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Korea Solved

Tourist Visa In Korea: A Simple Guide

Picture this: vibrant Seoul nights, tranquil temple visits, and spicy kimchi feasts.

Ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable Korean escapade?

Before you board, let’s unravel the tapestry of securing a tourist visa for Korea.

How Is Tourism Impacting The Korean Economy?

Sights and attractions in Korea collectively are the reason why over 17.5 million visitors arrived in South Korea in 2019. This figure is 14% higher compared to the previous year’s number, making it one of the top visited countries in Asia. 

Travel and Tourism added significantly to the country’s economy, contributing 4.16% to the overall GDP of the country in 2019. 

However, most international travelers embarking on their Korean adventures will have to obtain a tourist visa . 

In this extensive guide, we will walk you through the intricate details of securing a tourist visa for South Korea. From the eligibility criteria to the visa application process, while also providing you with valuable tips to ensure a successful application. 

While we are on the topic, it is important to mention that it is easier for citizens of the developed nations to obtain a hassle-free visa, which is mostly on arrival.

Nations like the EU Member States, Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom have a visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea.

Other nations which do not have a visa waiver agreement with Korea include countries like The United Arab Emirates, Canada, Russia, Bahrain and others.

However, this in no way implies that it is difficult for the citizens of these countries or other countries to obtain a Korean visa. 

One thing to be noted here is that the famous Schengen visa is not required to enter Korea. The visa required to set foot in Korea is issued and processed by the Government of Korea. Schengen is only required to enter most of the European states. 

What Is the Korean Tourist Visa?

Like any country that offers different types of visas for different people, depending on their purpose of visit, Korea also follows the same route.

Visas granted for educational purposes have different requirements, terms and conditions comparatively to a businessman heading to Korea for trade and investment.

Similarly, a visa granted for the purpose of sightseeing is different. A Korean tourist visa, often referred to as a C-3 visa, is the key that unlocks the doors to South Korea for travelers from around the world. 

This visa allows its holder to explore the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, yummy street food, access to the world’s best skincare that South Korea offers, for a specified duration, usually up to 90 days.

Whether your purpose is sightseeing, visiting your friends or family, or experiencing the diverse culture that Korea offers, a tourist visa is your magic wand to a memorable journey through this captivating country. 

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Korean Tourist Visa?

Before embarking on the visa application journey, it is vital to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for a Korean tourist visa. 

Requirements are set by the Korean Government and individuals going ahead with the process should be aware of the fact that the rules and conditions are the same for all. 

Being fair and unbiased to every nationality is the primary goal of the Korean Government.  

The criteria typically includes:

Valid Passport

Your passport should have the validity of at least six months beyond your intended departure date from South Korea. 

Passport should not expire and should be renewed by the relevant authorities prior to applying for the visa.

Financial Capability

You must demonstrate the financial means to cover your stay in South Korea.

This involves providing your recent bank statements, financial sponsorship letters, or other evidence of sufficient funds.

Intention To Return

You will need to convince the visa granting authority and establish your intention to return to your home country or residence after your visit ends. 

This can be exhibited through ties to your family, employment proof, property ownership, or educational commitments.

Clean Criminal Record

For visiting any country in the world, no matter developed or developing, even the ones plagued with crimes, one must submit proof of the fact that they are civilized, law abiding citizens of their own countries. 

Furthermore, having a clean criminal record is necessary and relevant. Any history of serious criminal offenses may impact the visa application and will most probably result in the visa denial.

Flight Itinerary And Accommodation

Present a confirmed flight itinerary to and from South Korea, as well as all the relevant details of your accommodation for the duration of your stay.

Purpose Of Visit

State clearly the purpose of your visit as tourism. Whether you plan to explore historic sites, indulge in cultural experiences, great food or visit friends and family, your intent should align with tourism .

What Are The Types Of Korean Tourist Visa?

Korean tourist visas are broadly divided into two types:

The C-3 Visa 

This is a short-term tourist visa . It’s the most common type of tourist visa and is suitable for travelers planning to stay in South Korea for a short period of time, typically up to 90 days.  

It is ideal for tourists, those visiting friends or family, or individuals seeking to explore the country’s vibrant culture.

This is the group tourist visa . The C-4 visa is designed for group tourists who are part of an officially recognized tour group.

If you plan to explore South Korea as part of an organized tour, this visa is the one to pursue.

What Is The Korean Tourist Visa Application Process?

Obtaining a Korean tourist visa involves a structured application process, which can be outlined as follows:

Download And Complete The Application Form

Access the visa application form from the official website of the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. 

It is important to fill out the form accurately, ensuring there are no errors, and no relevant information is missed out.

Gather Required Documents

Collect the necessary supporting documents , including your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial capability, flight itinerary, accommodation details, and any additional documents specified by the embassy or consulate.

Schedule An Appointment

Some Korean embassies or consulates may require applicants to book an appointment for visa submission. It is crucial to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate in your area and follow their procedures.

Submit Your Application

Attend the appointment (if required) or visit the embassy or consulate during their designated working hours to submit your application. Ensure that all documents are neatly organized and presented according to their guidelines.

Pay The Visa Fee

Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Visa Interview (If Required)

In some cases, applicants may be called for a visa interview. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, intentions, and other relevant details.

Wait For Processing

The processing time for a Korean tourist visa can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Patience is essential during this period.

Collect Your Visa

Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate. Before leaving, double-check all visa details for accuracy.

How Long Can You Stay In Korea For With A Tourist Visa? 

With a Korean tourist visa, you can typically stay in South Korea for a period of up to 90 days (about 3 months). 

This 90-day period is often referred to as the “duration of stay.” It begins from the date of your entry into South Korea and is indicated on your visa sticker.

It is important to abide by the allowed duration of stay specified on your visa. Overstaying your visa can result in legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and potential difficulties obtaining future visas. 

If you plan to stay in South Korea for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, you will need to explore other visa options, such as a work visa, student visa, or long-term residency visa, depending on your specific circumstances and intentions for staying in the country. 

However, the requirements and documents needed for those visas would differ from that of a tourist visa. 

