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:
Korea Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines
- 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)
- ACR or ICR (if you are a foreigner resident in the Philippines)
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)
- ITR (photocopy)
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 3rd 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 3rd 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!
