion? Kindly advise. Thanks po!

hello ms fehl i found it very informative and helpful tong blog mo, i was hoping you could also help me .in my situation, i have my sponsor in korea and wants me to study korean language so he enrolled me just 1semester (last for 3 mos.) so i will fall in C31 visa which is tourist visa.i am currently unemployed so i dont have itr,and coe. i have my bank account which just only 2mos opened. now i have gathered this req. my bank cert not less than 80k, my sponsors bank cert.sponsorship letter,, his bus.registration and itr i have also the Seoul national university admission letter and the school rgstration.would it be all enough??

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDYING ABROAD

1. Application Form 2. Passport Original (6months valid) 3. 1pc Passport size colored picture 4. Copy of Passport First Page 5. Original & Copy of valid visa and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6. Philippines Last School Record Original 7. NSO Birth Certificate 8. Financial Supporting Document (if no scholarship grant) – Original Employment Certificate of Parents (issued within 30 days) – Original Bank Certificate of Parents/Applicant (issued within 30 days) : D2 visa (master or PhD) – amount should be USD 13,000 or more : D4 visa (Korean language course) – amount should be USD 5,000 or more *the amount may be changed if the applicant paid the tuition fee – Photocopy of Parents’ ITR (Income Tax Return) 9. Original Admission Certificate from Korea (issued within 3 months) 10. Business Permit of the University in Korea 11. Scholarship Exchange Agreement (For Exchange Student only) 12. Recommendation issued from Philippine School (For Exchange Student only)

■ Visa fee: Php 2,700 ■ Processing time: 5 working days

hello ms. fehl panu po pag 3mos. lng yung admission mu sa skul anung visa ang e bibigay sayu.?? kc pag d4 6 mos yun..

Hi ms fehl. Just want to ask po kung ano po pede kong ipasa na requirements im not employed. My bf is working in Korea, can i just use his documents like bank account etc? Since he is the one who will finance me. Thanks

Same here ! Please inform me how. Thank you

Same also me.. let me know if you have some info.. thanks. 🙂 have a nice day

Hi, I am a US immigrant currently staying on Guam. My husband is in the US military and he is currently stationed in South Korea. I am planning to visit him next year. I will be flying from the Philippines to South Korea, What would be the requirements or visa type I need to show to the airline staff or the immigration in the philippines to avoid delation if there is I need to present. Thanks

Hi po, I got my tourist korean visa laready..My possibilities pb n quqeustionin ako ng immigration?

hi miss. fehl, this is renalyn tanong ko lang po pwede po bang kumuha ng tourist visa kahit wala akong sariling bank account, pero i have a bf working in korea i want visiting there ang ipapakita ko po sana na bank account eh, yong sa bf ko ano po bang mas magndang gwin para mapbilis po ang processing ng visa q, wla din po ako itr, bank account and passbook. pwde po bang passbook, at account ng bf ko yong iprepresent q sa embassy please reply to my gmail reynalyn.0423gmail.com

please help me miss. fehl.

Please reply. I plan to go to South Korea within this year or next year. I finally got a job. So how much do I need to show the embassy how much I need to have? My main concerns are money. BIR. Tax return and show money. How much exactly. I have saved about only 20 thousand pesos only. Please help and reply. I need answers, because I read a lot but no one gave me the right answer.

The requirements for EMPLOYED individuals are posted above. Make sure yours are complete. There is no specific amount indicated for bank statement

Hi Ms. Fehl! What if po pag-mag-apply together with family, okay lang po ba kung isang original copy lang ng bank cert ng parents, then ung sa children po, photocopies na lang? Thank you so much!

original for each one

Omg! Me and my passed our application in Korean embassy, We completed all the requirements but all the requirements was attatched to my moms application, Tinanggap naman yung application ko kahit wala akong copy ng Bank cert and Bank Statement. But as you said i need to pass my own copy too? Why do they accept my application kahit wal kong copy nung BC and BS? Will i be rejected because of that? OMG help! We will get our passport tomorrow 🙁 hoping that there will be a visa attached ???

Hi po did u get a visa in korea ? I need help because my passport will release tomorrow and the embassy never called the office for verification.

Hi, Ilalagay po ba sa passport kung ilang days ako magstastay? Kasi me and my mom will go there this Christmas but she has to stay for 5 days for business purposes and I have to stay for 12 days. So my plan for Visa Application is I will put 5 days the potential length of stay. Kasi I’m worried that maapektuhan yung budget ko sa bank which nabasa ko sa ibang blog na nakadepende ung budget mo sa length of stay and baka magtataka sila bakit mauuna syang umuwi. Thank you.

Hi ms fehl I was invited by a friend staying there in korea. Is it enough an invitation letter for applying visa? I dont have bank acct but I do have a job but ni itr. Can u pls help me? I have an employment certificate. Thanks.

Hi, you need to submit original copy of invitation letter as mentioned above and the requirements for employed individuals (bank statement, COE, bank certificate, ITR)

hello maam fehl need ko po advice nyo apply po sna ako for tourist visa s korea boyfriend ko po from slovenia sponsor ko his working there…. wla po ako work ok n po b ung invitation from him pra s embassy need ko po help nyo thanks po

Hi Ms. Fehl 🙂

I just graduated last May2015. And i recently passed the board exam for dentist. I’m working in our clinic but the clinic is named under my brother. I have my TIN number na din. Complete requirements naman ako for the visa except for the ITR. I’m not sure lang kung under employed ba ako or self-employed 🙂 plan ko po kasi mag vacation on April 2016. By the time na mag apply ako on January, wala pa din ako ITR. Any advice po for my problem? Thank you in advance 🙂

I suggest you register your clinic under your name so that you have complete requirements as a Self-employed Professional.

Hi, I am currently unemployed but i do have a business pero sa wife ko naka pangalan. I am also working on side projects which gives me atleast 95k a month deposited directly to my bank account here in ph. pero i do not have a contract with the employer and i’ve been working with them for 3 years na since every month may bagong project. Wala na akong ITR as en employee pero yung business namin complete with ITR and other business documents. Can i still use it kahit sa wife ko naka pangalan? Will it help kung makakapag show naman ako ng proof that i can fund my self and my wife through my bank certificate?

Hi ms fehl…pls.help me po…i have a korean boyfriend po..my baby nren po kme 4months old…but hndi pa po kme ksal..plan po nmen pmunta ng korea just tour visit ng pamilya nya pra mkita po baby at ma register sa korea ang baby nmen..pls help nmn po if possible poba na mka pnta kme ng baby nmen sa korea..

good day Maam Fehl, i am currently working in saudi arabia as occupational therapist and my husband is a family driver. i just want to know if all requirements stated in your blog is applicable if we are about to apply in the consulate of south korea here in saudi arabia. thank you so much.

Hi, I got my bank certificate and statement today and planning to apply after my SG/KL travel (1 week after today). With that I need to withdraw a substantial amount in my account. Probably half of the current amount will be withdrawn. My question is, does the embassy call the bank to check the current balance if what is reflected in the certificate is still the same? Thanks!

Hi good morning. Ask ko Lang po Sana. If how many percent sure that I get approve on my application. I have bank certificate with 200k In it. I have a dti. Mayors permit and its.

Hi, I read a blog early this year that visa applicants who have been previously granted with OECD Visas are no longer required to issue bank accounts/statements. Is this still applicable since the new guidelines were released (beginning March 1, 2015)? My husband and I had our honeymoon in Japan last December 2014 and I just booked a ticket to Seoul to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. I’m planning to apply for Korean Visa in September/October. Thank you very much!

Hi Ms.Fehl, Ask ko lng po if what poh kailngng gawin if ung kukuha visit visa is a minor and d pa nagstart class nia.1st time nia po magtravel dun to visit her tita and d poh nia kamag-Anak ung kasama niang pupunta ng Korea.Pls.Help me kasi naguguluhan ako sa mga requirements nia.Thank you

Hello! Good Day~~ Im planning to visit Busan in Korea this October, but this will be my first time to process passports and visa, Im asking for help because I really don’t know where to start,. Im living in Bacolod City, Im working as Korean English tutor but I don’t have any bank accounts yet, my friends are just inviting me to come.

Hi Ms. Fehl Ask ko lang How to get a Double Entry C3 Visa? Same din ba un sa pag kuha ng single entry visa? at may bayad ba un? Lagi kasi ako pumunta ng korea.Hoping for your quick response. thank you very much

Hello Ms. Fehl Good Day to you ! You helped me a lot about getting Korean Visa for twice already and i am thankful to you! Anyway. I would just like to ask something to you ms. fehl and i will be needing your answer as soon as possible. Ms. Fehl I got my visa again last june 1, 2015. and i already went to korea last june 15 to july 4. The visa i got is C3 single. I just came back from korea last july 4, 2015. and my visa will expire on september 1 2015. Can i still use the visa and go to korea before my visa expires?

And also Ms. Fehl I heard that all the issued visa On march to june, Will not be effective for only 3 months, i heard that the visa will be effective for 6 months due to Mers Cov Issue in korea . Is that correct? Hoping for your quick response. thank you very much for you help 🙂

@aires if you are obly going to visit Jeju Island, it’s free. Take a direct flight going to Jeju, there’s a flight going to Jeju with connecting flight in Hongkong. Manila-Hongkong-Jeju but still be praised because the Korean immigration might ask you some questions.

Hi! I just graduated last May 2015. And I’m currently reviewing for the upcoming CE board exam this November. Ask ko lang po kung ano po ung requirements po para sa akin? I’m confused, kasi hindi na ako student and hindi pa ako employed. Hope you can answer me. Thank you! 😉

Hi po. If my COR does not state the email address of our HR Manager, will it affect may visa application? Thanks

Hi, okay lang kahit walang email adress ng HR nyo.

Hi po I would like to ask some questions regarding Korean Visa. I`m Ana Tiongson, Registered Pharmacist.

I`m working po as a Regulatory Pharmacist. My Salary is P21,000 net of tax. but sa ITR ko po dinideclare lang ng company is Minimum Wage so. P8,500/month lang po ako. Annual ITR- P102,000.

Ang plano ko po sana gawin is ideclare sa COE ko yung Salary: For Example; Salary: 8,500 Transpo Allowance: 6,500 Food Allowance: 6,000 para po maging P21,000.

Nagwoworry lang po ako kasi baka madeny ako. Tama po ba yang ggwin ko?

Hi I am married to a UK Citizen, we have a son, I am a Housewife and live here in Philippines. Me and my husband are planning to Visit in SK early next year Is it possible for me to obtain a tourist Visa?

Will really appreciate your reply.. thanks so much:)

hi ms fhel..we already booked a flyt po to SK on january 2016. This will be our honeymoon as we were getting married this year december. Employed po ako so mkkpgsubmit po ako ng mga requirements pero ang question ko po is pano po ung fiance ko.. seaman po kasi xa then by oct po ang uwi nya so it means unemployed na po xa kasi nkabakasyon po xa..wala dn po xa ITR since d po sila nagbbyad ng tax..ano po maiiadvice nyo sa amin para po sa pede namen submit for his requirements? thank you po..

Pwedi padin naman sya mag-apply. Submit his seaman’s book and current contract to prove na naghihintay nalang sya ng work but of course the decision will be from the embassy. Good luck!

Hi Miss fehl, I had a multiple UK visit visa and I had travel twice in England. I just got back in Philippines last June 15 2015. May I ask po sana kase I want to travel and visit SK this September, what documents do I need to provide? And I want my niece sana to accompany me, traveling to SK, (first time nya mag flight) she’s 22 yrs old and unemployed and not a student, dito lang sya sa bahay ksama ng nanay ko. Pano po kaya ang best namen n gawin para ma approved kame pareho in case mag apply kame. Anu pong documents kaya pede ko I provide para sa kanya? Pls… Reply….. Thank U po and more power…. Your blogs really help…

I just want to ask kung totoo bang pwde mag-appeal sa Korean Embassy once they refused your application? Nabasa ko kasi sa ibang forum at thread na meron mga umaapila.. May ticket na kasi kami, since promo, sayang naman kung mababalewala.

We’re denied kasi yesterday. Complete naman po ang docs namin, valid passport, COE, ITR, Bank Cert. (Incl Bank Statement and Passbook), we also went to Japan last April 2015.. The reason of denial is that we “failed to prove the purpose of entry.” 🙁

Hi. All embassies naman allow visa re-applications

Ma’am, naka pag appeal b kayo? Nadeny din kasi ako. Gusto ko din sana mag appeal.

Hi. Why were you denied?:) mag apply pa lang kasi ako..

Hi, were you able to appeal? My brother was denied, we applied as a family. All replies will be helpful, thank you!

We’re planning to apply as a family too. Hoping i could get in touch with you as i have some questions.

Hi Ms. Fehl I have few questions because i will be going to korean embassy this tuesday.

First Question: I travelled already before in SK last august 2014 and i got C3 that time. and on tuesday i will be applying again for C3 to go SK this june for 2nd time. . Is it mean that im a frequent traveller who can take the advantage of having 3 working days only to get the visa?

Second Question: With regards to the new added requirements, when my mom asks to her bank a bank certificate and a bank statement, they only gave one paper and the paper they gave to my mom.. its all there. the account type, balance, everything is there. will the embassy accept that even its a 2 requirements in one paper?

Third Question: Will i still be needing the photocopy of my mom’s passport because when i checked to the website of korean embassy there is no indicated photocopy of parent’s passport there. Just asking only because what my concern is that my mom and i are too far from each other and we just meet just yesterday for the requirements but without that photocopy of passport.

Thank you very much ms. fehl for your quick responses. I will be needing the answers because i already have a ticket and my flight will be on june. I want to get my visa asap. Thanks Hoping for your quick response. thanks ms. fehl. you’ve been very helpful for all people here since then. 🙂 ^^

Hi. Sorry for late reply here. I’ve been to Cebu and was away from my computer. 1. Frequent Travellers, according to Korean Embassy, are those who have visited Korea more than twice within 4 years. 2. I think the bank statement is the latest bank statement (debits and credits) for the last 3 months. Bank Certificate is a certified copy of the account (account type, account opening, balance and 6 months ADB) 3. I suggest to still bring a extra copies always

Hi Ms. Fhel,

I found your blog very helpful and i thank you for all your input. You might gonna help me since Korean Embassy doesn’t response in my email. My husband and i are planning to have a vacation on July this year, actually we do have our ticket already. My documents are already complete, but i don’t know what should an ofw will be presenting in applying a tourist visa? He’s working in New Zealand. I appreciate your help. Thank you so much!

Hi, same requirements listed above if you’re both Filipino citizens

Just found out your site really reliable and helpful for Filipinos who are applying for Visa. Like ko lang po sana hingi advise regarding what visa to apply nag pla-plan po kc kame ng mga friends ko mag tour this year in Korea and medyo alanganin po ako sa mga requirements since ang work ko as of now is homebased which is naka based po sa US and wala pong TAX na naibabawas sa salary namin. So in this case if ever na kuha po ako ng TOURIST VISA for employees wala po akong ITR na maippkita.. meron nmn po kaming family business but hndi po nakapangalan to me ung business. My other friends advised me na try po ung Tourist Visa for students since may kakilala daw po siyang staff from school na pede nmin hingian ng school certificate 🙂 hmm ano po kayang magandang applyan for Touris Visa?