What Is The Visa Fees For A Tourist/Visitor Visa?

The visa fee for a Korean tourist visa can vary depending on the nationality of an individual and the type of visa they are applying for. 

As of September 2021 , the standard visa fee for most nationalities was around 60,000 Korean Won (KRW). However, this fees is tentative and can change from time to time. 

There may be variations based on your nationality, visa category, and the specific embassy or consulate where you apply.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees for your specific situation, visiting the official website of the Korean embassy or the consulate in your home country is recommended. 

They typically provide detailed information on visa requirements and fees for applicants from different countries. Additionally, you can contact the embassy or consulate directly for clarification on the current visa fees and payment methods.

How Long Does It Take To Process A Korean Short Stay Visa For Tourism?

The processing time for the C-3 tourist visa can vary depending on several factors, including your nationality, the specific embassy or consulate where you apply, and the time of year.

However, here are some general guidelines:

Normal Processing Time

In many cases, the normal processing time for a Korean tourist visa is approximately 5 to 10 business days.

This means that if you submit a complete and accurate visa application, you can expect to receive a decision within the time frame mentioned above.

Peak Seasons

During peak travel seasons, such as the summer months and major holidays like Christmas, Easter and others, visa processing times may be slightly longer due to a higher influx of applications. 

It is advisable to apply in advance during these periods to ensure that your visa is processed in time for your intended travel dates.

Visa Interview

If the embassy or consulate requires a visa interview as part of the application process, this may add extra time to the processing. 

Visa interviews are typically scheduled in advance and can take place before a decision is made.

Complex Cases

If your visa application is considered more complex due to specific circumstances or additional document requirements, it may take longer to process.

For example, if you have a history of visa denials or if you’re applying for a long-term visa, it may require additional attention and thought and will take more time.

What Are The Tips For A Successful Korean Tourist Visa Application? 

Securing a Korean tourist visa can be a straightforward process if you follow these essential tips:

Apply In Advance

Commence the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to account for processing time and potential delays.

Provide Accurate Information

Ensure that all information provided on your application form aligns with the supporting documents and is entirely accurate . 

Financial Documentation

Submit clear and comprehensive financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay in South Korea. 

Travel Itinerary

Craft a well-structured travel plan that outlines your plans and intended destinations within South Korea according to your interests and wants. 

Avoid Overstaying

Respect the validity period of your vis a and adhere to the allowed duration of stay. Overstaying can result in legal consequences and future visa denials.

Visa Exemptions

Investigate whether your country is eligible for a visa exemption or visa waiver program, as these options can simplify your travel plans.

Consult The Embassy/Consulate

If you have any doubts or questions about the application process, do not hesitate to reach out to the Korean embassy or consulate for guidance and clarification since they would have all the adequate information and the ability to answer any question that you might have in a detailed manner. 

Conclusion 

You’re now equipped to embark on your Korean journey with the right visa in hand. From palace tours to K-pop concerts, a realm of experiences awaits. Your Korean odyssey begins now!

Journey Jumpstart!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Types Of Visas In Korea
• Tax Refund In Korea
• Temporary Residence In Korea

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Visa Traveler

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South Korea Tourist Visa: Requirements and Application Process

Published: March 27, 2024

A South Korea tourist visa is required for all nationalities that are not visa-exempt. The official code for the ordinary tourist visa is C-3-9. You can start the visa application online but you must visit a South Korean embassy in person to submit the documents.

Quick summary:

• Who requires it: All nationalities that are not visa-exempt (or not eligible for K-ETA)
• Validity: 3 months for single-entry; 6 months for double-entry
• Allowed stay: up to 90 days for single-entry; up to 30 days for double-entry
• Processing time: 4 to 14 days
• Fee: 40 USD for single-entry; 70 USD for double-entry

Applications are reviewed by the specific embassy, hence the requirements, costs, and processing time differ significantly between countries.

Read the South Korea Visa Guide for general information on various visa options for tourists, requirements, eligibility and application process.

Table of Contents

Understanding south korea tourist visa.

Tourist visa validity

The single-entry tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

The double-entry tourist visa is valid for 6 months.

The multiple-entry tourist visa can be valid for up to 5 years but has additional requirements including prior travel history to South Korea and as such isn’t an option for first-time travelers.

Duration of stay

Single-entry visas allow up to 90 days but double-entry visas only up to 30 days at a time.

Allowed number of entries

There are three types of South Korean tourist visas – single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry.

Allowed ports of entry

You can enter South Korea from any international airport or seaport with a tourist visa.

When to apply

The processing time varies greatly between South Korean embassies. In general, allow at least a few weeks for the issuance of a tourist visa after your first visit to the embassy. 

• Earliest: 3 months before traveling
• Latest: 3 weeks before traveling

Tourist visa extension

Extensions to the tourist visa are possible but not easily granted. You must apply in person at the Seoul Immigration office. Extensions are approved only on a case-by-case basis.

Tourist visa benefits

South Korean tourist visa also offers VISA-FREE travel to 7 other countries. Read the  VISA-FREE countries for South Korea visa  for more details.

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirements

Who requires a tourist visa

All non-visa-exempt nationalities require a tourist visa for South Korea.

If you are visa-exempt, you do not require a tourist visa instead you require a K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

Documents required

The following documents are required for the tourist visa.

• Passport valid for more than 6 months
• Completed Visa Application Form (Form #17)
• Two passport-size photos (1 digital photo for online form)
• Bank statement for the last 3-6 months

Depending on the nationality and the embassy where you apply, you may be required to submit additional documents such as the below.

• Proof of employment (employment letter, salary slips, etc.)
• Income tax returns (1-3 year ITR depending on whether employed or self-employed)
• Proof of long-term residence (if applying from a country other than the country of citizenship)
• Proof of property ownership
• Family book or marriage certificate

Photo requirements

The photo for the tourist visa must meet the following requirements. 

• Must be of size 35×45 mm, with the face taking 25×35 mm
• Must be against a plain, evenly lit and light background, without any marks or creases
• Must have taken within the last 6 months
• Mist be looking directly at the camera
• No sunglasses or hats, except for medical/disability reasons
• Facial features are not covered from the bottom of chin to the top of forehead
• Full face is visible without any shadows
• Full face, eyebrows, eyes, nose, or mouth must not be covered, but covered ears are permitted.

