2020 • 3 • 30
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.
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.
- 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.
- Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
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
- 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.
- 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:
Rate: P700
Makati Main Office
5F Merry Land Plaza
1157 Chino Roces Avenue
San Antonio Village, Makati City
Landline: +63 (2) 224-1730
Email: cti.visa@constelltravel.com.ph
Iloilo Office
G/F Door 2, Manfred’s Building, 22 Gen. Luna St.
Iloilo City
Email: ctiiloilo@constelltravel.com.ph
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?
| Australia Austria Belgium Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy |
Japan Korea Latvia Luxembourg Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United States |
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.
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.
You can find a sample Affidavit of Support here: AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT & GUARANTEE!
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?
Like this:
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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