I suggest you apply as Self Employed (freelancer) coz you are not a student. The embassy might still request for tax return because you are a self employed professional. Maybe you want to register yourself sa BIR first para ok kana and just submit sa embassy a copy of registration proving kakastart mo lang as SE-Professional.

Hi! Mag aapply po kami ng friend ko ng visa for SK. May additional requirements po ba siyang kailangan ipasa kasi po minor pa po siya and ang kasama naming matanda sa trip ay ang mom ko. Pati po hindi pa po siya nakakapag enroll because sa UP po ay july pa ang enrollment eh ngayong june po kami kukuha ng visa. Ako naman po ay nakapagenroll na sa UST pero wala pa po kaming ID. Ano pong dapat naming isubmit kung ganun? Thank you po

Good day, Ms. Fehl,

Ask lang po if required pa po b visa to South Korea if you are a US green card holder/ permanent resident in the US? I am still holding my Philippine passport. Please help. thanks po.

If you’re already a US citizen and you’re using US Passport, you can visit South Korea without a visa for 90 days or less

Ano po mga requirements kung senior citizens na mag asawa po ang mag aaply for visa? May invitation na po sila from korea, ano pa po ang dadalhin na ibang papers?

Is there any chance for a housewife to get a VISA to Korea with no employment, and business but has a sponsor to shoulder expenses for the whole stay?

Sponsors are her children and relatives in the Philippines.

ihave questions hope you can help me with

Im going to apply for the visa tom. im invited by a school in korea which we had MOU with…. in the form # 35, guarantor, should i put the School or my korean boss who will bw coming with me in Korea?

And our resort under our company does not have tel no. since telephone company cant put up any connections here. is it okay to just put my boss # in the employment certificate and in the form…?

Is the copy of the passbook enough? my bank statement will be released on tue pa.i have my bank certificate already.

please answer po…

Hi Ms. Fehl, ask ko lang po, anu po ba ang kukunin na visa kung 3days lang po mag stay sa korea??? I really appreciated your answer.. Thanks & Godbless po

Hello po! I recently graduated from college and currently reviewing po for CPA board exam.. Anong requirements po ang kelangan?

Hello po!!! I just want to ask po if we need to submit a travel clearance? My sister and I are both students. I’m 19 and she’s 16..Or we can secure a travel clearance after getting the result of our visa application? Thank you!!!

Good day ms. fhel,

my family, four of us, is planning to apply for Korean visa next week. we are applying as a family/group. Is it possible if we could just submit 1 original copy of the proof of income together with the other requirements?

or…Do we need to have 4x original copy of my parent’s bank certificate &bank statements? and complete individually all the requirements even we are going to submit it in one window?

Thank you in advance 🙂

Hi Sharmaine,

What happened to your visa application as a family? Were you all approved? I also have the same question at the moment (if I need to submit 4x original copies or just one set of requirements for the group application).

Hope to receive any advice from you. Thanks 🙂

I applied for SK visa as a family, there was 4 of us. I am the only one who is employed. My husband has a business but does not have ITR and other requirements so I declared him as unemployed. Unfortunately, he was denied. Only my 2 kids and I were approved.

Now I do not know how I’d travel SK without my husband.

Anyone has an idea on how to appeal?

Hello po!!! I just want to ask lang po regarding sa bank statement…since sinabi 3 months, so magpapass po kami ng 3 bank statements? For the month of January, Feb and March po? We’ll lodge our papers na po kasi bukas heheh thanks po!!!

Nope, it’s only 1 bank statement in the last 3 months. 🙂 Just tell the banker you need bank statement for SK Embassy, they usually know already what to give you.

Hello po! Thanks for replying! But the bank kasi is from the US so lahat po ng bank statements nila is per month..So pwede po siguro na ipass namin to lahat? Thanks!

Yes, if that’s the case

Hi there, quick question with the new requirements from the SK government on Filipinos traveling to SK. would that still affect the C-3 visa? my girlfriend is Filipino and lives in the Philippines. But i am here working in SK. I want to bring her here so that she can come visit, and be a tourist. She is not a student or has a job. Any suggestions?

Thank you in advanced.

I think it also affects the C-3 visa because the Filipino applying needs to submit some of the requirements mentioned in the new policy. If your gf has no job, request Certificate from BIR indicating she’s not paying taxed or she’s exempted

I’ve been meaning to travel to SK. However, just a month ago, the company that I’ve been working for decided to stop its operations here in the Philippines. I can submit all the required documents (bank statement/certificates included) but since I’m currently in between jobs, I don’t have any COE to provide. What are my options?

Get COE still as you’re applying as an employed individual

Isa po akong OFW sa Kuwait for 6yrs till now, paano po ba makKuha ng working visa for Korea, at magkano po ba ang placement fees. I want to work in Korea. Thanks for the info.

Hi ms. Fhel .. I will process my visa na po End of this month so .. Since I’m self employed.. Ready na po yung .. BUSINESS PERMIT , BANK STATEMENT , ITR ko .. Meron pa po ba akong kelangan na e-submit aside sa tatlong hawak ko ngayun ? Also I have all the requirements na sa bf ko na mag e-envite sakin sa Korea .. So pretty sure ok na yung mga requirements Nya .. I want to stay there at least 3 months and yung money ko sa bank is almost 200k na po .. Ok nakaya yan ? Please need your advice , Baka may Iba pa akong pwedeng ilagay sa mga requirements ko 🙂 I’m excited to process my visa na kasi .. Hehe ! Thank you have a bless day

Hi ms. Fehl, is it still okay to apply for a tourist visa as a student though it’s already vacation? Thank you.

Embassy would need school docs. If you can request the docs from your school, then it’s ok

Hi gud pm pano kung group visa frend and family ano mga kailangan. My 2 matanda pa mag tour lang ng 5 days

Hi Ms.Fehl, Need ur advice please… My american boyfriend want to traveL SK at sya po ang mag e-sponsor lahat ng expences ko to travel..rightnow He is in america and im here in Taiwan so paano pong proceso gagawin namin..at anong mga documents para makakuha kmi ng SK VISA..specially ako dahil sa PH po aq magpaprocess if ever.. Thank u so much.. Pls let me know soon.. GOD bless you

ASK KULANG PO KNG PWEDE GAMITIN YNG I.T.R CARD NUMBER NAGAMIT KO SYA PAGBAYAD NG TAX SA HOUSE MGA 1 YEAR PALANG NAG PAY DOON AT LITTLE BUSENESS LIKE SARI SARI STORE OKEY PABA SYANG GAMITIN….THEN HOW MUCH COST THE SHOW MONEY IN TOURIST VISA IN KOREA..OR KNG MAGANDA MAGPA GARANTOR AKO SA BF SA KOREA SYA MAG WORK ITS OKEY LNG BA BUT HIS FROM NORWAY?PLEASE REPLY MY ACCOUNT ..THANK YOU SO MUCH

Hi! I’m applying for a student visa this April. I have a concern about my parent’s support documents. My mom is an ofw, and she doesn’t have a bank account here in Manila. But she has a bank in her place of work. Can I submit my personal bank statement & certificate (which is where she sends money) ? Or should I include also her bank statement from her bank abroad?

Follow all the requirements under STUDENT VISA and you’ll be ok

Good evening po. May I ask if I can extend my stay in Korea for one day? I will be going back to the Philippines and we will be transiting at Incheon airport going to Manila flight. For example, I will be arriving in Korea at April 26 and I want to extend my stay until April 27. Do I still need to apply for Korean Visa? and if ever I will going to apply, I am still a student, Do I need to submit the requirements for students you have posted above? Thank You 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl

I’ll be travelling with some friends in SK for an 8-day visit. I already graduated from college and taking up my master’s degree. But, I am unemployed at the moment. So the nearest qualification for my visa application is for students, is that right?!

The friends that I’ll be going with are all employed, aside from my parents affidavit of support, should I still ask for one of them to back me up?

My parents don’t have passports yet, are there any remedies for this? Because I’ve seen from some post that it wasn’t listed on the requirements submitted.

Yes, apply as student since it’s your best resort and you have school docs to support your application

Isa po akong home base Online teacher for almost 3 years,ang manager ko po ay isang Korean nationality,at ininvite nya akong mkapunta don at sya ang magbabayad sa lahat ng gagastusin. wala nmn po akong bank account at ITR ano po ba ang dpat gawin?

Please help me if what to do.Thank you!

Hi Ms.Fehl,

Ask ko lang po panu po if walang ITR. Dito po ako work pinas as freelance Inspector ang contract ko nasa hongkong so dun po nangagaling sahod. parang overseas employee ako, Un lang po problema ko ITR. may coe po ako at bank cert.. Mabibigyan kaya ako ng visa?salamat

You still need ITR coz you are a resident of Phil and you are earning outside the Phil. thus you’re required to file/pay tax

I don’t have ITR so i need employment certificate indicating na wala pa akong ITR, can any help me to make employment certificate.

Your employer will be the one to make it for you. 🙂

Hi ms.fhel..eto po mga requirements ko..COE but wlng itr kc wla sa min. wage..bank cert and bank statement..invitation letter from my korean boyfriend..COE of my korean boyfriend..photocopy of his passport and affidavit of fiancial support from my boyfriend..is it possible na mgrant ako sa visa?im confused..

I suggest you get a certificate indicating why you have no ITR or why you’re exempted from tax. Then I think all is good

Hai po ms fehl.:-) Ask q lng po. Ang GF q po ih gustong kmuha ng korean tourist visa. Since ang sister nya po ay nsa south korea and nkpag asawa ng koreoano knsal cla d2 sa pinas. Ang Gf q po ih contructual ang work d2 pinas ih dba po min. Wage lng ang contratual so wlang tax. Wla dn po syang back account or cert. So prang unemployed po ang labas nya. So ano po mgndang gawin kc lahat ng gastusin ih shoulder na po ng asawa ng sister nya. So ano po mbisang mga supportive documents pra mkatulong po sa pagkuha ng GF q ng visa po.. thnx po sa help..:-)

I suggest she still get COE and a certificate from the BIR indicating she is exempted from tax coz she’s a minimum wage earner.

HELLO po Miss Fehl ask ko lang po paano po pag walang bank account? OFW po ako sa saudi ngayon plan ko po mag vacation to korea on december … ano po ipe present ko para makakuha ng Visa? e wala po ako bank account .. hoping for your response .salamt

Maybe you can submit other docs indicating proof of funds

Hi, just want to ask, im a graduating student, and im planning to visit my US military boyfriend who will be assigned in seoul south korea this june 2015, im 24 yo. i have my parents COE, ITR, affidavit of suppor and bank account. do you think i still need to get my bf’s invitation letter, military order?? since my parents are the one who will pay for everything naman. and my parents are not willing to show their saving account so they provided me a new one but it only has 100k, do you think i have a big chance to be accepted and granted a visa?

thanks for reading my comment and help, 🙂

Yes, since your bf is inviting you, you need invitation letter and his military order, military ID attached too

HI GUYS!! I would like to THANK YOU MISS FEHL FOR THIS AWESOME BLOG. After reading your blog and end up stressing myself on what, where, how to get the requirements (for almost 2 months) to the point of losing my hope of submitting, and granting a visa. Because of this blog, I was able to find answers! AND VOILA! Last week, My Boyfriend and I decided to submit our application, and after that…WE WERE GRANTED A VISA! *paaaartyyy~* even if we are first time travellers..hihihi So, I wanted to share MY EXPERIENCE~

Well, I applied for a STUDENT VISA so here are list of requirements I submitted:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original School Certificate 6. Photocopy of my School Assessment (this can also be the White form/Schedule or whichever form that will prove you’re currently enrolled in your school.) 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate 9.Affidavit of Support (in my case, from my boyfriend) 10.My Bf’s Bank Statement (original Copy) 11.Parents’ Passport Bio-page (photocopy) 12.My Dad’s Bank certificate and STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT(from his SSS savings account) 13.Certificate of Non-filing of Income tax (from BIR) (original copy) 14.(Original Copy) Certificate of Employment (My dad is a retired employee/senior citizen. I requested this from his past employer—the company where he retired)—-stating the he was an employee there from year 19xx-20xx…

Requirements for Certificate of Non-filing of Income Tax WHAT’S THIS?!>>>>NON-FILING OF INCOME TAX are only applicabe for INDIGENTS/SENIOR CITIZEN/RETIRED EMPLOYEES/HOUSEWIFE/EMPLOYED BUT HAS BELOW 6K MONTHLY INCOME.

NOTE: ASK the nearest BIR Office for requirements needed for this kind of certification. It’s really awesome if you’ll ask them first, the list below will only guide you on what, who and where to get it. It always depends on the BIR Office that you’ll visit and ask 😉 they’ll also ask the purpose of requesting such certification. 🙂 ALWAYS BE NICE TO THEM because they might interview you hahahaha LIST: 1. A formal letter to the District Head Officer and photocopy it for two (2) copies. 2. Affidavit, you can get this from the authorized employee in BIR—should be notarized, two copies (1 for father and 1 for mother)—-once signed and notarized photocopy it for two copies each. 3. Certficate of residency (you can request this at your baranggay hall stating that your parents are residents in the baranggay)—the baranggay may request for an updated cedula of your parents and/or YOUR cedula. Just be prepared for this and also don’t forget your ID because they may or may not require a cedula. In my case, I only presented my ID and my parents’ photocopy of passport as their ID. THERE’S A FEE—It depends on certification fee that your baranggay will ask from you. 4. IF REQUIREMENTS FROM 1-3 are ready, go back to BIR and present the Affidavit to the cashier and tell thedm you’kk need it for certification and 5. Buy documentary stamp (I paid Php 130) 6. SUBMIT IT! and wait for a few minutes and they will give you the certificate. 😀

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION *prepare an SSS Static Info of your mom/dad—in case the embassy will ask for it. You can request this at SSS Office. In my case, the consul did not ask for it since my boyfriend will be the one to support me in my travel. You might need this IF your parents will be the one who will financially support you of your travel. *In the AFFIDAVIT from BIR, you’ll fill up a particular blank wherein it will state WHERE does your parents get their income to sustain your family’s needs and etc.IF THE INCOME THAT THEY GET IS FROM (let’s say…) someone’s supporting your family aka BREAD WINNER…prepare an Affidavit stating that your family’s bread winner (an ATE/KUYA/TITA/TITO and the like~) been supporting your family and etc. You can also photocopy the latest remittance form or receipts or any proofs that will support the affidavit. *IF you have a bread winner like an ATE/KUYA who has stable job, you can request a photocopy of their ITR. prepare an AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FOR THEM, THEIR BANK CERTIFICATE, BANK STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT, AND CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT *ALL AFFIDAVITS SHOULD BE SIGNED BY THE AFFIANT, ATTORNEY, SEALED AND NOTARIZED. NOTE: These additional information will not guarantee of granting a visa. These are only supporting documents or infos IN CASE your parents are retired, cannot totally support you for your travel, if you are supported by other person and etc. BECAUSE EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE HAVING A HARD TIME ON GETTING AN ITR, BANK CERTIFICATE AND BANK SOA FROM THEIR PARENTS. THESE ARE ONLY ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS. 😉 I hope these would help a lot.