The visa fee varies significantly depending on the type of visa, the location where you apply and your nationality.

In most general cases, the single-entry visa fee is 40 USD, double-entry is 70 USD and multiple-entry is 90 USD. The fee is payable in local currency in cash.

In some countries, South Korea has outsourced visa processing to Visa Application Centers such as VFS Global. Visa Application Centers charge their own service fee for handling the visa applications.

The fee is higher, lower, or exempted for certain nationalities. You can find the complete list on the Korea Visa Portal . 

Processing time

Applications are reviewed by a particular embassy so processing time is not universal. Some embassies process tourist visas in 4 days, others in 7 days, some in 14 days or more.

The official guidance is to apply at least 3 weeks in advance of traveling to allow sufficient time for the issuance of your tourist visa.

In countries where the application process is outsourced to Visa Application Centers, express processing is available for an additional fee.

Tourist Visa Application Process

How to apply for South Korea tourist visa

South Korea’s tourist visa application process is partially online. You will have to fill out an online form but you will have to visit the embassy in person after to submit your documents. 

Below is the general process of applying for a South Korean tourist visa at the embassy. 

• Step 1: Complete the e-form online

Step 2: Visit the diplomatic office

Step 3: wait for visa processing, step 4: receive visa issuance email/collect passport, step 1: complete the e-form online.

Follow the below steps to fill out the e-form online.

• Go to the Korea Visa Navigator page and select your country. Pick “Short Term visit” and “90 days or less”.
• Scroll to the bottom and select “Ordinary Tourist C-3-9”.
• You will see multiple streams. The first stream on the list is for travelers visiting South Korea for tourism. Click on “e-Form (Visa Application)”.
• Read through the procedure guidance page and click “Fill out the e-Form”.
• Select the South Korean diplomatic office that you intend to visit, upload a face photo and complete the form.

After you complete the form, print the file with the barcode on it. You will receive an email with your application number. If you displace the barcode file, you can find it by entering your details on the Check Application Status page .

Prepare the printed visa application form (the one with the barcode) and attach copies of the other required documents. 

Visit the South Korean embassy or consulate that you picked during the application.

Formally submit your application in person at the embassy. Pay the visa fee in cash.

Check your email regularly in case the embassy requests additional documents. The visa process can take anywhere from 4 to 14 working days depending on the embassy. 

Receive Confirmation of Visa Issuance or Visa Grant Notice. Retrieve it online and print it before traveling to South Korea. 

If the embassy or consulate of South Korea still issues visa stickers in your country, you will have to collect your passport or request to mail it to you.

NOTE South Korean embassies no longer issue visa stickers inside passports. Stickers are still being issued in countries where visa application centers handle the process but this is going to be phased out soon.

Entry Procedure at the Border

Before going to the immigration counters, make sure to complete the paper Arrival Card. The airline staff will give you one onboard or you can grab one from the immigration. 

Present your passport along with the Visa Grant Notice and the Arrival Card to the immigration officer. Get stamped in and enter South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum bank balance required for south korea visa.

There is no official statement regarding the minimum bank balance by South Korean immigration. It will depend on your circumstances and nationality.

That being said, anything less than 2,500 USD may be considered too low to sustain a trip to South Korea. 

Can I apply for South Korea tourist visa online?

You can begin the application process online by filling out the application form (form #17). However, the next steps require you to visit a South Korean embassy in person. Applications completely online are not possible.

Is a cover letter required for South Korea tourist visa?

A cover letter is not required for the South Korea tourist visa. But you can still submit one if you need to explain your circumstances in detail.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

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01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Visas for South Korea: here’s what you need to know

Feb 18, 2024 • 4 min read

Visiting South Korea lets you take in the country’s cutting-edge cities and beautiful natural attractions © Joel Carillet / Getty Images

Not many countries have the sights-to-size ratio of South Korea . You can get from one corner of the country to the other in just two and a half hours, and in between you’ll find mountain trails leading to Buddhist hermitages, super-spectacle K-Pop concerts, back-alley pubs serving craft rice wines, enchanting bamboo forests and much more.

Getting the most out of a visit here starts with getting your entry requirements in order, a simple enough process for most travelers. Here are the basics on who needs a visa to South Korea and how to apply.

Who can travel to South Korea visa-free?

Many travelers – including those from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries – can visit Korea for up to 90 days with no visa required. Canadians can do so for up to six months, while South Africans get 30 days. To check the most up-to-date requirements for your country, visit the Korean government’s Visa Portal and enter your information in its  Visa Navigator .

Although you might not need a visa, you will need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (₩10,000) on the  K-ETA website or K-ETA app (for  iOS  and  Android ) at least 72 hours before your departure. Once you’ve applied, you should receive your results via email within 24 hours. Your K-ETA will remain valid for two years from the date your application is approved, meaning you don’t have to reapply if you visit multiple times within that window.

Who needs a tourist visa for South Korea?

Citizens of countries that don’t have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea or that Korea doesn’t grant visa-free entry will need a visa, which is typically for a single entry and permits stays of 90 days.

If you do need a visa, after entering your information in the Visa Navigator , select the visa you’re applying for (most likely Ordinary Tourist, or C-3-9) and then find the eligibility criteria that applies to you (most likely “travel for holidays or leisure”). Complete your application online ( e-Form ) or by hand ( downloadable PDF ) and then visit a Korean embassy or consulate with your application or a printout of your completed e-Form, your passport, a 3.5cm x 4.5cm (1.4in x 1.7in) passport photo and any additional required documents. The application fee for a basic tourist visa is $40, though it can vary by country.

The Jeju-do visa exception

Jeju-do Island is a designated Special Tourist Zone, which means many (though not all) citizens from countries that require visas for South Korea do not need them to visit Jeju-do for up to 30 days. Note that you must arrive in Jeju-do via ship or direct flight from abroad; you may not connect through another South Korean airport.

