Visa for Filipinos: SOUTH KOREA
Check South Korea off your travel bucket list; start by applying for a Tourist Visa!
Like most people, I am also quite intimidated every time I hear the words "Tourist Visa". But when I found out that the Tourist Visa for South Korea is GRATIS / FREE, why not try?! So I filled out the necessary forms, gathered the requirements and tadaaaa! APPROVED!
Here is the step-by-step process on how to apply for a South Korean Tourist Visa.
1. Complete the requirements
■ Duly Accomplished Application form (download)**■ 1 pc. passport size coloured picture (attached on the application form)
■ Original passport (valid for more than 6 months)
■ Photocopy of passport Bio-page
■ Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD countries for the past 5 years (if applicable)
■ Original certificate of employment (must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
■ Original personal bank certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
■ Bank statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
■ ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy**
■ Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
** Application form must be (a) printed in an A4 size bond paper, (b) clean with no erasures and(c) written in BLOCK letters.
** Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.
Additional Requirements:
If personally invited by Korean
■ Invitation letter
■ Photocopy of invitor's Passport or Identification Card (authentication not required).
If invited by a company in Korea
■ Invitation letter
■ Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication not required).
2. Submit all the requirements to the Korean Embassy
Secure all the documents in a brown envelop (in order) and submit them to the Korean Embassy.
Address: 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines 1634
Contact Number: +63 2 856-9210
Application Time: 8:30AM to 11:00AM
■ Register at the guard's station upon entering the embassy.
■ A personnel by the door will check if you have all the necessary documents, once he's satisfied he'll give you a number.
■ Wait for your number to be called.
■ The staff on the window assigned to you will again check your requirements and will give you a piece of paper with the DATE OF RELEASE.
** Windows 1 and 2 are for first-time applicants while Window 3 is for frequent travellers who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years
Visa Fee:
■ 59 days (or less) stay in South Korea - GRATIS
■ 60 - 90 days stay in South Korea - PHP 1,800.00
3. Relax and wait for the result.
Visa Processing Time:
■ 3 working days for those who have been to OECD member countries within 5 years as tourist
■ 5 working days for those who have not been to OECD member countries within 5 years
4. Claim your passport
The moment of truth! Head back to the Korean Embassy on the date of release from 13:30PM to 16:00PM and claim your passport (approved or not).
FACTS: Just in case you're curious.
FACTS: Just in case you're curious.
■ I have a valid US Visa.
■ I have been to an OECD member country.
■ I had PHP 40,000 on my account for the Bank Statement.
■ I have been to an OECD member country.
■ I had PHP 40,000 on my account for the Bank Statement.
DISCLAIMER
I'm not an expert. I cannot tell whether or not your application will be approved.
But I'll try to help as much as I can. Good luck!
But I'll try to help as much as I can. Good luck!
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