PS. From what I have observed the embassy/consul are kinda generous in granting STUDENTS a Visa because of the school documents that they will submit, because it only means that there’s a high chance/possibility that they’ll be back in the PH. BUT it WILL ALSO AND ALWAYS depends on WHO WILL FINANCIALLY SUPPORT OF THEIR TRAVEL IN KOREA. 😀

Yay, I’m so happy your visas got approved. Enjoy your travel to Korea! Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sure it will help many people here. Cheers!

Hi ms. Fehl i and my swedish boyfriend will be going to manila but im employed i just want to asked how much should be the maintaining balance to my bank to be approved for tourist visa..?thanks

Hi ..pano pag meron lang akong employment certificate pero wala akong ITR ? Meron akong ITR but sa online shopping business ko .. OK nkaya Yun ? and need paba Yung ID ko sa tinatrabahu.an ko ?

Hi, if you’re employed and with a business, you must have an ITR since you’re a mixed income earner 🙂

Hello we kind of have the same situation. Did your visa get approved? Thanks

Hi mam. ask ko if possible mapprove . I am bank emplyee. I can provide bank cert of 150k-200k, marriage contract, Itr, coec. my prob is my Husband . he will end his contract as an ofw From saudi. I ask him to get a letter explanation re: tax exemption as u suggesteD Since end of contract sia pede nb ung certificate nya ng clearance/cert. of contract? Lumalabas kasi no work n na sya paguwi diba. Punta kami korea paguwi nya. But I already want to book ticket pra mura. What are our chances??? What else pede adtinal reqts?

Try to apply and see how it will go. 🙂 It will be a challenge with your husband since he’s no longer employed then. I don’t suggest submitting Clearance coz it’s not COE unless the embassy requested it. You can maybe submit Affidavit of Support indicating you will support your husband on your travel.

Hi ma’am,meron po ako sister in law sa sk,pwede po ba nya ako invite? At ano po ang mga requirements na kailangan?

seen in some article that if you have been to OECD countries like Japan, they will not ask you to submit a bank cert? is it true?

According to their site, “starting May 13, 2014, all Visa applicants with unused tourist Visa to the OECD member countries, will be considered as first time travellers, and thus, should apply at window 1 or window 2.

Only those who have travelled as tourist to the OECD member countries within 5 years will be exempt from submitting ITR copy and may apply at window 3 (frequent travellers).

For those who have travelled to Korea, only those who have visited more than twice within 4 years will be considered frequent travellers.

Hi question can i be considered a frequent traveller ? if i visited 3 OECD country within 5 year.. without submitting any itr

Hi Ms. Fehl! I am applying for my 4th visa to SK this month. And I just went to BPI to get a bank cert and bank statement. Problem is they can give ADB only for the last 3months not 6 months.. They told me it’s their format for bank cert. Will this be okay already? Thank you and God Bless po!

The embassy requires last 3 months record for bank statement but 6 months for bank certificate. I don’t know if that would be accepted but you can try since BPI mentioned it’s their standard/uniform format

Hi, if i will travel with my parents and i am still a student, do I still need to have the documents like copy of their bank certificate,etc.?

Yes, see the requirements for Students

If you have an official passport, is it still required to get a visa?

Hi ms.fehl,

Kumusta po? I just went back from korea po last feb. 19 as a single entry visa, and i need to travel again this march to korea. if i travel once po pwede po bang mag apply ng multiple visa? Bka mg trvel din po ako kc ng april, galing na rin po ako ng japan. kailngan ko po bang ilagay sa application that i am requesting for a multiple visa? Regards po sa document complete po ako, gamit ko pong bank KEB, nag request po ako ng bank certificate indicating ung account type, current balance , acc.date at 6 mnths average balance. Ang kso meron po silang sariling format, and ang bnigay po nilang statement of account e yung previous 6 mnths. Ang sbi po nila i coconsider na ng embassy un. Ok lang po kaya un? Walang nka sulat if kelan ako nag open? Pro ung statement of account ung previous 6 mnths .

Salamat po sa pagbasa at pag tugon.

I saw you’re very active in answering your readers’ questions here. So here’s my case:

I am going to SK with my friend. He is Filipino but is for 7 years now. We will be going to Korea from here. If he wants to apply for a visa here in Manila, he’ll need to submit the requirements the same as those in the Employed category. Our problem is, he will be resigning from his job before going here (he’s 19yrs old). Eh I called the embassy and the lady there said that everyone who’ll apply for a visa needs to have a job. Sobrang labo po ng case namin. And I don’t know kung maiintindihan mo po 🙁

Question po,

Any changes po ba after mabigyan ng visa, kailangan pa sila (embassy) i-notify? Or is it good to go once we have the visa? Ang plano ko po kasi i-apply na po namin yung visa namin, habang may work pa sya dun. At least may maipapasa kaming requirements ngayon.

And yung Visa Requirement exemption po na “If transiting only to SK and going to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and with confirmed onward ticket to those 3rd countries”, ilang araw po kaya pwede etong mag stay sa Korea? Baka po bawal mag overnight? Kasi po kung sobrang komplikado nung magiging requirements nya, balak ko nalang po padiretsuhin sya umuwi na ulit ng Canada after namin mag SK 🙁

SK is very strict with tourist visa as a matter of fact they now require strict requirements starting March 1, 2015:

1. Certificate of Employment

– must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address.

2. Bank Certificate

– must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)

3. Bank Statement

– original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months

4. Income Tax Return copy

– with personal tin number

hi mam,,im ofw here in hongkonb,,,plan q po mg tourist s korea this vacation ko s philippines,,,my vacation po aq 2 weeks i want to spend myb5 days in korea,,,wala po aq itr,,but i have a contract en visa n proof n need ko bumalik d2 s hongkong on september,,,

Hello po ms. Fhel .. Yung American boyfriend ko na mag sponsor sakin .. Pupunta sya dito sa Phil’s para tulungan akong mag apply ng visa .. Do I still need his invitation letter , or wla na yun ? Then meron po na kayung example ng invitation letter ? Please po . Need answer kasi first week sa April mag pa-process Naako ng visa 🙂

You need affidavit of support if he will sponsor your trip

hi miss fhel..i’ve been from Japan for a 2wks tour and planning to visit SK next month for a 5day tour also.,I just read in mofa/kr requirements for tourist that if you have OECD visa you’ll be exempt from submitting itr. and also they are asking now bank statement plus the bank certificate. How true is this Mam?.. Thanks and God bless. I have a little business by the way.

Yes, starting March 1, 2015 there you need to comply with their specific requirements. I will post the update today in the article above.

My family is planning to visit korea next year. If we apply for the tourist visa, do we need to bring our kids during the application of the visa? thaNk you

hi ms. fhel…thanks for giving advises/tips to those who wants to get korean visa. ask ko lang, my aunties are planning to visit SK on a group tour and they already have plane ticket and accommodation. Three of them are plain housewife, and their expenses will be shouldered by their other sister who has her own business. Do you think they can still get visa? Will affidavit of support, birth certificate (to establish their relationships) and my tita’s business permit, registration and bank certificate will suffice?

They usually travel as a group and have been to vietnam and HK together. Thanks

Embassy is strict but they can try that. 🙂

good pm ms fehl. may bago po reqt sa sk embassy. just saw the news fr abscbn. and wen i check d embassy’s website, meron pla sa “visa announcement” page na new reqt including bank statement for 3 mos. sa tuesday na sana ako mag pass reqts. should i go on kht wala bank statement? most kc ng money is dedeposit ko lng s mon. show money lng tlga. so kung bank statement baka ma question ung biglang paglaki ng money? need advice po! thanks!

That is starting March 1, 2015

Hello ms fehl..ask ko lang po im employed po but almost 3 months plng so i dont have itr..and now my korean fiance want me to visit in his place..what documents i need to get approved ?i had invitation letter and my fiance certificate of employment..and he will provide all my expenses..do i still need bank certificate?pls help me.

hi joan, as far as I know you still need to show your bank certificate(yun isang brother ko na nainvite ko he only have 15k in his bank pero na grant visa nya) yun isang brother ko na ini ininvite ko lately they are asking his bank certificate kaya pinag open ko sya ng bank kaso doon sa bank sabi nila they don’t issue bank cert.not unless 6months matured un account kasi yun din daw ang hinahanap sa pag aapply ng visa(di ko alam kun new policy nanaman un!) dapat daw 6months existing account daw yun bank certificate kaya we’re still waiting to matured his bank account. = (

hi!ask q lng if mag apply aq ng tourist visa meron b clang mininum for the bank certific8?ska ano po ba yung mga example ng questions s embassy?

hi fehl .. ask q lng po pg ininvite k ng korean frnd .. anu2 ung mga requirements n need ? .. need p dn po b ng itr ‘ employment cert. and personal bank acct.? .. or original copy of invitation and a copy of passport lang ?..

If you’re employed, yes you still need ITR and COE. Please see the list of requirements in the article above. God bless!

Ms. Fehl, sorry for being makulit. But I really need your advice 🙁 Thanks!

My bf n i are planning to go 2 korea. since he is a freelance photographer, he doesnt have itr n coe. only bank docs. question ko is, on your opinion, what will be better, a. ilagay nmn na ako mag sponsor s trip nya ( im currently employed) or b. magpasa sya ng sya ung mag shoulder ng trip nya kht bank cert lng meron sya? btw, do u think 100k is enough n nka deposit s acct ko assuming im sponsoring r trip? 5 days ang mggng stay nmn.

Hi. I think it would be better if you’ll sponsor him because he’s currently unemployed. 6-figure I think is ok and enough.

Hi Ms. Fehl thanks for your reply. Do I still need to make an Affidavit of Support? Also, will it be an advantage if we will show we already have roundtrip ticket & hotel accommodation?

You need affidavit of support if someone is sponsoring your trip and accommodation for you. Don’t buy tickets yet because those are not really requierments

Can I apply my visa a week before my travel date? or should I process it a month before?

You must process it a month before to avoid delays and uncertainties of time allowance

Hi, Greetings from Pandora Travel and Tours! We are newly registered company and first to have a client going in SK for 10 days and a quite confusing for us…She has her Italian resident and just got her vacation here in the Philippines. We read all the requirements for her to comply for the visa. Since she has no bank account here (Philippines), but has the means to show she is capable to finance her tour, what are the other requirements she must to submit for granting a tourist visa? Please advise.

Pandora Travel and Tours

Hi, Italy citizens don’t need tourist visa to visit Korea. I think they are allowed 90 days to stay without a visa

hi po. my bf n i are planning to go 2 korea. since he is a freelance photographer, he doesnt have itr n coe. only bank docs. question ko is, on your opinion, what will be better, a. ilagay nmn na ako mag sponsor s trip nya ( im currently employed) or b. magpasa sya ng sya ung mag shoulder ng trip nya kht bank cert lng meron sya? btw, do u think 100k is enough n nka deposit s acct ko assuming im sponsoring r trip? 5 days ang mggng stay nmn.

Hi Ms, Fehl,

Your blog is really helpful. I applied for out tourist visa last week and I got it yesterday. We were approved. Thank you for making this page. God bless.

Wow, congratulations, Syrene!

Hi Ms. Fehl!

Me and my sister are planning to go to Korea this April. so we have to get a korean visa na. we’re both student. i have a question for the parent’s financial support documents. Our father is a OFW in the middle-east. they don’t have ITR because OFW’s don’t have tax,right. he has the COE na,but is it okay if the bank cert. is issued sa begging ng month? and how about sa ITR,ano pwede ipalit sa ITR since OFW’s don’t have one.

thank you! 🙂

Since your dad has no ITR, he can make Affidavit stating he is not paying taxes per UAE law. Have the Affidavit notarized. That would help. 🙂

My brother and I are planning to go to SK for 5 days. My brother is not employed and I am working. Should I give my affidavit of support? We went to Beijing last year. What are the other documents he have to submit? Can I submit our documents together? Thanks

Try that but if he’s unemployed, they might still look for financial capacity and close ties like COE from job and ITR

Hi Miss Fhel. I do like to ask if there is exemption for applying a visa? I already have my confirmed ticket going to USA and I did have my US Visa .Transit lang poh and we just decide to stay for 4 days in Seoul Korea. As what I read poh kc there is Transit Ano poh the best na gagawin ko. I hope you can help me find answer in my question .Thank you so much God bless :).

Visa exemption applies to:

-If using Philippine Official and Diplomatic Passport.

-If transiting only and going to the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, or New Zealand. But must not stay beyond 30 days and with confirmed onward ticket to the 3rd country.

-If the individual has been to Korea for four (4) times within the past two years with a C2 or C3 visa. Or has been to Korea for more than ten (10) times already.

-If Nationality is among the list of those exempted from securing a visa.

Good day Ms. Fehl! This blog is simply awesome. I have read comments here na somehow pareho sa situation ko. I am a student. SITUATION: *APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA that the only problem is the PARENT’S DOCUMENTS (ITR, BANK CERT & ETC.) because my father is a retired employee and just started his pension. My mom is a housewife. *THE TRIP TO KOREA WILL BE FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY MY BOYFRIEND (all expenses as in ALL)

I have read it here too na kailangan ng AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT signed by Boyfriend and notarized. I have a question here, dun sa affidavit ang ilalagay ba dun ay “BOYFRIEND” or “FIANCE”? *Is it necessary for me to have a copy of his COE and ITR even if we will be applying visa together? *I understand na kailangan ko ng copy ng Bank certificate niya nabasa ko na kasi dito ehh :)*

I think I have enough money in my bank for 5 days stay (80k)?, can I use it since my parents doesn’t have any bank account?

Can we also show the return tickets and confirmation of reservation in the Hotel that we will be staying in?

Hi, just submit requirements for student. You don’t need COE and ITR. The embassy will be confused if you submit requirements not applicable for students unless they requested them. Put BF coz fiance is another thing 🙂 Roundtrip tickets and hotel accomm. are not really required

Hi Ms. Fel,

Why does Korean embassy requires college diploma for tourist (group) visa.

Hi Ms. Fehl. what if my mom is a widow and no work. What are the requirements for tourist visa?

This blog is really helpful! I have questions too, hope you could help me. I have completed some requirements for Student Visa. the only that I don’t have is the ITR of my parents and their Bank Certificate I already requested a Certificate of non-fiing of Income Tax. My trip to Korea will be supported by my boyfriend financially, so he made an Affidavit of Support. So here are my questions:

1) Can I use my bank certificate since my parents doesn’t have any bank account? 2) the source of my money in my bank account is from my sister abroad who are financially helping me—-Should I also use the remittance receipt? 3) Can I use my sister’s (the one who is working in Manila) ITR? and provide an Affidavit (stating that she’s been supporting me financially)—– as a supporting document? 4) By the way, I am a working student, I do have a TIN ID but I still don’t have ITR since I just started last November, but I can request to my employer to write a letter or affidavit the reason why I still don’t have an ITR, my employer is also willing to make one. 5) Which is better? to apply as a student visa or employee visa?

Hope you could help me! thanks! GEL.