Extending your stay in South Korea

In almost all cases, if you’re visiting South Korea as a tourist, you are not allowed to extend your stay. If you need to stay longer because of an emergency, however, contact the Korea Immigration Service. The Hi Korea website provides immigration info for international visitors and residents.

Visas for working and studying in South Korea

Thanks to its all-conquering pop culture and dynamic economy, South Korea is an attractive destination for international students and professionals, and a wide range of visas is available for those wishing to study or work in the country. The first step is determining which visa you need, whether you’re seeking to enroll in a Korean university, teach English or do something else. You can sort through the options and get details on eligibility and requirements at the Visa Navigator  site. Work and study visas generally permit stays of up to two years, with one year being the most common length.

Working holidays in South Korea

South Korea offers one-year working holiday visas to citizens of 25 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European nations. Travelers with a working-holiday visa are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week and can also study the Korean language at private academies and university programs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Working Holiday Info Center and Working Holiday Guide provide extensive information on who can apply, what the restrictions are, and work, study and housing resources.

Visas for people of Korean descent

If you’re of South Korean descent, you’ll likely have the option of applying for an overseas Korean visa, colloquially referred to as a gyopo visa. These are available to individuals who were born in Korea but have acquired another country’s citizenship or whose parent or grandparent was a Korean citizen. These visas allow initial stays of up to two years and provide a lot of flexibility in terms of what you can do for work or study.

This article was first published July 2022 and updated February 2024

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How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 7,401 times.

If you want to travel to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) for a short visit as a tourist, you typically don't need a visa. However, if your trip is going to take more than 90 days (30 days for nationals of some countries), you'll need a tourist visa. You can apply for a tourist visa either online or at the Korean embassy or consulate closest to you. Immigration officers will give you your visa when you go through customs at the port of entry. [1] X Research source

Completing a Visa Application

• If you plan to stay in Korea for longer, you still need a visa, even if you are going to Korea to participate in tourist activities.
• For a list of countries that have been granted visa-free travel to Korea, visit https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_2_1.jsp .

• For example, if you are a Chinese national and are traveling to Korea with a tour group, you would need a C-3-2 group tourist visa.
• Use Korea's Visa Navigator, available online at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101 , to determine which visa category is right for you.

• If you're planning to submit your application online, make sure you have a digital copy of your passport photo that you can upload.

• The application requires you to provide information about yourself, your citizenship, and your reasons for wanting to visit Korea. Answer every question completely and honestly.
• You can also fill out a paper application at the Korean embassy or consulate nearest you. To find contact information, go to http://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/index.do and select the name of your country from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Tip: A past criminal conviction or other negative information won't necessarily cause Korean immigration officials to deny your tourist application. However, your application will be denied if they discover that you lied on your application or left out any relevant information.

• For example, if you are a Chinese national traveling with a tour group on a group tourist visa, you'll need a confirmation page showing that you're booked for the tour, along with information about the tour company and where you'll be staying while you're in Korea.
• You'll likely need to show that you have a return flight out of the country before your visa expires along with information about your accommodations in Korea. If you're staying with friends or family while in Korea, you'll likely need a letter from them.

Submitting Your Application

• If you submit your application electronically, you must also pay your application fee electronically. The amount of your application fee varies depending on your country of origin. The visa portal accepts major credit and debit cards for payment.

Warning: You don't necessarily have to pay your application fee at the same time that you submit your completed application. However, your application won't be processed until after the fee is paid.

• Go to http://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/index.do and select the name of the country where you live from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. You'll see contact information for all of the Korean embassies and consulates in your country. Simply pick the one that's closest to you.
• If you're submitting your application in person, you can still fill out the application online if you want. Print the completed application and take it with you to the Korean embassy or consulate.

Warning: If you submit your application in person, you must pay your application fee immediately. Call ahead to find out what methods of payment are accepted. Many Korean embassies and consulates don't take credit or debit cards.

• For example, if you are visiting Korea as a medical tourist to have a medical procedure done as well as engage in tourist activities, you typically need confirmation from the doctor or from the hospital where the procedure will take place.
• Most tourist visas don't require a sponsor. However, if you're concerned that your application might be denied, a sponsor might help improve your chances.

• Electronic visas will be programmed into your passport. You'll get the print visa when you go through customs at the port of entry.
• If you need a paper visa in your passport before you depart for Korea, you'll have to turn over your passport to the nearest embassy or consulate. When your visa is ready, they'll mail your passport back to you with the visa inside.
• If your application is denied, you typically won't be told why. However, you're welcome to reapply immediately. No part of your application fee will be refunded if your application is denied and you'll have to pay the fee in full again if you decide to apply again.

Traveling to Korea

• If you applied for your visa in person at a Korean embassy or consulate, you'll get a confirmation letter in the mail. Take that confirmation letter with you when you travel to Korea.

• If you bring something with you that is not allowed in Korea, it will be confiscated and you may not get it back. To avoid this, check the list of items that aren't allowed before you start packing for your trip.

• Read the instructions carefully and make sure you enter your information neatly and legibly.

• The customs officer will look over your paperwork and confirm your identity. They may also ask you questions about your trip or your plans in Korea.
• If the customs officer approves you to enter the country, they will place your visa in your passport. Pay close attention to the date your visa expires and make sure you've left the country before that date. While you can try to extend an expired tourist visa, it is a difficult process with no guarantees.

Warning: Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Korea. Korean immigration officers have broad authority to determine who will be allowed into the country.

• There are also two Medical TICs at the Busan and Incheon International Airports. At these TICs, you can learn about medical tourism and get a free customized consultation if you think medical tourism might benefit you.

Expert Q&A

• This article covers how to get a tourist visa for the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Tourists are typically advised not to travel to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) due to the high security risk. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_2_1.jsp
• ↑ https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10102
• ↑ https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10105
• ↑ https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/arr/process/immpro.do
• ↑ https://www.airport.kr/ap_lp/en/arr/process/immexa/immexa.do
• ↑ https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_3_2_1.jsp
• ↑ https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/north-korea-democratic-peoples-republic-korea

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For Americans: Guide to South Korea Visa Application and Requirements

Americans trying to obtain a visa to visit or work in South Korea can be a daunting task. For Americans looking to visit, travel, work, or live in Korea, there may be lots of questions like, “what visa type should I apply for? What requirements are there?” and lots more. 