Hi since you’re a student, you can show your sister as your financial support. Apply as student coz you are still one. It is a strong tie that you’re coming back. 🙂

Good evening miss Fehl! I worked in korea before, then nagtry ako to get a tourist visa last sept. ang mali ko di ko na attach ung dati kung passport, unforetunately i was denied and the reason was they were looking for more ties of you going back to the Philippines :[. Pero nagtry ako tourist visa sa japan na approved naman the day na madenied ako sa korean embassy, now i already travelled to japan and i have an EOCD visa. Ask ko lang po kung pwede pa ung business permit and mayors permit kung 2014 pa, kasi by March pa ulit ako makakapagpasa sa korean embassy, kakabayad ko lang kasi last august nag file kasi ko ng temporary closure sa business ko. Di ko pa narerenew ung permit ko, iconsider kaya nila yon? baka kasi madenied ako for the 2nd time eventhough Im considered as a frequent traveller. Thank you!

You need to show docs for your business. They require the latest year registration. Since, wala ka, I’m afraid you’ll get denied again

Hello po ms. Fehl, i have a question po ulit. i submitted my complete documents po last wednesday, the consul accepted it and chineck nya lang ng isang beses, then gave me the releasing date next wk. Wala po siya ni isang tanong, is that an indication na approved po ako? salamat po ulit.

It’s a positive sign I think. But pray still 🙂

Hi ms.fehl, i got my visa today. Thank’s a lot. May God bless u.

Congrats and bon voyage!

Hello po! I’m a student and my mom is an OFW so she can’t get her bank certificate since she personally have to get it from the bank, can I submit her Car registration instead of bank certificate? Thank you so much! 🙂

Hi po..just want to ask…im planning ti go in SK..andun ung sister ko na Ofw..ako mgfifinance ng travel ko..pero dun aq mgstay sa haus nila n provided ng amo nia…do i still need invitation letter stating n dun aq mstay…at wat p po need ko? Do i need to declare dat?

It’s not among the primary requirements for tourist visa for employed individuals. I think you may need the invitation letter at the immigration (airport) coz you need to provide there where you will stay.

Hi Ms. Fehl! 🙂

this blog is really helpful as some of my queries about the requirements for korean visa application are somehow answered. I am a graduating student, and my boyfriend gave me a trip ticket to korea as a graduation gift. My super problem right now is that, my Dad have no ITR, and I read here on your blog that the required documents, as much as possible must be updated. My dad is a retired teacher since 2005 (9 yrs ago) and since then he is unemployed therefore, he is tax-exempt, now, last November 2014, my father just turned 60 y/o meaning he is a senior citizen already. He also declared me and my mom as his beneficiaries. My mom is a housewife (tax-exempt too). So, I am asking for your opinion, if I could use my father’s monthly pension documets and etc…(SSS) instead of ITR? I don’t have any problem with his COE because we already requested it. The bank certificate, can we use his bank statement na pinaghuhulugan ng SSS (PNB) or should we open another account?

I have another option with this problem, by using my boyfriend’s documents as he is financially stable and capable naman. I would need an Affidavit of support from him stating that he will be the one to support me financially during our stay in korea. Another thing, I would like to know what is SSS Static Info, lagi ko kasing nababasa sa mga nirereplyan mo ehh, Does my boyfriend need it too?

Ms. Fehl, what should I do now? should I use my Dad’s pension documents or should I use my boyfriend’s documents?

It will really help me a lot if you could answer me. Thanks! God Bless you! 🙂

Hi. Requirements for students are the following:

1. Application Form 2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable only) 6. Original School Certificate 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of an applicant 9. Parent’s Financial Support Document (COE, Bank Cert, ITR)

I think you can use your dad’s pension SOA (statement of Account) instead of ITR since he’s already retired. You can also request bank certificate of the account he uses for his pension. Yes, prepare Affidavit of Support from your BF in case they request it too. SSS info is only an option when the embassy requests it.

Thank you so much Ms. Fehl!! :)) Next month na ako magaapply ng visa~ wish me luck! God Bless you! 🙂

Thank you for answering everone’s concerns.

I just had my visa requirements for SK submitted this day (through an agency). It was complete. Itr, coe, letter of leave approval, bank cert etc. It was accepted by the consul however he had a comment that I dont have a guarantor and I am a first time traveller. Im also travelling solo. My claim date will be next week, Jan 27.

What are the chances of getting my application approved? Thank you.

Apparently they were looking for more ties of you going back to the Philippines. Good luck I hope you’ll get approved.

Regarding my previous message, My visa got approved. Thank you. 🙂

Great! Congrats! Pasalubong! 🙂

hi ms.fhel,

maybe you can help my friend.she is married to a japanese and been 3yrs n pblik blik sya s japan no work.and she is here in the philippines for almost 1 yr. unemployed din po sya dito s pinas? is she need tohave ITR? she is planning to visit this coming feb by her own .i am gladly thankful if you response quickly po.thank you godbless

I already replied for the requirements with this case. See my previous reply for your comment above. God bless!

Hi po ms. Fel, Greetings in Christ.

i have plan to visit in korea this feb, galing na po ako ng japan as a tourist within the last 5 yrs. Complete po ung documents ko except sa mayor’s permit under renewal po kc it will take 3wks bago ma release. Ok lang po ba ung dti at last yr business permit? Married na rin po pala ako sa korean nsa pinas po sya, kso di pa po ako nkaka pag cfo, thats why ang ibang documents ko single pa including passport, is it ok po to put married? If my documents is still single, or just put single? may nso na po kmi ng marriage certificate ni hubby kso di pa na register sa korea ok lang po ba i present?The purpose of visit is vacation or tavel leisure for 5 days, and ako po mg support sa sarili ko, ok lang po ba un ang ilagay?

Maraming salamat po sa tugon ninyo,

Godbless po.

You must apply following the status on your docs and passport. Know first your real status right now and complete the legality of your status. Then update your docs (passport, IDs etc) to follow your status. It’s always best to be consistent to avoid major problems.

Thank u po ms. Fehl. Godbless!

hi,maam gudeve,pwdi mgtnung?my kpted po aqo andun xa korea nainvite na po aqo 2 bses na tpus ngayun ung mama ko nmn ung ininvite nya kc d dw pwdi dalawa xa isa lng nag invite paanu po ba aqo mkakuha nang visa maam?or pwdi nya po ba aqo mainvite ngaun khit andun pa mother qo,?slmat

Hi Ms Fehl,

My family and I (4pax) was invited by a friend (OFW) to SK and we’ll be staying at her place this April. Will an invitation letter from my OFW friend help us with the application for tourist visa? Any possible additional requirement from my friend that may help us with the application?

My other concern is my brother who is not technically employed as he is helping my mom with our store. He does not have ITR but I will be financing his travel. Will a financial support letter from me would help? We plan to go and apply for the visa together will it bear any impact? Lastly, it is not our first family out of country trip but it is their first visa application and my second korea visa application. If this can be documented can it help his visa application?

Appreciate your advise. Thank you in advance.

Yes, invitation letter will help the application and it is needed if you will stay at your friend in Korea. As for your brother, show affidavit of support if you will support all throughout your Korean trip. Visa approval will still come from the consul 🙂 Good luck!

Thank you Fehl! Hopefully maging maayos ang lahat.

How did your application go? Was it all approved?

I have the same situation as my I will be financing my family in our Korea trip. We are 4 pax. My sister is currently employed. She will still pass her requirements but in addition, I will still declare that I will be financing for her in our entire trip.

Hope to hear from you. Thanks 🙂

Hi ms.fhel, Good day. .i need your precious help. .i have a korean boyfriend and he invited me to go to his place in south korea. .in chongju-si. .i want to apply a tourist visa. .i’m planning to stay there for 2weeks or 14 days. .since i haven’t tried applying any visa. .i am very confused of what to do and where to go..i am from cebu. .i am currently working but for 3months now and only minimum wage .less than 10k is my salary so i am excempted on tax. .but i have my tin #. .but my korean bf will be the one to shoulder everthing. .since i am from cebu s it possible for me to apply a visa here.?what are other requirements. .?and also i just got my passport last dec.28,2014, ,but it was issued nobember 6,2014, ,,my boyfriend wants me to be there next month. .would be so kind to help me. .please i badly need your advice. .i will be expecting it. .kindly send your reply on my email. . .thank u so much for any help that u may offer.. God bless and more power. .hope to hear from u very soon. .

Very sincerely yours, Jennifer”jen”

. .sorry for the mispelled words. Thank you for having a kind and gifted heart. .keep up good work. .god bless and more power. .

Hi. I am working but I don’t have ITR. Is there a way that I could still get a visa? Please help

If it’s your first year or time to work, have an official letter from your employer that explains it.

My husband is a seaman & literally been around the world.Specifically he had a SK VISA 2 years ago when he stayed there to wait for the ship construction to be done @ Hyundai Shipyard.We are planning to have a family vacation on Oct. SK.How do we apply for a VISA because my husband is still here?

hi Ms. fehl,

I have several questions regarding tourist visa requirement. Me and my friend are OFW here in KSA, we’re planning to visit SK upon the end of our contract on December. It’s stated that ITR is one of the primary requirement, OFW are exempted from tax. Are we still required to submit this or is there any alternative aside from ITR?, We’ll be using the COE which will be released by our prsesent employer, will the embassy honor this even if we end our service in our company??

Have an official letter from your employer stating about your Tax exemption in the country you’re working. That could help. God bless!

we have the same status at the moment (nurse in KSA, contract will end next year then will apply for a Korean visa). I’m actually searching for this info for a long time across the internet but I cannot find answers. please update me once your found answers to your questions. I’ll check on this blog from time to time. Thanks! 😀

May question lang ako if you have any idea about sa application requirements ng widowed and unemployed. Wala kasi sa website ng embassy so it would greatly help us if someone could answer me. I will be the one kasi to cover my mom’s expenses. I already prepared all the possible requirements for her like affidavit of support, marriage contract, death cert of my father, my birth cert., and our joint bank statement. Kaso I was able to get one copy lang ng COE ko, I am not sure kung pwede ba na one copy lang since we are going to apply together.

Would appreciate an answer po. Thank you!

All embassies require strong ties like employment. I think providing the docs you mentioned can help already and if your mom has land titles, existing pension document, that could help too

Thank you for your response po. I was able to submit her visa application together with my copy of birth cert, affidavit of support, and bank statement. Hopefully they will grant her the visa. hehe

hi ms fehl,

plan ko po kumuha ng tourist visa paguwi ko sa pinas galing d2 sa saudi, pero wala po akong bank account sa pinas, at coe lang mapapakita ko sa kanila pero babalik din naman ako d2 sa saudi after 2 months vcation sa pinas, ano2 pa po bang documents pwede ipakita sa kanila….

Your COE, payslip and bank account abroad

Hi ms fel! I applied for a tourist visa in sk last May this year.Its my first time and sadly i was refused. The reason stated in a piece of paper attached on my passport was failed to prove the purpose of entry to korea.I was so confused for being denied the visa since i’ve submitted all the required docs. I have a small business and submitted bankcert,itr and mayors permit along with other docs. Can u pls enligthen me what seems really the reason of my visa denial? Thanks.

What was your purpose of entry? Maybe they were looking for DTI registration as well

Hi ms.fehl. I’m a filipino student and wants to travel in Korea. My boyfriend’s family and friends want me to visit there. But the problem is, my parents don’t have any bank certificate etc etc. I hope you could give me an advice on what to do. It will really be a big help. Thank you so much.

Hi. Apply as a Student. You need:

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original School Certificate 6. Photocopy of School ID 7. Photocopy / Original of NSO Birth Certificate 8. Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport

You need to provide proof of financial support whoever who will support your travel and accommodation, pocket money etc. If that’s your Korean friend, submit Letter of Financial Support and Accommodation

Thank you Ms. Fehl It really helps me a lot. I was so worried before. I’ll start fixing my papers soon. Thank you again.

Hello miss fehl,

I just want to ask, my aunt wants me to have a tour with her in SK as my my graduation gift, but I still don’t have a job and my parents don’t have enough money in there bank account that could prove that we are financially capable to travel in SK but the thing is my aunt who will travel with me to SK is the one who will pay for all the expense of my travel what document, aside from my parent’s bank cert., could I send to prove that it is my aunt who will pay for my trip instead of my parents?

I’m planning to visit Korea, I’m a minor student and all my requirements are complete, let’s say I have a personal invitation from Korea Tourism Organization, and my passport will be released on January or February but I checked Korean embassy’s website and saw their new policy on passport validity; it says

“Please be informed that all visa applicants’ passport should be at least 6 months valid when applying for Korean Visa, effective on 2014.11.03. ”

And lastly, what if the invitation is from a Korean friend, she’s around 18 and is also a student, is there any requirement to support her validity? Thanks and God bless 🙂

edit: aside from original copy of letter, is there any other requirement to support her validity?

Hi Regine. I suggest you apply when your passport is already released because passport is one of the primary requirements. All travel overseas requires a strict at least 6 months validity. I think you have nothing to worry when you have your new passport already since you have all the requirements for your tourist visa application for students and your Korean friend is 18 already, your friend needs to send you invitation letter and a copy of her passport.

Hi ms. Fehl. What i mean to ask is:

1. This is my 2nd time to apply for visa coz i planned to go korea again on january 2015 for 2nd time. My first time to go in korea is last august and my first visa i got last august is expired already coz its only 59 days. Ang question ko po.. para po ba makakuha ulet ako ng 2nd visa… mag papasa ba ulet ako ng requirements na katulad nung sinubmit ko nung kumuha ako ng 1st visa nung august? O hindi na magpapasa? kasi nasa kanila parin naman ung documents na pinasa ko nung una ako kumuha ng visa. Thanks. Reply asap please thanks

And im a student po. 2nd time ko na kukuha ng visa.. tawag ba sa akin frequent traveller na? Once lang ako magtravel to korea everytime makakakuha ako ng 59 days free visa. Un lang po mga tanong ko thanks.

You are considered a frequent traveller if you have been to Korea for more than twice within four years. It is stated in their website. 🙂 http://embassy_philippines.mofa.go.kr/english/as/embassy_philippines/visa/announcement/index.jsp

thank you very much GEL.. it was so helpful 😀 just want to ask .. will i still submit the same requirements na sinubmit ko nung first time kong mag apply ng visa even i am frequent traveller already ? 😀

Yes you need to submit the docs I mentioned for frequent travelers (employed) from my previous comment

Goodevening! Hi ms. Beautiful Fehl! 🙂 Anyway thank you so much for the help! It was a success! I went to korea August 20. I got my visa August 18. Its because of you! 갑사합니다 ㅋㅋ

Anyway Ms. Fehl, i will have my 2nd trip to korea on January 2015. The visa i got last august was expired already. And im planning to get free visa again. Will i still need to submit the required documents again? the previous required documents i submit last august for my first visa, hindi ba pwede un nalang ? Frequent traveller ba ang tawag saken? I need an answer Asap! Thanks very much for understanding! 🙂 ill wait for the answer

Hi Kenne. You need to submit the following if you want to apply for frequent travelers visa. It will be advisable for you if you travel to Korea often.

* For Employees(frequent travellers)

1.Application Form 2.1pc. Passport size colored picture 3.Passport Original(6Mons. Valid) 4.Copy of Passport First Page 5.Original & Copy of valid visa s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6.Employment Certificate Original 7.Personal Bank Certificate Original

* For Businessman(frequent travellers)

1.Application Form 2.1pc. Passport size colored picture 3.Passport Original(6Mons. Valid) 4.Copy of Passport First Page 5.Original & Copy of valid visa s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6.Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy) 7.Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy) 8.Personal Bank Certificate Original

Just a quick question… I have a Philippine passport & employed. If I plan to visit Korea just for 3-4 days do I need to get a visa?

Yes, unless you’re going to Jeju Island

Hello Ms. Fehl, I was just hoping you could help me with my concern.

First off, I know the complete requirements for applying a tourist visa in Korea (employed).

So here goes, I got hired kasi December 2013. So basically wala pa talaga akong ITR as of today. Most likely it’ll be given to me sa January 2015 pa. yun lang talaga ang kulang ko, the rest of the requirements, I can provide. pero ang korea trip ko kasi is Jan 22-26 2015. do u think I would be granted with the visa if I’m only lacking ITR/BIR Form 2316? coz i called Korean Embassy and they told me it will depend daw with the officer who would verify the docs, a very safe answer. but i want to know if may possiblity ba n ma grant ako 🙂

Yes, there’s a possibility you’ll get approved. If your employment certificate and other docs are satisfactory. I suggest you also submit SSS Static Info to prove your employment record as well in addition to the other requirements

Good Day po. Regarding about the visa, what would be the requirements if ang employer mo here in PH will shoulder your trip? your response will be a great help po. Thanks 🙂

That would be other type of visa. This thread is about tourist visa. Yours will be working visa or business visa since employer or business is involved

Hi! Ask ko lang po. If invited po from a relative in SKorea? Kailangan pa po ba ng show money for a tourist visa. And Im still 17 palang po. Paano po yun? Thankyou so much

HI GOOD DAY I my wife and two kids ages 14 and 12 are planning to tour SK by April 2015 wve been to singapore and hongkong what are the visa requirements for family visiting korea. thanks

hi felh,,,, im a seaman and my wife is working in sk right now,,,, were married but our passport is all single only…. can i say i just want to visit my girlfriend there? as a tourist visa… tnx and more power

Honesty is the best policy 🙂

Hello invited to all ng sister KO na citizen na sa SK, xa na laht gagastus skin run as Korea klangan ko pa ba ilagay na my business ako? I have complte requirements na din thanks

Hi ask ko lang if its okay not to bring the minor on tourist visa application. I am applying tourist visa for me and my daughter. Kagagaling lang namin but ndi na natanggap application due to time constraint. Babalik ako tomorrow. Sabe ni guard pwede nman daw kahit hindi na dalhin si minor. I just want a confirmation thank you. Kawawa kasi si baby byahe pa kami from olongapo.

Hi, di ko masyado maintindihan ung transit tourist. i’m a us green card holder. balak namin mag bakasyon sa pinas at pumunta ng korea. kailangan ko pa ba ng tourist visa? balik kami ng pinas after ng korea, dahil flight namin is us-manila, manila-us. counted kaya un as transit?

Hi… nka twice n ko balik sa embassy dahila wala ako itr ng parents ko. Dahil senior citizen na at wala pla syang tin#. Binigyan me ng bir ng certification. Ok n ba un. Pls help nmn thank you.

Decision will still come from the embassy. Regarding the ITR, since they retired na, I think the certificates from BIR would support that too

My friends and I are travelling to Seoul in March 2015. We’re all employed and regular employees to our respective companies. One of my friends has a relative (Filipino) in SK who works there. Can we all use same invitation letter since his relative will accommodate us when we visit SK? We plan to stay 9 days there but can we just indicate on our application form maybe 4 or 5 days only? Because I believe your show money depends on how long you stay in SK. We don’t know how much money will be sufficient for 9 days to have our visa approved. If you don’t mind, can you provide an estimation you think would be acceptable to have on our bank account?

Looking forward to your response. Thanks and have a good day! 🙂

Yup, you can use same invitation letter but the info on the invitation must be true. Indicate all honest and consistent info or else you will be denied. You’re all employed, COE and ITR must be your focus not the bank account statement 🙂

Thanks for your immediate response! 🙂

Is there a high probability that i willl be granted a tourist visa if I dont have ITR. I have a business pero July this year lang nag start ang business ko and ITR is only applied and issued annually. I have my DTI and other licenses and even the Bank Certificate. Also I’ve been to Korea once.

I think you’ll get approved if they know the reasons why you have no ITR at the moment and you show them documents proving your reasons (ie: BIR registration)

Hello. I was able to book a promo flight to SK for August next year for me and my 2 college kids. I’d like to ask what if I dont have an ITR? I am a recent widow and my husband left enough to support me and my kids, and I have an online job for a US company for 7 years now but I dont file any ITR. Will the bank certificate and employment certificate be enough proof that I can support myself and my kids? Thanks!

Hi! I really think that your post is really useful. I just have some queries though. I am currently employed, an LGU casual employee in particular. But I have no bank cert, my bf and I are planning to have a joint bank acct can I possibly use that? Thanks…

I’m a government employee and I have a diplomat passport which I previously used when I attended a conference in Denmark. You mentioned that having a Philippine Diplomat Passport makes you exempted for securing tourist visa. Im planning to visit South Korea this December (personal tour). Do I still need to apply for a tourist visa?

Thank you very much and advance Merry Christmas!

I just wanna ask i lived in Australia for almost 8 years and I’m back to manila. I dont have job yet here in Manila but i want to travel to korea. I dont have bank account here coz in still with Australian bank account, ect. What should i do? Can my boyfriend write a letter that he will shoulder our korean trip?

hi po ask ko lang po possible na ma approve yung tourist visa namin ng anak if my husband work in korea e9 yung visa envited kami ng church of korea pinadala rin ng husband ko ang mga document nya i hope you reply i soon as possible

It depends upon the consul’s decision. If you already submitted the complete docs, you have nothing to worry

hi po 🙂 im planning to go to korea with my cousins before the year end but im newly hired and i already talked to my boss they can only give me a certificate of employment. anong pwedeng ibigay instead of itr/form 2316? thank you

Good day te fel, ask ko lang po kung, may possible na ma approve yung visa ko kung ang mga requirement ko n ipapasa eh ito lang po bank certificate COE pero walang itr Certificate of land title (owned) Tourist visa po for xmass vacation dis coming december 2014 Walang invitation letter o kelangan pa po yun??? I have friend po kc na koreano dun.. Dun ako s kanila mag spend ng xmass vacation.. Salamat po te fel..

You need the invitation letter of your Korean friend since you will stay on his place.

Hi ms. Fel. Ask ko lang po pano po pag walang maprovide na diploma or tor and unemployed po, pero ang gagastos po ay relative ko. Kasama din po sa trip yung relative na yun. Ano po ang dapat gawin? At mga chances na maapprove ang application. Bale po, 15 po kami na ppnta ng SK. At issponsor po ako ng tita ko.

Nakapagtravel nadin po ako, last year sa hongkong macau. Pls po sana magkapagreply kayo. Thanks.

H! Ms. Fehl,

Ask q lang if Ok ung docs q. I have ITR(2013), COE (contractual for 3years), Bank Cert. (80k)?

And then ask q lang din if pwede ba magpunta sa embassy for our application isang representative from our group since we lived here in Mindanao? Thank u po.

walo kaming lahat na magpunta sa SK.

hi po. i would like to know if may validity po ba yung bank certificate and COE?? paano po if i got it issued last month.. valid pa rin po ba yun this month?? thanks

It’s always better if the date of issuance is close to the date when you applied for visa. Within the week is great

Good day! This is a wonderful article and thread that contains a lot of valuable information. I am a third yr law student and my husband is working as an OFW in korea. We have a 4yr old child and we are planning to visit him in Korea this summer.

My question is do I apply as a student or as a housewife? And what are the requirements for a minor child since I plan to bring our son too?

I would really appreciate your reply miss Fehl. Thank you in advance and God bless you.

Hi Miss Fehl.

me and my Gf want to go SK Im just hired last Sept 1,2014 i have a COE but project base only we have a ticket jan 14 to 18,2014 travel date im girl friend have a stable job and no prblem for money what would u suggest to me to aprove my visa tnx a lot..

Just bring the documents required (see above article). If you were only hired recently, have a letter from your company explaining about your ITR

Hello Ms. Fehl, I’m a housewife po my husband is working in Korea OFW, my Korean friend would like to invite me and willing to submit all needed requirements. I do teach online and my company is Korean but I dont have ITR and COE can be provided not sure if its acceptable…any advice po? plan to visit feb 18-20 for holiday vacay

Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Housewife

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. 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) 6. Husband’s Original Certificate of Employment (with contact number/s & address of company and date of issue) 7. Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT Bank Statement) 8. Husband’s Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 9. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

•If personally invited by Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport •If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

is it bank certificate in korea IBK or here in the Philippines? if have all the documents do you think ma grant ang visa q po kht hosuewife lng aq?

hello po my format po b kau ng invitation letter?thanks

Hi po what if ang asawa po ay japanese and nag stay po Sa pinas ng almost 1 yr. tpos unemployed po ako do I need to have ITR .? I’m planning to visit Korea this year po by nxt month.what are the requirements do I need to provide.? 3 yrs po ako pblik blik ng pinas at japan Pero not working..hope you can helps me.thanks need your reply ASAP ..it will help my friend if you reply me ASAP .thank u

Follow the requirements for Spouse and since you visited Japan, it’s an OECD country. Submit the following:

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years 6. Husband’s Original Certificate of Employment (with contact number/s & address of company and date of issue) 7. Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT Bank Statement) 8. Husband’s Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 9. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

Gud am po.what if wala po hawak ng ITR ,bank cert ng asawa,employment cert ng asawa kse the usual po Hindi daw pinphwak s knya ang mga important papers o personal n gmit ng asawa Nya…?MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE GLING NSO LNG S PINAS ANG MERON SYA THEN WLANG ITR YUNG PINAY KSE WLANG WORK OK LNG B N PASSPORT, BANK CERT,Marriage certificate from NSO LNG Meron ok npo b yun as requirements or khit tin number lang khit wlang ITR? What do you think po.slmat ..I hope you can give us advice

My sister, friends, and I will be going to SK this November. But my sister only does buy and sell of clothings/goods. And she could only provide her bank certification (no COE, no ITR). What can you advise?

I advise she register her business in DTI so that she’s documented properly

I need your help too. I will apply for tourist visa. I am a student. Both of my parents is not employed.

What other alternative documents na pwed ?

Hi! I need your help. I will apply for a tourist visa. I am currently enrolled in a review center and short term school. Im not employed but I earned money on my online work as a freelance independent contractor. I already have a certificate of earnings via online from the website, 3 bank certificate from different bank, school certificate, and other requirements. The problem is I dont have an ITR to provide as I am working as a freelance online. Also, my father dont have it yet bcoz he was just hired weeks ago. I am applying as a student. I’ll go in Korea for a tour by december with my friends.

Is that fine? what advice you can give to get my visa be approvd?

Hi Ms.Fehl,goodafternoon…ask kulng po kung ano need na requirements going to korea.Im still a student and dont have COE and ITR its okey po ba if i used my Bf documents as he is the one who support me financially.pwede po ba makahingi ng help sa inyo..maraming salamat po.

1. Application Form 2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture 3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) 4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) 5. 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) 6. Original School Certificate 7. Photocopy of School ID 8. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of an applicant 9. Parents’ Financial Support Document – Original Certificate of Employment (or DTI or Sec and Mayor’s Permit) – Original Bank Certificate – Photocopy of ITR or Form 2316

•If personally invited by Korean : Invitation Letter & Copy of invitor’s Passport

Ms.fehl thank you so much for the information..it help me a lot…have a nice day po ☺

Ms.Fehl nakalimutan ko po pala sabihin,what if po walang any document ang parents ko pwede ko po ba gamitin documents ng Bf ko as sya naman po nag support sakin financially.pero meron po ako bank account.ano po pwede gawin.

Yes, as long as your BF will submit documents proving his financial capacity and financial stability

Thank uou so much miss fehl…

Hi. Can anyone help me please. I am planning to visit SK next year and will be staying for 5 days. I will be traveling with my boyfriend but he still don’t have his ITR since he just started working this month. What will I do if he don”t have his ITR?

Certificate of Employment stating salary and position would help and also source of funds such as bank statements

Thank you Ms. Fehl. Pwede po ba mag attached na lang kami ng letter, explaining kung bakit wala pa syang ITR.

Yes, that would help so much

ms. fehl, my time limit po ba ang validity ng bank certificate? what if po makakuha agad ako ng bank certificate, then is it still valid if mag apply ako ng tourist visa sa embassy after two weeks? another one po, do embassy made a call to the banks to confirm the amount of money indicated in bank certificate?

Thank you for your assistance.

Hi tanong ko lang po plan ko kumuha ng visa kapatid ko na nasa qatar ang magiging sponsor ko. Meron siyang CoE at Bank certificate wala lang itr kasi walang tax sa qatar. Pano po yun? Tsaka kailangan din padala original na copy?

How about if I am new on my work and my ITR is not yet issued to me like the previous year ITR..

hello po, I’m planning to apply for a visa with my mom and 14 y/o brother, my mom doesn’t work pwede na ba sya madamay sa requirements ko?

MY PLAN KSI KMI NG FRIEND KO NA MAG TRAVEL SA SK FOR 1 WEEK LANG,,MY INVITATION NAMN KMI FROM MY KOREAN FRIENDS PROVIDE NILA ACCOMODATION AND OTHER STUFF. REGULAR EMPLOYEE NAMAN KMI..NAKA TRAVEL NDN KMI SA IBANG BANSA PERO WALA NGA LANG VISA..NOW WANT NMIN MAG TRAVEL SA KOREA UN NGA MAY VISA..U THNK PO BA MAKAKATULONG BA UNG NASABI KO PARA MA APPROVE?? REGARDING SA BANK CERT OK LNG NMN DIN UNG SAVINGS NAMIN NDI NMN GANUN KALAKI..UN KSI INIISP NMIN E BAKA KSI MA DISAAPRV KMI SA BANK CERT..TNX SA REPLY PO….

If you have COE and ITR, you’ll be ok

May I ask if in case the application is as a family should we need to produce original of certificate of employment, school certificate (for kids) for each of our papers?

hi, stumbled upon your blog. you see, i just got back to the philippines about 4.5 months ago(was a US immigrant) and i’ve been working online for 5 yrs already for a foreign company that is not taxed/not registered in the philippines, thus me having no ITR. (and i’ve been here for 4.5 months only so no ITR, really) do you think i’ll be granted a korean visa? i’m a bit worried because i’ve no ITR and my work is so flexible that i can work anywhere as long as i have my laptop. planning to visit korea on december for sightseeting sana. thanks

I think it would help your application if you show them your past documents when you were in the US because they will surely ask about your job and your source of funds

Hello pol. How did your application go through? I’m also working online and just like you, I can work anywhere as long as I have my laptop. I’m a bit worried if magpass ako na walang ITR. For the certificate of employment also, makakaprovide naman po ako pero I’m doubting if acceptable kasi outside of PH ang company. I hope you reply. Thanks!