We will take a look at and address things like visa requirements including some information about K-ETA visas for Americans, what documents and financial requirements there are, and some tips on how to get a visa and travel to and from South Korea smoothly. Keep reading to learn more!

Visa requirements for Americans  

As the United States of America and the Republic of Korea are in a strategic alliance, American citizens can travel to Korea for up to 90 days visa-free with the Visa Waiver Program or VWP. But don’t get too excited, because this type of travel is just for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or attending a conference. One also can’t apply for an extension of stay and will also need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA before arriving in Korea. 

As for the basic requirements for Americans heading to Korea they include a valid passport with a few blank stamp pages. As for currency restrictions for entering or exiting, there are currently none. But, unless you are planning to visit for only 90 days then you will need the proper and valid visa as well.

Visas: Business, Employed, Unemployed, Freelancers, Students, Minors, etc.

Korea does offer a few different visa types for visitors. Your visa will most likely reflect what it is you plan to do in Korea. So a student and a business person will most likely have different visas and will require some different documentation, too.

• Business – To come to Korea to do business there are several dozen different visa types available. However, pretty much all of them are in the D visa category. Interestingly, the D visa category, specifically the D-10 visa is the visa for those seeking employment in Korea. Usually, this visa type is only obtainable if one has come to Korea. More on that later on, though!
• Employed – Many people come to Korea on an E-2 visa. This visa type is for individuals from designated Anglophone countries or who have studied English for a certain amount of time to come to Korea as English teachers. This visa type allows one to work but must be sponsored by a Korean employer. 
• Unemployed – As mentioned above, a D-10 visa is for those actively seeking work in Korea. You cannot enter Korea with a D-10 visa because firstly one must acquire an Alien Registration Card or ARC. But, for example, if one enters Korea on one visa, they can visit immigration to change to a D-10 and find work while still staying in Korea.
• Freelancers – As for freelancers, the F-2 visa is for you. The F visa series is usually on a point-based system, and for many, the F-6 visa is the most common one. The F-6 visa is the visa for spouses of Korean citizens. But if you don’t plan on tying the knot before coming to Korea, then maybe apply instead for the F-2. This visa can be attained if you have high Korean language proficiency. You can prove this proficiency by taking the TOPIK or Test of Proficiency in Korean.
• Students – While the D visa series is often related to work, students who would like to come and study in Korea at a university or elsewhere should apply for a D-2 visa. For student visa applications you will need to provide official transcripts, proof of graduation, and financial documentation to show that a student can support themself while in Korea.
• Minors – For those under the age of 18 wanting to travel to Korea alone they will need a parent or guardian consent form and the standard K-ETA visa as one would need for the standard visitation and tourism purposes in Korea. 

Possible visa problems

       To try and mitigate as many problems with getting your visa as possible be sure to check, double-check, and triple-check you have all the necessary documents, have visited all the necessary offices, and have had the necessary rubber stamps stamped. 

      One problem I personally ran into was trying to obtain an E-2 visa while I was already in Korea having been visa-free for a few months. In order to get the proper immigration stamps, I actually had to travel to Fukuoka in Japan to visit the Korean embassy there to get my proper paperwork done. This took about 2-3 days and while it was sort of fun to travel to Fukuoka, it was also some unnecessary stress and confusion for me. When in doubt contact Korea’s immigration services and the American consulate in Korea for any more information. 

K-ETA 

      The K-ETA stands for Korean Electronic Travel Authorization . The K ETA is a visa waiver that allows Americans to travel in Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This was once something you could do by just pretty much showing up with a valid passport. 

      But today the K-ETA visa is a mandatory requirement for Americans entering Korea without any other sort of visa ready. To get one, you have to apply online on the official K-ETA visa portal site and the cost is 10,000 Korean Won which is about $10. This is non-refundable and you have to apply for a K-ETA at least 24 hours before embarking to Korea whether that is by plane, ship, or some other means (hot air balloon?).

QR code upon arrival

The Q code system is a way to shorten quarantine inspection and make the whole process a bit more convenient. The Q or QR code is a barcode that can be scanned on your phone. You can get your QR code you have to fill out a series of information online including your passport information, travel itinerary and dates, and your health information including quarantines and vaccines history. 

Assuming you have filled out all the right info and your health information is deemed safe for entry you will be issued a QR code that can be downloaded on your phone. You can show this code when entering the quarantine checkpoint once getting off the plane. Though folks with a pre-issued QR code might not need some documents like a negative covid test certificate and health questionnaire, it is a good idea to provide these as well! Though mandatory quarantines have been partially lifted, the QR code is a must for those entering Korea!

Quarantine protocols

As of recently, the quarantine process has become a bit more relaxed. Those who have all of their vaccinations have a QR code, have a more or less normal temperature, and show no signs or symptoms of COVID may proceed with their trip but must also submit a PCR test within 3 days. If one has a high fever, shows symptoms of covid, etc, then you will have to quarantine for 6-7 days at a hospital and will have to pay for your stay!

Bank balances required

When entering Korea, generally a bank balance or bank statement is not required like when entering other countries. However, for people applying for student visas, the student must provide proof of at least $3,000 for a 3-4 month study experience and at least $10,000 for a year-long study experience.

Travel agencies in the United States 

If you are traveling to Korea for the first time, don’t feel overwhelmed or daunted! Here is a brief list of some travel agencies that have been approved by the Korean government:

• Aboex Travel and Tours
• Adventure International
• Ark Travel Express, Inc
• First United Travel

Visa processing time

To make sure your visa is processed on time and promptly be sure to provide all your necessary documents, payments, and information on time and to the correct offices. If you have checked all of the above then your visa may take anywhere from 14 business days to 30 business days. Now, remember those are BUSINESS days so it may feel like longer. So, try to submit it on a Monday!

Just some of my tips!

I first traveled to South Korea back in 2014. I have traveled back and forth from other countries and back to South Korea again. Here are some of my tips from my experiences getting two different visa types;

• Show up early, for any and all appointments. Some steps of the visa process will require you to show up to offices and submit documents in person.
• Try to keep fit and healthy, many visa types will require a clean bill of health!
• If you partake in drugs do try to quit, Korea drug tests for certain visa types and a positive drug test will complicate your ability to enter Korea.
• Always make and carry copies of your documents, even old documents from prior visa applications. 
• The easiest way to get your visa is in your home country, I tried to acquire documents while abroad and it was a real headache and nightmare! 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, your potential future employer, or the Korean or American consulates or embassies.
• Don’t feel pressured to accept offers from recruiters or others who will try to get you to come to Korea too quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with Korean law to make sure your visa fits what you are coming here to do, and be clear on what your rights are while in Korea.

The Visa Waiver Program in USA

     The United States of America also offers a visa-free program called the Visa Waiver Program. It allows citizens of up to 40 countries to come to America for up to 90 days for business or tourism. The Republic of Korea is one of the countries included on that list. So, if you are a Korean citizen, you can come and visit America for up to 90 days. Sweet deal!

What are the situations where South Korea can deny your entry (even if you are visa-free?)

      South Korea can, however, deny your entry into the country, even if you are visa-free. If you have been convicted of a crime (like violent crime, maybe some speeding tickets won’t get you banned!), if you try to enter the country with certain contraband like weapons, drugs, or “immoral paraphernalia” if you test positive for drugs if you have an invalid visa or passport, if you cannot prove your relationship with your inviter or your inviter is not qualified to invite you into the country, or if your documents can’t be verified.

Say,  Anneyanghaseyo!

      Korea is known as the Land of Morning Calm. Be sure to keep calm and compile your documents and information, always be on time for visa appointments, and keep a sunny attitude. You will be enjoying  soju  and  noraebang  adventures before you know it!

Works Cited

• “출입국/체류 상세 < 하이코리아.”  Www.hikorea.go.kr , www.hikorea.go.kr/info/InfoDatail.pt?CAT_SEQ=144&PARENT_ID=11. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “에러.”  Www.visa.go.kr , www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• Fabrique, Mello. “[2021] KOREAN VISA Full List of Accredited Travel Agencies.”  The Passport Lad , 18 May 2021, thepassportlad.com/korean-visa-full-list-of-accredited-travel-agencies/. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).”  Www.immigration.go.kr , www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “List of Designated Travel Agencies 상세보기|DownloadEmbassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines.”  Overseas.mofa.go.kr , overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3283/view.do?seq=745061&page=1. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “Message for U.S. Citizens: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization Required as of September 1.”  U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea , 19 July 2021, kr.usembassy.gov/072021-message-for-u-s-citizens-korea-electronic-travel-authorization-required-as-of-september-1/. Accessed 30 June 2022.
• “South Korea International Travel Information.”  Travel.state.gov , travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html#:~:text=Entry%2C%20Exit%20and%20Visa%20Requirements&text=Most%20U.S.%20passport%20holders%20traveling. Accessed 24 June 2022.
• “Visa Waiver Program Requirements | Homeland Security.”  Www.dhs.gov , www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements.
• “Visas.”  U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea , kr.usembassy.gov/visas/. Accessed 24 June 2022.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, I will earn a small percentage should you choose to purchase something, but it will be at no cost to you. You can read the disclosure policy  here.

Hi, this article was written by an actual American living in South Korea that I got from Fiverr. If you liked his writing, you can hire Horank on Fiverr . Jeric Evaristo, Creator

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Korea Visa Photo Requirements: Size and Specifications

To apply for a South Korea visa or K-ETA , travelers must provide a personal, passport-style photograph .

The image must meet all the Korean visa photo requirements for the application to be successful.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries must now have an approved Korean Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the country. Eligible passport holders can submit their application and photo online in minutes.

Korean Visa Photo Size Requirements

The image selected for the visa or visa waiver application must be the correct size. Photos that are either too large or too small will not be accepted.

The applicant’s photograph is uploaded digitally when applying for the K-ETA . This makes it easier to alter the size of the image. The K-ETA photo size limitations are:

• Less than 100 KB
• Less than 700 x 700 pixels

Traditional Korean visa applications require a photo that is 35 mm (width) by 45 mm (height).

Other ETA / Visa Photo Specifications for South Korea

Every K-ETA and Korean visa application must be accompanied by a personal photo that meets the following specifications:

The Korean ETA or visa photograph must be recent

• Taken in the last 6 months
• Reflect the traveler's current appearance

The photo must be in full color

• Black and white photographs are not accepted
• The photo should be in focus (not blurry) and without glare or shadow

Everyday clothing should be worn in the visa photo

• Military or law enforcement uniforms should not be worn in for the South Korea visa photo
• Religious uniforms and clothing are acceptable
• Hats and large accessories should not be worn
• Headwear for religious or medical reasons may be permitted (supporting documentation may be required if for medical purposes)

The eyes must be visible

• Prescription glasses are allowed as long as they do not hinder the view of the eyes
• Sunglasses or glasses with tinted lenses should not be worn
• Glare in the lens from the flash may cause rejection
• Red-eye is not acceptable. This can be avoided by not aiming the flash directly at the eye.

Facial expression must be neutral

• Applicants should not smile for the South Korean visa photo
• They should keep a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed
• It should be a front view with the subject looking straight at the camera

Korea Visa Photo Specifications for Babies and Infants

Adults who will travel to Korea with a child should be aware that there are a few extra photo requirements for young children and babies.

• Babies and infants cannot hold any objects in the photo such as toys, pacifiers, and bottles.
• The child or baby’s eyes must be open and fully visible, and the mouth must be closed.
• The top of the shoulders must be visible, and the head should fill around 70% of the photo.
• The photo can be of the child sitting, being held, or lying on the floor . However, the hands of others cannot be visible in the photo.
• The Korean visa photo size for children is the same as for adults

Visa for Korea Passport Photo Requirements

Travelers who are eligible for the K-ETA can apply for the authorization online. Passport details, personal information, and the applicant’s photo are submitted electronically . The passport number and other basic information can be quickly added to the application form.