Hello. te fel is there a required specific amount of slary nid for applying a tourist visa because my slary is below minimum wage and it will appear on my itr. my sister is permanent resident of korea thank u po:)

What is important is you have a regular job. 🙂 Since you have COE and ITR, you don’t have to worry much

hi te fel, ask lang po kung pede na yung requirement na Bank certificate 100k+ Invitation letter from korean Certificate of land title Walang itr at coe.. Stay only for 5 days Para manood lang ng incheon asian games bago matapos sa october4

Salamats po

I think you’ll be ok if the land title is named after yours.

te fel eto po meron ako n requirements tour for 5 to 10 days sa korea BANK CERT 100k cert land title owned invitation letter korean walang itr at coe thanks po, 🙂

Hi po, I am working now in Qatar, and im planning to go korea as tourist. I would be grateful if you can give me more information ms. fel… thanks po

Hi,would it be posibble to apply a tourist visa second person?, am recently in Mindanao.have a wonderful day.thanks

I am a contract worker here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. My ticket will stop over in Korea arriving 6:25 a.m. and connecting flight @ 8:35 p.m. the same day going to Philippines. Do I need to get visa if I will go out? thank you.

Hi fehl, ive been a frequent traveller 3years ago and that time i was employed and got a previous visa stamps as well from uk and france before. I know its hard to apply for a tourist visa esp. If your unemployed, but except from my personal savings acct.,what if my travel will be sponsor by my relatives from japan or abroad what will be the requirements needed? Thanks

Would like to ask for your advice. I’m planning to get a Tourist Visa to visit South Korea this year. I’m currently employed in one of the Resort in Cebu. In regards with the requirements for Employed Applicants, the bank that I’m using right now is the one provided by the company I’m working with. Will it be okay? Or do I really need to provide another personal bank account? And If so, any specific amount to show? By the way I will be travelling with my friend and this will be an all expense trip by our Korean Friend. She’s the one who invited us also.

Hope to hear a reply soonest 🙂

I think that is OK as long as you have the complete requirements like ITR and Certificate of Employment, invitation from your Korean Friend, his current job and status, those would help the visa visa application

Do you think it’ll be fine if the contact number on the COE is an overseas number? Coz my sister is working in the Philippines but their HR is located in Australia, that’s why.

And for the “Address and phone number in Korea” part on the application form, is it ok if we’ll just write “undecided”?? coz we currently haven’t booked/reserved a place on a hotel/guesthouse in Korea.

I think it’s OK, what is important is she’s employed. If you have no booking yet, put there “hotel booking to follow” instead of undecided coz that sounds doubtful

hello, me and my wife are planning to visit south korea this coming december 25, 2014 to jan 2, 2015. what month can we apply for a tourist visa? since me and my wife will be travelling together as we usually do every year end, can we face the consul together during the interview or will we be called separately when we apply for a tourist visa? we’ve been to most of asia like malaysia, singapore, thailand, hong kong, macau and japan.

hi miss fehl ttnung ko lng gsto ko sna mag tourist sa korea paanu kaya asawa ko working in korea ngyon gsto ko pmunta dun pwde ba ko mag apply tourist visa kht la ko invitation anu ba kailangan ko mga req.pls..send ur answer in my email add.thank u so much…

miss fehl.ndi ko mabasa comment mo pwde ba pa email nlng salamat

Hello Fehl, we are not even paying any tax here in UAE. Tnx

That would be fine then. Just tell the consul about it

How about for the OFWs like us? we dont have ITR. What do we need to present to them instead of an ITR?

Use your latest tax form you used in the country you are working instead.

Hi Fehl…I’m currently working home based. I can request for COE but the problem is with the ITR. That’s the only requirement I can’t provide..any idea or supporting documents that I need? Is non filing ITR cert ok? Please help 🙁

Also..if I’m supported by my Dad..will that be ok?

If you have COE, they would surely ask for ITR.

Hello. I am an OFW here in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I am planning to visit Korea next year with my Girlfriend on our annual leave. Regarding the requirement, what are the things we need to prepare since we are OFWs? We don’t even have ITR. Thanks

Hello Ate Fel! Thanks for the very useful info above. I just want to ask lang po. I have a concern about my korean visa application cos I don’t have ITR yet. I am a fresh graduate last 2013, and just got employed January this year so technically wala pa talaga ako nun. But I have COE and bank statement for sure. How likely po kaya yung visa approval ko? And what other documents can I submit as an alternative? 🙂 Thank you.

You can request a formal written letter from your employer stating the reason why you have no ITR yet (mention you are already working for 8 months in that company). That could help 🙂 But the final decision will be from the consul/embassy

Hello te’fel ask lang pwede naba bank certificate at invitation letter lang ng korean.. Wlang itr at cert of employment???

They are strict so they need to know that the applicant is currently employed so they need ITR and COE

elow…all my requirements were already complete but i have a doubt about my Bank Certificate since i have only 55k deposited on it…it is enough to convince the embassy that I can fund my 5-day stay in Korea?

If you’re alone and you have no one in Korea who will help you, yes that amount of money could be not enough for 5 days.

Hi mam. Government employee po ako since 2010 pero exemptd po kmi s BIR kc job order lang po ako. Ngaun po kaaupdate ko lng po ung BIR ko last day at sinabing hnd ako mbi2gyn ng ITR. Un nlng po kulang s requiremnts ko. Any advice po? My invitation letter po aq galing s company ng fren q, xadno gbstos ng lahat. Pls reply mam. Nid to go in sept.thnx mam

Show your Certificate of Employment and a formal letter from your employer/manager with company seal explaining about your job order and ITR exemption. I think that would help. Don’t forget to submit the invitation letter too

hi ms. fehl. i am also a job order employee of the local government and i have no ITR. we’re planning to go to SK together with my gf and siblings. we doesn’t have any invitation letter. but were sure that we can support our stay there, my dad is a seaman and he will sponsor our trip. please advise me on how can i get SK visa. thank you much!

The embassy is so strict. If you’re employed, submit Certificate of Employment with the company seal and authorized signatory. If you don’t have ITR, perhaps you can have a written letter from your Local Government Head stating you are bonafide employee and a decent person. Since your dad is sponsoring you, it’s helpful he write a formal letter too indicating his sponsorship in your trip. There is no guarantee though your visa will be approved. Good luck and I hope you return here and tell us if you got it 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl. I have Complete Requirements Documents already for Tourist Visa For Students. And I am planning to pass all those documents tomorrow (August 4). I just worry about my mom’s documents that I will pass. Her Bank Certificate/Statement is july1 to july31 only. Then her ITR is not updated. Then her original updated DTI business permit lost so I just have here the photocopy of that lost DTI business permit. But I also have here her ORIGINAL DTI Business permit but its not updated. Is it okay? Will the consul accept it? Actually I did a wrong turn. I booked a ticket already on august 13 because my korean friends gave me a wrong info that I can go korea for free without visa kasi 5days lang naman ako. But its not true. The problem also is I booked a ticket. So if I pass tomorrow.. I still have chance to get visa before my flight. 5working days

What is my concern is the Documents of my mom? Is it okay??

I need your reply as soon as possible. Thank you for your kind consideration. Thank you. Gomawo. ^^

The DTI permit must be updated and not expired. ITR last year is the recent so it’s OK

Hi ms. Fehl. Okay lang po ba photocopy ng DTI business permit? Kasi po nawawala ang original copy ee.

They ask for original. Why don’t you request another one in DTI

Hi there fehl good day! Ms fehl may i seek you advice pala if it would be alright for my pinsan to prepare (aside from the standard documents)his COE from our company(1month palang) + 2013 ITR(previous company) + his own Bank Cert + visa app form(with me as sponsor) + the affidavit of support& guarantee(i am the sponsor) + my own financials(my ITR+bank cert)? I am not sure as to the documents that ill help him to prepare. yung pinsan ko was just hired last mid of june pero may trabaho siya ng 2013 and nagresign ng april. Again thank you in advance for your time on my inquiry=)

I think it’s OK as long as your intention is real, the same as your current work and financial status

I wish I get a tourist visa though 🙂

Hi Ms. Fehl! I’ve been to Korea once as a tourist and I am wondering if I am eligible to apply for a multiple-entry visa? Tnx! More Power!

I already pass the invitation letter ,military order and I’d of my uncle and I already submit also my school certificate because I am a fresh graduate just to visit my family in Korea ..all of my parents document like BANK CERT ,EMPLOYMENT CERT AND ITR are in the embassy today ! I need answer please if it possible that my visa will approved thanks 🙂

You don’t need to worry coz your documents and requirements seem complete 🙂

Thank you but instead of diploma I submit only my the certificate of graduation because the rules of our school 1year after the graduation we can get a diploma

Hello I am applying for tourist visa and today we already submit all the requirements that embassy needs …I’m just wondering if it is possible that my visa was approved? I have my sponsor my active military uncle stay in Korea right now ..please I need help if it possible that they will approved my visa ? Thanks

I’m currently working in Singapore for more than 3 yrs now. We are planning to visit South Korea early next year. My wife is a plain Housewife means no ITR and without Bank Certificate, we are going with our daughter also. My plan is to apply the Visa in the Philippines during my vacation, what are the other requirement I need to provide since I’m OFW and I dont have ITR. Thank you.

Use your ITR and COE in Singapore and apply for family tourist visa, pass all the requirements

Thanks for the advice. May I know the process and requirements on the Famil Visa Application? 🙂

There is no specific family visa like other embassies offer. What i can advise is let you apply as employed individual, your wife as a wife and your child to submit the requirements for current student

Thanks for the info, appreciated. 🙂

Hi fehl, good day! may i seek your advice regarding sk visa app.

im currently employed at our family business and i am treated as an employee and thus have to prepare a COE, and even my support documents like my payslips and itr are signed by my mother, the general manager. our business is registered under her name.

may i ask how will this affect my visa application. i have my bank cert at around 100K and i have sought this path to visa app instead of the businessman procedure since the business is not in my name. thanks in advance.

If you have ITR and COE, I think that’s not a problem. Pass SSS Employee Static Info, that would also support your proof of employment.

Fehl thank you very much for your advice. Fehl may i also ask for your advice because i have a cousin who was employed 2013 and resigned last april 2014. he has itr(from previous company 2013)and bank cert. our company hired him this july 2014 and will issue coe, although since he is also unemployed, is it possible for me or my mother to sponsor him on our application?how can we improve our chance of getting a visa. thanks fehl.=)

If he is really employed by your mom’s company, then why not. Honesty is the best policy

Im working as a full time networker and i only have 150k in my bank accnt. If i apply a tourist visa in SK,is there any possibility i can get a visa there? O kelangan p ng certificate ng networking company n pinagwoworkan q as a member?

Pls help…tnx

Kailangan nila.. Kasi ang pinaka.important sakanila is yung may itr, certificate of employment and bank certificate mo.. 🙂

Pano kung hindi aq makakuha …ive been to Australia in 2010 got a multiple entry for 1 year..I stayed there for more than 3 months..then ive been to Vanuatu island for almost 4 months, Singapore 4 times then in Bali Indonesia 3 times..I just recently came back from my 10 days holiday in Bali.

Hi, I’m Rhoda Laya, Filipino. I’m staying at Macau at present waiting for my working visa in hongkong. My employer (to be), is going to South Korea on August 6-10 for a Stamp Exhibition and he wants me to go with him to the said exhibition. Questions are: I there any possibility I can get a visa to South Korea? Any one can help me. .thanks for the help in advance..Looking forward to it Rhoda

You need a tourist visa to South Korea. There is always a possibility of getting approved or getting refused a visa. Just complete your requirements and you will be approved without hassle.

Hi, im not a student or employee at this time. Gus2 q po magtour sa korea, ano po kaya ang pde qng mga ipasa na requirements? Thanks sna po masagot asap.

It’s very hard to get visa approval if the applicant has no regular job at present coz they require financial capacity and proof you’ll return to the Philippines. If you can show them that, then you can be approved

Yes! That’s true.. Ako nga may invitation letter na, itr at bank guarantee ng mag.i.sponsor saakin..hindi nila tinanggap application ko then nung second time pumunta na mismo yung nag.s.sponsor saakin still hindi parin tinanggap yung application ko.. 🙁

hello, some questions i need an answer.wat if i have invitation letter? invitation letter should be notarized in korea? what are the requirements for the invitation letter i need to submit? and last2 years ngwork ako sa uae tax free. ung current work ko nmn po kakastsrt ko lng last jan 16 so wala pa itr n pf maibgy sakin. wla po ako mpresent n itr from last year but i have my previous job n my itr aq last 2012 pa. pwede po b un ang isubmit ko?

i do appreciate for your response po. maraming salamt…

You need original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the one who’s inviting you in Korea.

I am a student and i have my mom’s ITR and COE, but she is in indonesia now. Can i just submit my personal bank cert? I have 330k in my bank. Pls reply. Thank you

If you are the account holder, yes you can submit your latest bank certificate to support your visa application.

Dito po ako ngwowork sa Saudi Arabia as medical technologist, nabasa ko po na kailangan ng ITR, pano po ako mkka avail non ndi po ako employed sa Pinas?

I suggest you get an affidavit indicating you’re not paying taxes with your current job in Saudi.

Im a freelancer therefore I have a problem: I dont have a certificate of employment. I have all the other requirements though. Will I still be able to get a visa? I already booked my hotel and airline ticket.

Perhaps you can provide source of income or document proving you earn some money from your freelance jobs. Bank Statements will help too

Hi Issa! I was wondering if you’ve already tried to apply for the visa and how it went for you. Thanks!

student palang din Ako at yung daddy ng anak ko na nag wowork sa korea ang nag papaaral sakin may chance b na makakuha ako ng tourist visa para mpuntahan ko sya??? plzzz i need your help

Yes. Just ask him to sponsor your stay in Korea

Hello.. Pwede kaya ako mag.apply ng visa without itr and bank.guarantee? Yung friend ko po na korean ang mag.sh.shoulder ng lahat.. Wala po akong work.. I have an invitation letter, it, bank guarantee niya lang.. Makakatulong po kaya yun para ma.approved visa ko? I was planning to have a vacation for 10days only.. Your reply is highly appreciated.. Thank you mam..

Make sure you submit the requirements if you have Korean sponsor. See the documents mentioned above.

hi ms.fehl i just want to ask something.. im here in korea already and i have baby too..kasal na q sa papel and ikakasal palang kmi sa simbahan ngayung april 26 2015 gusto ko po sana iinvite mama q para makadalo sa kasal nmin ng asawa q.. anu anu ba ang requirements para mkpunta po sya sa korea.. thank you..

Application Form 1piece of Passport size colored picture Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) Original Bank Certificate of an applicant Invitation Letter Photocopy of Inviter’s Passport Bio-page (page 2) Photocopy of Inviter’s ID (Front & Back) Photocopy of Filipino’s Passport Photocopy of Filipino’s NSO Marriage Certificate

Hi. I plan to go to SK this December can I apply for a visa earlier? Like this coming august Will the free visa still be valid by then?