On the other hand, to apply for a traditional visa, applicants need to scan the passport biographical page . This is the page with the passport photo and other identifying information.

South Korean visa applications are more complex and require several other supporting documents, in addition to the applicant’s photo and passport copy, depending on the purpose of the visit.

The passport details are used to carry out security checks and make South Korea a safe travel destination.

Other Things to Consider When Applying for a Korean Visa

Understanding South Korea visa photo requirements is important when applying for either a K-ETA or embassy visa. Nevertheless, there are several other things to consider, including:

• The type of visa required —the K-ETA is the correct option for visa-exempt tourists
• When to apply — most K-ETA applications are approved in 24 hours, visa applications take longer
• Other documents needed —applying for a Korean visa rather than an ETA, additional supporting documents will be required

Travelers from visa-exempt nations should be aware that the K-ETA is now mandatory. Since September 2021, visa-free entry is only permitted with a valid Korean ETA.

The permit is valid for 3 years . Travelers who visit South Korea multiple times do not need to reapply and supply a new photo before each trip. It can be used to go to South Korea for tourism, family visits, and business trips for up to 90 days.

Related News

South Korea Customs Declaration Form Information

South Korean Work Visa: Types, How to Get and Requirements

South Korea Traffic Rules and Road Conditions: Driving as a Tourist

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Entry Requirements for South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide for US Travelers

Are you considering a visit to the Republic of South Korea? Now is the perfect time to go, asSouth Korea is celebrating its travel year.From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, US citizens traveling for short-term business ortourism purposes will not need the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) beforeentering South Korea.This travel guide is packed with helpful information and travel advice to help you make the mostof your visit.

Can US citizens travel to South Korea right now?

What travel documents do american citizens need to enter south korea, can us citizens go to south korea without a passport, can us citizens get a south korean visa on arrival, who can travel to south korea without a visa, how do i obtain or apply for a valid visa for south korea.

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens

How long is my South Korean visa valid?

What happens if i overstay my visa in south korea, how do i obtain an entry and exit form, what health requirements and screenings are required when entering south korea.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Online resources for travelers to South Korea

Always travel well-informed with CIBTvisas

Asa US citizen planning to travel to South Korea, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival. US citizens don't require a tourist visa to enter South Korea. Normally, you must apply for a K-ETA before entering Korea for short-term stays. However, that requirementhas been lifted through December 2024.

Travelers planning long-term stays of more than 90 days must obtain a visa from a Korean Government diplomatic office, like the nearest embassy or consulate, before traveling for longer stays or going to South Korea to study or work. Plan ahead and obtain the necessary visa to avoid any inconvenience during your trip

How much is a South Korean visa for US citizens?

The duration of validity for a South Korean visa varies depending on the type of visa that has been granted. The K-ETA visa is valid for two years from the date of issuance and includes an automatic reentry permit. Travelers can make multiple trips to visit South Korea for short-term(90-day) stays within its validity period. Be sure to review your visa details for precise trave linformation and validity.

An entry and exit form is not required for US citizens traveling to South Korea.

There are currently no special requirements or screenings to enter Korea. Travelers should check the CDC’s travel guidance on South Korea for updates.

Vaccinations

Travelers to South Korea are not required to receive mandatory vaccinations. However, it is generally recommended that most travelers get vaccinated for diseases such as hepatitis A andB, typhoid, and rabies. To determine which vaccinations you may need and for other travel health tips, consult the CDC's recommendation .

Prescriptions

As a traveler, you can bring prescription drugs for personal use into Korea. You should carry adoctor's note or prescription and ensure the medicine is in its original packaging.If you need medication while in Korea, you must visit a local doctor and obtain a prescription before it can be filled by a Korean pharmacy. While Korean pharmacies do sell mostprescription medications (even though the brand names may differ), they may not have psychotropics available.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, orquarantine requirements for entry into South Korea. According to the CDC, internationaltravelers should be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling abroad. Because the COVID-19 situation could change with little or no notice, travelers are advised tocheck theSouth Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency for updates before departing. A list of some COVID-19 testing facilities in South Korea and further information can be found on the Korean Embassy website , should travelers need testing for travel to other countries.

FAQs on South Korea travel requirements

Do i need to wear a mask in south korea.

Per the current COVID-19 guidelines, wearing a mask in public places is voluntary in majorcities in South Korea, except in certain hospitals and other medical care facilities. However,many South Koreans still wear masks outdoors and on public transport.

Are restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants and bars are open in South Korea and operating normally.

Will my phone work in South Korea?

Most US carriers work in South Korea, but roaming charges may apply. Check with your service provider for data, text, and voice roaming charges. You can buy a local SIM card on arrival atSouth Korean airports or at a local shop. High-speed Wi-Fi is readily available in South Korea.Keeping your phone in flight mode and using Wi-Fi to connect is a cost-effective alternative to roaming.

What kind of plugs do I need in South Korea?

South Korea uses type C and F plugs, as found in Europe. US travelers willneed a traveladapter. The standard voltage is 220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. You may also want to pack a power converter if you use any electrical devices that aren’t rated for dual voltage.

What should I wear in South Korea?

South Korea is modern and cosmopolitan. People dress smartly and well in professional settings, and there is a general preference for modest dress. It is especially advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Can I smoke or drink alcohol in public in South Korea?

Smoking is prohibited in many public places and only permitted in designated areas. Drinking in public is allowed, but public drunkenness is frowned upon by local authorities. Local laws impose fines and penalties for causing disruptions to the public peace. To avoid visiting the local police station, it’s best to drink in moderation.

Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travelers in South Korea?

Although younger generations in South Korea are increasingly tolerant, many gays and lesbians still opt to keep their sexual orientation hidden from their families and employers. Those who choose to publicly share their orientation while traveling in South Korea should be prepared for possible negative reactions

Online resources for travelers to South

• US Department of State: International Travel to South Korea
• US CDC Traveler’s Health: South Korea
• Embassy of South Korea in the US: Visa Guidance
• Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency: Public Health News and Alerts
• South Korea Tourism: Visit Korea

Make sure your travel documentation is in order, and get ready to immerse yourself in South Korea's vibrant mix of tradition and innovation. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact CIBTvisas for a quote today.