It’s always better if you apply for a visa 3 months before your travel date so you know the result and you can prepare for your travel or anything else needed and requested. South Korea Embassy will let you know the result of your visa application in 5 working days (if first timer applicant)

My husband and I are planning to visit SK next year. I am a Philippine passport holder, whilst my partner holds an Australian one. We are living in Australia and I have received my permanent residency visa just recently. I was wondering if you have any idea on to what i should do given the above situation. I’m aware that my husband doesn’t need to apply or lodge a tourist visa as he’s an Australian citizen. But for me, I am only a permanent resident here not yet to have my citizenship until 3 to 4 more years. Do you think i should still follow the same procedure like how you guys did? I would assume so. 🙂

Thanks heaps!

I think you still need to apply for a visa coz you are only a PR not yet Australian citizen

Hello, Ms. Fel, just want to know kids(5 yrs od) will travel together with their Tita and Tito ( Tita n Tito are American citizen), but the kids are Filipino citizen, will the kids needs tourist visa?

All Filipinos need a visa to visit South Korea. If they’re minor and will not travel with parents, they need more documents like DSWD clearance etc.

Hello.. how if this kind of situation, me and my sister and her friend are applying for tourist visa and we have only one korean citizen sponsor, for the three of us. is this okay? Or is this questionable in korean embassy? Because our sponsor is asking he didn’t know also..

I think it’s allowed as long as the Korean sponsor can really afford your needs and capable of supporting your stay. Prove it at the embassy by submitting documents of his/her financial capacity and status, also prove that the 3 of you are going back to the Philippines again. If you have jobs right now, that would help

Hi! I am a recent graduate and do not have a job yet, I want to visit South Korea but When I went to the embassy, they said “no work no visa”! I have a Filipino passport btw, and just wondering how can I apply for a visa now??? I don’t think I can still apply for a student visa and definitely cannot apply for an employee visa! What can I do???

Oh! And I do have an invitation from my Korean friends in Seoul, will that help??

Yes an invitation letter is required if you have been invited by a Korean citizen

If you will just tour and travel South Korea, you must apply for Tourist Visa. You must have all the necessary requirements. It would help if you’re currently working and can prove you can support yourself in your travel

Hello there!

Great post by the way. I have a question too. I’m a filipino u.s greencard holder, my fiance and I want to spend some time in SK on feb2015. She’s a filipino, self-employed but don’t have any documents to back it up. Can I sponsor her trip to SK? The trip will only for two (2) weeks max. Do I need to submit a letter of sponsorship for her? What kind of documents do you think be best to increase the chances for tourist visa?

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been in korea for 10 years. Umuwi lng po ako for settle down last 2009.Applicable po ba sa akin kung sakali gusto ko pong magtour sa korea? wla po ba magiging aberya? Maraming salamat po!

Yeah of course. Make sure you have all necessary papers. Your records from Korea back in the days will help too

Hi there Fehl, i would like to request for your assistance regarding our plan. me and my cousin are booked come august and would like to ask some things prior to our visa application. my cousin just recently resigned last april of 2014 from his current work and his certificate of employment or employment certificate will be release 2 months after or on june 2014. how will it affect our application. Also i plan to augment his finances to help him, is there a required bank deposit period prior to securing a bank certificate? and lastly i am employed at our family business, how will my certificate of employment signed by my parents affect our application. thank you so very much for your time in my inquiry and more power.

Hi Ryan. I suggest you don’t book flights unless your visas are approved. You have to prepare all requirements / documents before you apply your visa to avoid refusal or being denied. It would be better and you’ll get more chance if your cousin is employed. If he resigned, the Certificate of Employment won’t have no value anymore. It will be valuable if he’s applying for a job. But since he’s applying for visa, he needs to show proofs that’s he’s stable and he’s returning back to the Phil. It’s easy to get Bank Certificate and they are usually signed and issued same day you apply for it except in the case when the authorized signatory is absent. Just tell your purpose is for visa application in SK embassy.

Thank u so much fehl. In terms of finances I will assist him and provide him funds for his bank cert. He also has an itr from last year. Will that suffice for him? Thank u again so much

I’m done to complate all my requirements for student visa, Thank u for some information regarding on that miss fhel, Godbless you always:)

Geez congrats 🙂 Happy trip to Korea 🙂

Hello po ms fhel, I’m Janeth , I have a military boyfriend po sa South Korea he’s originally from USA .. So gusto ko po sanang kumuha nang tourist visa for 59 days lang .. But I’m not employed po , not a student also .. Ano ba ang Pwede Kung gawin or anu pa ba ang Ibang mga requirements except sa invatation letter ng boyfriend ko ? Please ms. Fhel help me

Submit also photocopy of Inviter’s Military ID (Front & Back) and photocopy of Military Order, Affidavit of Support from him

SalaMat po sa reply ms. Fhel .. I have more questions pa po, may kunti po akong pinag kaka kitaan like I’m selling stuff online through fb po.. Pwede ko bang ilagay yan sa occupation ko ? And needed PABA nila ang information ng parent ko ? Like .. Nso , id etc, ?

If you’re self employed, you need to show business permit, DTI and ITR.

hi, just want to ask, a korean company (the owner himself) would like to invite me to sk.. they will be the one to shoulder all the expenses, like house, plane tickets and the money.. although i am currently employed, i can present my itr, coe, but the problem lis i do not have a bank account.. do you think i will still be denied kahit yung company na mismo ang magsupport? they want me to process the tourist visa then dun nlng iconvert for working visa., they wil also provide the invitation sponsor letter… thank you

The requirements for that kind of visa are different from a tourist visa. If you are requested by an employer, the requirements like your educational background, job background and certificates will be the most basis other than a bank account

Hi Miss fel, can I ask your email address? I really want to ask some questions.

Meron po ba dito na na-grant and tourist visa without ITR? please help po

Hi mam. Is it ok that my ng on Korea will apply at my visa there in Korea then he will just send it to me here Philippines? Then I will just confirm it at the embassy .

Hi po. Ask ko lang po kung ok lang po kaya sa embassy na hnd ko makuha ung passport ko dun sa day na nakalagay sa claim slip? March 10 po kc releasing date. Pwd po kaya march 11 ko kunin? Pls reply. Tnx 🙂

gud pm… just wanna ask po ulit ano pong diploma ung need nila if ever maghanap cla? highschool or college? 🙂 college grad po ako kaso nawala diploma ko..:( high school diploma at college certifiate lang ung meron ako.. pls reply 🙂

College since that is higher than highschool

Hi! i would like to ask. i have a korean boyfriend and his parents are inviting me to visit their place and i have problem on employment cert. and ITR because I am a freelance worker. I have the bank account that could prove i am capable of going there plus my boyfriend’s parents will be the one spending my travel in korea. How could i possibly get a visa without those 2 important requirements?? or there will be no way for me to visit there?? Thank you!

Hi.. Do you have the invitation letter from ur bf’s family? May i know the format of the letter hehe

sorry wala, kasi unsure din kasi papunta ko sa SK.

Hi, I am going to United States for a business trip and before returning to Manila, I am planning to make a side trip to Korea (3 days). I understand that I don’t need a visa if I’m transiting to Korea and going to US however I would like to verify if I’m also exempted to get a visa when I’m coming from US and transiting to Korea then return flight is Manila. Please advise. Thank you 🙂

Hi! I would just like to ask, how much should be in the bank acct? And is it each individual… Thank you… Your reapond is highly appreciated…

Do u know how much bank I account should I have?

hi! my friend and i wish to visit korea for a week. but the thing is..wala po name ITR. we’re both self employed kasi po may small family business po kame. pero po may bank account.. pde po ba jun kahit wlang iTR?

Hi! Same tau ng problem 🙁 no itr… Nakapag apply ka na?

Hello Why dont u try to visit jeju instead?there is no visa need in visiting jeju and u dont need to apply for visa just buy a ticket at China eastern airline but u will have a stop over at shanghai and end up here in beautiful island of jeju^^

Hi. I’m self-employed, working online, but I haven’t updated my ITR. My last employment was in 2010. Can I still apply for tourist visa?

Hi im planning to go to SK w/ my family. it it possible to apply for a visa w/o an actual appearance? im planning to have my parents bring my documents w/ them while they’re applying at the embassy. Is that possible? thanks a lot!

I don’t think it’s possible in the moment. Let’s see in the future perhaps 🙂 Happy New Year!

Hi miss fehl,good day, How to apply fiancé visa for Korea? What should I do first? That is the requirements for fiancée visa? Waiting for ur reply.

Thanks god bless u,

This article is for tourist visa only. Some requirements may add for fiance visa. Will publish a separate post about that in the coming days. Thanks and Happy New Year!

Ok,so thank u so much and I’m waiting for about fiancée visa miss fehl, Thank u for the reply and happy new year too god bless:)

Hello miss fehl , I want to visit korea, but I am a student,and my boyfriend shoulder all my financial support, But I don’t have ITR from my parents, what should i do?

Make an Affidavit of financial support signed by your BF, have it notarized and include it on your supporting docs.

Hello miss fehl, I want to know if I’ll be the one make the affidavit of support or my boyfriend?

Your boyfriend since he’ll be the one supporting you financially 🙂

Ok, miss fehl my boyfriend he was to me to stay there 90days, It’s possible ok like 3 months I’ll stay there?

Hi good day! im currently employed for 7 years in BPO i can provide all documents that they need for tourist visa. I’ll ask i have friend and he has no job right now and i want him to join in korea what is the best way for him to go in korea?

Hi miss fehl,good day, How to apply fiancé visa for Korea? What should I do first? Waiting for ur reply.

Ask q lng po pano kuha ng visa s Ireland kc andun ang kapatid q and she doesn’t know how she can help me to get visa, tnx

Filipinos needs visa to visit Ireland. Visit the Irish Embassy for more info

Hi fehl, is it possible to approve my visa if its invited by a cousin only?

Hi there! Ask ko lang, how about those na may mga relatives sa Korea (ex. Tatay or Nanay, or both parents, or probably siblings) na nagtatrabaho dun? Would they be able to act as “sponsors” for tourist visa application? If yes, ano pong requirements? Thanks! 🙂

Kaming pong mga married s korean nagpapadala lang po kami ng invitation letter na naka translate sa korean at english saka un pong family census at marriage contract namin pinapadala po namin sa family na iniinvite namin for parents nga po wala na silang kailangan iprovide na ITR o kahit bank certificate at naeextend pa po visa nila for 4yrs.dito^^

what to do if both parents doesn’t have a passport I’m a college student me and my friend wants to travel to SK for a vacation of 1week what document should we prepair instead? thank you

If you will travel with your parents, they need passport too and visa. You must start to get passport then apply for visa

Hi,hello fehl, I just want to know if pwedi ba ako mgvisit in Korea within 1month without visa?

Filipinos need visa to visit/travel Korea even just a day…week…month 🙂

Well thank u for the reply miss fehl,,, May I know about the requirement? My boyfriend invite me to visit in Korea,so may I know about that mam? What should I do first?

Hello miss fehl, I what to know what is the requirements of tousist visa?

Please read the article above to learn more about the requirements. God bless!

Yes u can visit Korea without applying visa for only 1 month in beautiful Island of Jeju but sad to say there is no direct flight in manila to jeju but u can try to China eastern airline there is a flight from manila to jeju but there is 1stop over in shanghai the time consumed are similar and the cost is also not too much my brother just visit me here in jeju for only 6k in peso roundtrip na po un!hope it could help!^^

Thanks for sharing about China Eastern Airline trip to Jeju. Wonder if you need transit visa via this route?

hi ms.fehl no need for transit visa while your in shanghai! ^^

Thanks for sharing, Miss Lizel 🙂

Hi miss liezel ask ko lang po if walang visa going to jeju from manila wala n ring immigration checking sa jeu airport

Ask q lng po kz nid ng COE..balak kz nmin magtravel ng friend q after ng end of contract nmin d2 sa Taiwan. Pde b ung COE na ibbgay sa amin bago umuwi ang ipsa ? And also the ITR required po b tlaga un ? kz wala po kmi maibigay.

Hi, just want to know if both parents passport and employment certificate are needed for their children in applying the tourist visa? How much is the amount in the bank certificate for each applicant? Thanks

Hi, regarding for the requirement of student, i dont have any documents for my parents, like Itr, bank certificate etc… I am student, and my foreigner bf support me financially,, Ive been travel to thailand twice with my bf, so now we plan to go to korea.. what should I do? I mean what is the best way for myrequirements, i have everything except at my parents, can I just say that my bf will shoulder everything then I can show them his copy of requirements like passport, his company id,. Etc..

Hi, sandrq! We have the same case. I was wondering if you have tried applying for a student visa already and what happened. Tnx! 🙂

Hello gel, we have the same case too, did u tried to apply a student visa?

Yes Dhinne! I got approved just last month. If u want, give me your email add and I can tell u about it. God Bless! 🙂

Ok gel, this is my email add, [email protected] Can u help me about the requirements if it ok to u? Thanks and god bless you:)

hello gel, will you please help me too, because im a student and my parents have no papers too like bank statements and etc. how could i comply with those requirements? i have my bank account named after me but im still a student and my parents were the one that support me. will you please help me with some advise? thanks

Hi gel..i have the same problem with the requirements..i was wondering if you could help me with or if you can tell me about wat u did..tnx a lot

Can you tell me about it too?? Please 🙁 I have the same situation .. Thank you .. here’s my email

Hi i would like to know what are the requirements needed to apply a tourist visa in korea without the bank certificate and itr of my parents 🙁 please help my boyfriend will shoulder all my expense ..please help !

hi ghel me too my fiance supports me and he will be the one to finance our trip to korea..he is a filipino..can you share with me how did you guys made it?? thanks here is my email.. hope to hear from you 🙂

Hi Gel, can you also help me? I have the same situation, what are the requirements you provided instead of your parent’s documents? I would love to hear from you. Thank you! Here is my email btw Thanks!!

Hello ghel,can you also share to me what you did.tnx!

hey gel, can u help me as well as to what will i prepare because i will get a tourist visa and my boyfriend will support me on my stay? he is a US citizen working in korea.. please email me.. i would appreciate it..

hi..I’m also planning to visit korea on a student visa ..can you kindly email me about the details?I would really appreciate it if you can spend sometime answering this.thanks a lot.

Hi! My requirements are all complete including the my bank cert and my parents (im a student,btw) i just would like to ask if it’s possible to be approved without the ITR? Cause im planning to apply SOON please please help me thank tou!!! God bless!

You’re a student, you don’t need an ITR 🙂

Hi !I have the same problem …both my parents doesn’t have bank accounts with enough funds and ITR. …I’m planning to use my brother’s bank account…are there other paperwork I need to prepare?thanks! I need to be in Korea by December 28 so please I would really appreciate any help from you guys 🙂

Hi! I have been receiving a lot of questions about my visa application to South Korea so I decided to post an answer and I hope this will help you guys same way when this website helped me with my application before. Thanks to Ms, Fehl! 🙂 In my case, I am a student and my British boyfriend is working in Korea. I have been twice to Korea and right now, I am applying for my 3rd tourist visa. So eto po yung mga requirements na pinasa qo:

Original School Certificate Original NSO Birth Certicate Class Schedule School Assessment Photocopy of School ID Photocopy of my Passport Bank Certificate Letter of Invitation from my boyfriend Letter of Invitation from his company His bank statement

That’s it! Hope this will help you all! Thanks! God Bless everyone! 🙂

Thanks for sharing these and your experience with us here. You’re an angel. 🙂

Hello!! We have the same case, is it possible po ba nai’ll ask you what you did? Here’s my email address:

Thank youuuu!