Anjeonhan yeohaeng doeseyo! Safe travels!

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South Korea

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Korea set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South Korean Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering South Korea.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting as a tourist for up to 90 days, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ after the date you are leaving South Korea.

If you are entering South Korea on a long-term visa, your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days. You must have an onward or return ticket. It’s illegal to work on a tourist visa, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity.

If you are travelling for any purpose other than short-term business or tourism, check visa requirements with the South Korean Embassy in the UK .

For those in South Korea on a work visa, all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.

Re-entry permits for long-term visa holders

Most foreign nationals in South Korea on long-term visas are allowed to re-enter South Korea within one year of departure without the need for a re-entry permit. Check with the Korea Immigration Service .

If you are resident and intend to spend more than a year outside of South Korea, in most cases, you must apply for a multiple re-entry permit via the Hi Korea website before departure. If you require a re-entry permit, engage early with the immigration authorities and apply for a re-entry permit at least 4 working days ahead of any planned travel. 

Visas for working as an English teacher

To get a visa to teach English in South Korea, you must have a 3-year university degree. A Teaching English as a Foreign Language ( TEFL ) qualification alone is not enough. If you are found to have a teaching visa by deception, you will be detained and deported.

British nationals teaching English in South Korea have sometimes found living and working conditions to be below their expectation or have had difficulties getting the correct visas and residence permits. Some also report more serious problems such as breach of contract, confiscation of passport, payment being withheld and inadequate insurance.

Check all terms and conditions of your employment carefully. If possible, speak to other teachers from the place where you plan to work before accepting any offer. If you are in South Korea and in need of assistance, you should contact British Embassy in Seoul .

Vaccination requirements

At  least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s South Korea guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Korea . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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What requirements should I submit if I have a sponsor?

Even if someone will sponsor your trip, you still need to submit both your own and your sponsor’s financial and employment documents. Click here for the complete list of Korean tourist visa requirements . 

Aside from the basic requirements, you should also submit the following:

• Sponsor/Guarantee letter – a letter from your sponsor explaining how he/she will cover the expenses of your trip to South Korea.
• Photocopy of the sponsor’s passport (bio page only). Otherwise, you can submit a photocopy of any government-issued ID.

Note also that only immediate family and employers can be your sponsor.  If the sponsor is neither an employer nor an immediate family member (e.g., a boyfriend/girlfriend), you may still proceed with the application but there’s no guarantee that it will be approved. 

If your parent, sibling, child, or spouse will sponsor you, submit a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority as your proof of relationship.

If your employer will support your travel, submit its business documents and a sponsorship letter with the company letterhead.

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

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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.

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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?

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Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization

• Ambassador’s Greetings
• Embassy's Activities
• Location/Contact
• Korean Cultural Centre UK
• Visa Information
• National Police Certificate
• Politics & Relations
• Economy & Science
• About Korea

• Consular/Visa Service

Opening of the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in London

Starting from  January 17, 2022,  the Government of the Republic of Korea will open the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in London, managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to manage the Korean visa applications submitted by UK nationals and third country nationals regularly residing in the UK.

Kindly find below the contacts of the KVAC :

*Kindly note that due to the current COVID-19 situations, the KVAC will receive applications only via post, until further notice.

Following the opening of the KVAC, the ROK Embassy in London will not receive any visa application, effective January 17, 2022. 

In London, the KVAC will act on behalf of the ROK Embassy in London, performing the following tasks :

● Information provision through the dedicated website, via email, and phone calls

● Completeness and accuracy checks for the visa application supporting documents

● Passport logistics.

1. K-ETA(Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

● K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory for nationals or citizens of 66 visa-waiver countries and 46 designated visa-free countries who plan to travel to Korea. However, due to the covid-19, from 1 Sep 2021, only nationals of 49 countries/regions can apply for K-ETA. Please visit this link for more information.

● Website : www.k-eta.go.kr 

2. General Information (A1/A2 only,  Please contact KVAC for all other visa application)

● British passport holders do not require a Visa for the entry purpose of a short term visit (e.g., tours, visiting relatives or friends, attending non-profitable meetings) up to 90 days.

● You can ONLY apply for A1(Diplomacy)·A2(Official) at the Embassy in London.

● You can ONLY apply for a visa by post in the UK. ( Address : A1·A2 Visa service Embassy of the Republic of Korea 60 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6AJ)

● Please do not send your application by post before contact Embassy (A1/A2 only).  

● You can ONLY collect a visa in person from 10AM till 12PM (Monday to Friday, Close on holidays)

● Please be informed that it takes  about 2 weeks  to issue visa.

● Please apply for a visa no more than two months in advance from the planned date of entry into South Korea.

● If you are not a British National, you have to hold more than two years residential Visa in UK to apply for a Visa through us. (Make a photocopy of your UK visa and submit it with your application)

● We will be holding your passport during the visa process.

● Please type or print clearly when you fill out the Visa application form AND DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN AT THE BOTTOM.

● If you are requesting a Visa by post, please be sure to enclose a self-addressed envelope marked with the correct postage to receive your Visa(s).  Please do not use a franking service envelope or do not put a prepaid sticker which has expired or issued date on your envelope .

● You will need at least 6 months validity on the passport to apply for a visa

3. General Required Documents for Visa Application  (A1/A2 only,  Please contact KVAC for all other visa application)

● Regardless of your Visa status, these items have to be submitted in order to obtain a Visa.

● We can require more documents if needed.

● A valid passport

● A completed Visa application   (Visa Application Form General )

● A recent passport photo  (3.5 x 4.5cm, colour photo)

● Fee : Visa fee is waived

● A self-addressed stamped special delivery envelop :  If you want to collect your passport in person, please include a letter explaining your plan to do so.

● Please choose your visa (at '4. Other visa information') for additional required documents for the category of visa for which you are applying.

4. Other Visa Information

● A-2 (Official) Visa

● A-1 (Diplomacy) Visa