Hi… With regards to bank statement of 3 months, how much money needs to be on the account?

It’s not usually announced specifically but you can assess yourself if that amount proves you are financially stable and have the capacity to support yourself financially.

Hi Fehl, i am an ofw working in indonesia and i want to visit south korea by november, is it possible to apply a tourist visa here in the south korea embassy in jakarta instead of going back to manila? thanks and regards

Yes, if you are a resident working in Indonesia right now, you can apply visa there

Hi fehl. Can i ask something? I have boyfriend korean, and his friend invite me and my boyfriend to come at Korea, ikakasal po kc siya and then he sent wedding invitation and copy of passport. Ano po mga needs ko to apply tourist visa? My parents dont have Itr, Employee certificate. And my boyfriend have all! But, he working here at phil help me please what should i do? Thank you!!

this is a wonderful hub and there is plenty of indispensable information here for all Filipinos who want to visit South Korea. I love this amazing website. Have a sweet day, Fehl. 🙂

Hello their my Thai lady 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting here. A follower asked about tourist visa for South Korea so I made this post. Have a fantastic day honey. Mwaaaah!

Hi Fehl, I’m here in Dubai I am also a Filipina.I want also to visit in Korea ,what are the requirements?Please help me..I really appreciate you answer.. Thanks

Hi ms. Fehl, Im also planning of visiting SK this coming April coz my boyfriend is working at SK and i just wanted to visit him. Im employed here at Philippines but i dont have an ITR. is there a big chance for me to grant a visa? thanks!

my brother tried 3x to apply for visa but the no.1 requirements their looking for is his ITR kaya sad to say 3x din syang denied sa guard pa lang daw unang hinahanap agad is ITR tapos pag wla ka daw maipakita they dont ask u to go on line instead go home daw…

ITR is the major requirement if the applicant is employed or self-employed (with business)

hello miss Fehl Since I saw this article recently and seen, you could give much an advice and explanations Than to travel agency id been up to. I’m running to get a Tourist Visa for Korea/SK most of the requirements are been filed aside from my Bank Statement (at least 40k peso been deposited). is there any possible I could go pursue for this application? Which ,I have a friend (Korean)will support all , hotel for accomodation 5 days and plane ticket back and forth, my foods and needs when I get there. Is there any possible or any advices ?? I’m just worried about my bank stated above. I’ll looking forward from your reply Miss Fehl. ASAP

Hi, if you have all the requirements and they are legit, no need to worry 🙂 40K bank statement is fine.

Hi ms fehl, i just want to ask if possible to go back to korea for visiting only even though i was working there for (E-6)???…..someone will help me for all the expenses ,like hotel,foods,etc …and also i have monthy regularly….so i want to know that it is possipble to go back?? And wats requirment do i have to submits,? Thanks for the reply…i appriciate it… God bless all 🙂

Get a tourist visa coz your purpose is to visit or tour. Requirements are listed in the article above 🙂

AnnHello. I just wanted to ask if you are unemployed what are the requirements? I am employed and my parents but my sister and grandma are not. I’m just wondering what are the additional requirements? We are travelling as a whole family. Thank you in advance!

hi maam,share ko lng po,since dalaga pa ako nkapunta na ako korea tourist visa.TWICE.and now may asawa na ako iba na applyido ko.tapos yong kapatid ko isang korean citizen..ang now kipagdevorse yong kapatid ko kasi sinaktan sya ng kapatid ng asawa niya..ngtrabaho sya dun semWATEK ng mga gadgets..may POSSIBLE BAh mkainvite yong kapatid namin kahit on going pa yong case niya.ayaw kac pumirma yong asawa niyang korean..if nOT,pede family tourist visa asawa ko ngturo dito SA UNIVERSITY isang professor po.may dalawa kaming anak.gusto namin mgtour sa KOREA dream ng husbad ko..Ano po ba mga kailangan po for FAMILY TOURIST VISA?thank you po.

Hi Ms. Fehl. Im a college student,graduating this April. I want to travel to SK this May but im planning to apply my tourist visa earlier, by March. BTW im also invited by a korean friend. Is this possible? What requirements should I submit? am i required to pass school cert and school ID ? Hope you would give me advice. your answer will be much appreciated. thanks and God bless.

Please read the previous comments, you have the same situation with them 🙂

Hi,have a good day to u miss fhel,tanong ko po sana lasi self employed po ako,mau business peit ako at bank account,yun nga lang kakaopen ko lang ng business ko at ng bank account ko,i want to travel in jeju island for 2 days,pwede po ba yun?sana po makatulong ang sagot nyo po,thank you and more power miss fhel!

Hi fehl, Im here in macau I am also a Filipino. I want also to visit in Korea, what the requirements? Please help me.. I really appreciate you answer….

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

List of Embassy-Accredited Agency to Process Korean Visa in the Philippines

• Post author: Glen Nomad
• Post comments: 1 Comment
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

As of now, there are 35 travel agencies designated to process temporary visitor’s visa application. Some agencies have multiple branches including Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga and Laguna. Below is the list of the Korean emabassy accredited agencies with thei main office and branches phone numbers and address.

Complete list of accredited travel agencies to process Korean visa in the Philippines:

ABOEX TRAVEL AND TOURS  077-722-2141 /  02-246-1518 

Requirements in Applying for a Korean Visa in the Philippines

Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila

This Post Has One Comment

Requirements for my son invitation,I’m student in korea

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Best Travel Apps
• Bus & Ferry Tickets
• Cheap Flights

Privacy Overview

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

ads_banners

South korea visa requirements and how to apply for a visa in the philippines in 3 easy steps.

How to apply for a South Korea Visa in the Philippines?

How to apply for a south korea visa in the philippines 2018, step 1: download and fill-up the visa application form, step 2: complete all the requirements, list of south korea visa requirements in the philippines, tourist/business visa requirements for employees, tourist/business visa requirements for businessmen, tourist/business visa requirements for students.

• If employed: Employment Certificate Original [must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address] Photocopy of ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp/ please highlight name)
• If Self-employed: Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or Mayor's Permit(Copy), Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
• Original Bank Certificate [must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
• Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
• Copy of Nso Marriage Certificate

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Housewives

• If husband is employed : Husband's Employment Certificate Original [must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address], Copy of ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy and Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp / please highlight name)
• If husband is self-employed : Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or Mayor's Permit(Copy), Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
• Original Personal or Husband's Bank Certificate [must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
• Personal or Husband's Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)

Company Alpha List no longer required during visa application from July 1, 2018.

"From July, 1 2018, Company Alpha List will no longer be required during visa application. However, it may be requested as additional document for some applicants. When submitting Company Alpha List as additional document, information other than those of the applicant may be covered." -www.overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en

IMPORTANT NOTES AND REMINDERS:

• Starting March 26, 2018, additional requirements such as ITR with BIR Received or BIR Certified True Copy Stamp and Copy of Alphalist with BIR Received Stamp (Form 1604 CF) are needed to be submitted by employed applicants. For self-employed, you must submit a BIR Form with corresponding payment receipt from a BIT-authorized Bank.
• If personally invited by Korean
• Invitation Letter
• Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card
• (authentication not required)
• If invited by Company in Korea
• Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
• Frequent travelers who have traveled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
• For the list of OECD countries, please refer to the list HERE .
• For other applicants such as Korean's Parents in law, Korean's Sister/Brother in law, Religious Workers, Filipino married to Military personnel stationed in Korea and Parents of a Filipino Married to Military personnel stationed in Korea, please refer to the list of requirements listed at the official website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

STEP 3: SUBMIT THE APPLICATION FORM AND ALL THE REQUIREMENTS TO AN ACCREDITED TRAVEL AGENCY

That's it all you need to do is wait for the result of your visa application. processing time usually takes 3 working days for those who have traveled or have stamps from oecd member countries within the last 5 years as tourist and 5 working days for those who do not have or have not traveled to oecd member countries within the past 5 years..

How to check your visa application status online?

For other sample Korea DIY Itineraries, visit my post: RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour 2019 .

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 0 comments :, post a comment.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines

• Ambassador’s Greetings
• Location/Contact
• Visa Announcement
• Visa Requirements
• Korean Spouse Visa
• Authentication
• Embassy News
• Culture & Events
• About Korea

• Consular/Visa Service
• Font Size size up size down

Available Visa Submission Date and Pending Visa Application Status of Accredited Travel Agencies(as of 12.05)

Please be informed that Korean visa applicants who opt to file their applications through one of the Embassy's 36 accredited travel agencies may check the earliest available date for submission and p ending visa application status  per travel agency as of December 5, 2022. The data provided by the Korean Embassy will serve as a guide for visa applicants opting to file through an accredited travel agency.

Please refer to the attached data for information of each travel agency.

Green - Below 200 pending applications Yellow - 200-400 pending applications Red - Above 400 pending applications

Accredited   Travel   Agencies   As   of   12.05.2022

• Foreign Affairs
• Multicultural Community
• Environment & Animals
• Law & Crime
• Health & Science
• Cryptocurrency
• Thoughts of the Times
• Today in History
• Tribune Service
• Blondie & Garfield
• Letter to the Editor
• Travel & Food
• People & Events
• Around Town
• Fortune Telling
• Shows & Dramas
• Theater & Others
• Korean Storytellers

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Jan. 8. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Equal labor standards and Korea's minimum wage should be the bare minimum for Philippine caregivers who will begin working in Seoul later this year, Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega said, amid ongoing debates over whether they should receive lower wages than other workers in Korea.

The ambassador made the comments in a recent exclusive written interview with The Korea Times as Korea plans to bring in 100 workers from the Philippines at the end of July for a pilot program to assess the feasibility of importing foreign caregivers into Korea.

“Both the Philippines and Korea have ratified international treaties that uphold equal remuneration and non-discrimination,” Dizon-De Vega said.

“Under the existing memorandum of understanding on the Employment Permit System, workers are accorded equal treatment under Korea’s labor standards. Korea’s minimum wage law specifically provides the equal application of minimum wage, regardless of nationality, among others.”

The minimum wage will be applied to the 100 Philippine caregivers for the six-month pilot program that will be limited to Seoul.

The government is considering extending the pilot program into a full-scale project after analyzing the results. However, suggestions and recommendations to pay foreign caregivers wages below the legal hourly minimum of 9,860 won ($7.2) continue to emerge as part of measures to address the country’s exceptionally low birthrate. Nevertheless, labor groups criticize this idea for undermining the principle of the minimum wage system and exploiting workers.

During a seminar co-hosted by the Bank of Korea (BOK) and the Korea Development Institute on March 5, the central bank highlighted the necessity of recruiting foreign caregivers and exempting them from Korea's minimum wage regulations. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in the caregiving industry due to the low birthrate and alleviate the financial strain on working parents.

Regarding this, Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung-sik told reporters on March 27, “We should respect the suggestion as it is an important point of this society,” adding that the Minimum Wage Commission will make an “acceptable decision.”

The organization is set to convene its first meeting of the year on May 21 to review the minimum wage for 2025, including the contentious issue of potentially implementing differentiated minimum wages across various industries. If approved, this could allow paying foreign caregivers less than the legal minimum wage.

gettyimagesbank

In this context, the ambassador emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic value of care work.

“Caregivers and other workers in households contribute to society equally or as much as any other worker with skills. They are enablers not only for early child care education but also for optimizing workforce participation,” she said.

“Access to child care allows parents to re-enter the workforce, thereby increasing parental earning and women labor force participation, which ultimately redounds to a positive growth in the economy.”

As to possible conflicts stemming from cultural differences between Korea and the Philippines, the ambassador said the pilot project includes an intensive pre-departure and post-arrival education program for caregivers, as well as employment orientation for user-households focusing on culture, language and skills “to effectively reduce, if not totally eliminate, misunderstanding and conflicts.”

“Nonetheless, we do not expect that it will be easy. Cultural education and adaptation should be a continuing process,” she said.

“Worker and employer education can help achieve a certain level of readiness from both sides, but close monitoring and strong support from the implementing agencies and the community in general will be required.”

According to the labor ministry, the 100 Philippine caregivers, who will be given non-professional employment visas (E-9), are expected to arrive roughly at the end of July.

After entering Korea, they will go through vocational training and cultural education, which will be supervised by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, for four weeks before actually beginning to work at homes, which means they should be ready to start work in August at the earliest.

They will be supplied and managed by two private companies accredited by the government to provide domestic helpers.

World Water Day 2024

Busan World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals

Super Bowl 2024

Welcoming Lunar New Year around world

Daily life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule

South Korea to hire 100 Pinoy caregivers—here's how to apply

South Korea is looking to employ 100 Filipino caregivers this year.

The Department of Migrant Workers in an announcement said that the pilot project under the Employment Permit System (EPS) aims to expand bilateral labor ties between the Philippines and Korea and "assess the feasibility of a larger caregiver deployment plan between the two countries."

DMW said that The Philippines is the "first country to enter into a bilateral labor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea under the aegis of the EPS, which began in 2004."

Under the pilot project, qualified caregivers will "provide caregiving assistance to eligible Korean households, specifically, those composed of dual-income couples, single-parent families, or families with pregnant women."

They will be mainly assisting children, including infants, and pregnant women, and help in "carrying out daily activities such as cleaning, laundry, and kitchen work related to caregiving, and other duties necessary."

Who can apply?

The project is looking for female individuals aged 24 to 38 years old (as of the first day of registration) with a valid TESDA (T echnical Education and Skills Development Authority) NCII on Caregiving   certificate.

They must also pass two rounds of screening: the Korean Language Test, medical and psychological health examination, English screening interview, and physical test.

Those with contagious diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and more are prohibited from signing up. However, those with herniated discs and finger amputations may still register but will be assessed if they are fit for the job.

Those who have been found to have a criminal and drug record, a record of deportation from Korea and travel restriction from the Philippines, are color blind, and have more than 5 (five) years stay in Korea with E-9 or E-10 visa will be disqualified.

How to apply?

The registration period is from May 9 to 10, 2024 from 5 p.m. until the 1,500 slots have been filled.

Interested caregivers must register via https://eps.dmw.gov.ph . They must also submit their passport, a 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm ID picture, the TESDA certificate, and TOEIC Speaking or OPic certificate with an intermediate high or higher rate.

Applicants must pay the examination fee of $24 or around P1,374 on May 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment can be made via any bank account or GASH/MAYA Card.

The tentative date of the announcement of test schedules will be on May 22. The Computer-based test (CBT), Skills Test and Interview will be held at the DMW Main Office, Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

According to DMW, qualified caregivers will be employed under accredited agencies by the MOEL under strict standards to "ensure equal treatment from their employers under labor standards and protection of human rights."The DMW and MOEL-HRDK will undertake the recruitment and hiring procedure for caregivers from May to July 2024."

After selection, candidates will undergo the required pre-departure and post-arrival Orientation/briefing. Korean households will likewise be required to undergo orientation.

This article South Korea to hire 100 Pinoy caregivers—here's how to apply was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe