Korean Visa Requirements!
IMPORTANT! We will no longer be making updates to this article. Please refer to our more updated post with the title KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process for Filipinos instead.
We know South Korea is one of the most popular destinations among Filipinos because there’s not a day that goes by without us receiving questions about getting a Korea visa. Hence, we decided to put up this post.
Note that we’re NOT employed by or affiliated with the Korean Embassy in Manila. We’re only writing based on our own experience applying for one. (We have applied three times so far, and everything went smoothly every time.) We’re publishing this simply to have a page that we can redirect users to when they ask us questions about the application process.
And because this post is limited to our personal experiences, we can only answer questions about applying for a TOURIST visa as an employed, self-employed, or freelancing Filipino. For anything outside of this scope, it would be best to contact the embassy directly to have a definitive answer.
What are the requirements for applying for a tourist visa?
We have a dedicated post about that here: Korea Visa Requirements
How to apply? What are the steps?
We have a step-by-step guide here: How to Apply for a Korea Visa in Manila
Do I need a travel agency to apply?
YES, unless you’re applying directly in Cebu. The Korean Embassy in Manila requires tourist visa applications filed starting July 1, 2018, to be coursed through any of their designated travel agencies. However, the Korean Consulate in Cebu is not affected by this and will continue to accept walk-in applicants as they did.
If you’re applying in Manila BEFORE July 1, 2018, you can still work on the application yourself. It’s fast and free. However, if for whatever reason this isn’t a practical option — you live in the province, you just can’t spare a working day for this — by all means, find a travel agency. Just remember that they will charge you a service fee.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No. It’s not one of the requirements. I’ve tried submitting this before, they removed it from the pile.
How about hotel reservation? Do I need to book hotels before applying?
No. You don’t need it. However, make sure you have an idea which hotel you will be staying because it’s one of the required fields in the application form. You don’t need to reserve, but you need to know where you intend to stay.
Should I stay in the hotel I wrote on the application form?
No. If your application is approved, you can pretty much stay in any hotel or hostel you want.
How long does it take to process the application?
At least 25 WORKING DAYS in Manila, according to the embassy.
But according to the travel agencies we consulted, it’s safer to apply AT LEAST 30 WORKING DAYS before your trip.
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.
In Cebu, it’s 10 working days.
What are OECD visas?
These are visas granted by countries that are part of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). These are the member countries:
| 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. And that the processing is a lot faster.
How long can I stay in Korea if I am granted a visa?
Regular visas usually allow 59 days. You can apply for a longer stay.
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.
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.
I’m a freelancer. I don’t have a Certificate of Employment. What can I submit?
I have tried applying for a visa when I was a freelancer. What I did was, I requested for a letter from my clients that could serve as a certification that I was working for them. The letter also included what I do for them, when I was hired, how much I receive as compensation, and other details.
Sample Certificate Employment PDFThe embassy accepted it, and my application was approved.
HOWEVER, the Embassy seems to have been MUCH stricter these days, so I’m not sure whether or not they still accept something like this.
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.
I don’t have an ITR. What should I do?
I honestly don’t know how to answer this because I’ve always had an ITR even as a freelancer.
But according to some of our community members who have done this before, they included an explanation letter and other proof of sources of income in their application.
How early should I apply for a Korea visa? Can I apply months before my actual travel date?
If you have a target travel date, apply not earlier than 3 months before that.
When a regular visa is issued, it allows the holder to 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.
But if you’re applying in Manila, make sure you apply at least 30 working days before your intended travel date.
Do I need to show up to submit the documents?
NO, usually. You can ask someone else to do it for you IF THE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETE.
However, every agency can implement their own rules. So it’s best to call the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application to be sure.
I need to explain something. Will they accept a cover letter?
Yes. I did once. They accepted it.
How much is the visa fee?
FREE if your application is for 59 days or shorter.
P1800 for 60- to 90-day stay.
However, travel agencies will be charging a service fee for processing your application. Fee differs from agency to agency, but it’s usually between P700 and P1000.
What is the address of the Korean Embassy?
KOREAN EMBASSY IN MANILA
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
Email Address: ph04@mofa.go.kr
Contact No.: (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500
KOREAN CONSULATE IN CEBU
12th Floor Chinabank Corporate Center, Lot 2, Samar Loop Cor. Road 5, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu City
Email Address: phi_cebu2015@mofa.go.kr
Contact No.: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
Is it possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa?
YES, but only if you’re qualified. Holders of any of the following credit cards can apply for a multiple-entry visa and are EXEMPTED from providing bank certificates and ITR:
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).
What are the common reasons why Korean visa applications are denied?
I can only speculate, but based on the messages we receive from our followers, the usual reasons are the following:
- 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.
If my application is denied, can I apply again?
Yes, but only after 6 months.
What does a South Korea visa look like?
Like this:
What is the Visa Issuance Confirmation in 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.
I have more questions. How do I contact the Korean Embassy?
Feel free to call the Korean Embassy to confirm. Here are the numbers:
Manila: (63-2) 856-9210 visa local no. 270, 500
Cebu: (63-32) 231-1516(-9)
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Is this post helpful to you?
Hi! What if I dont have a personal bank account?
Hi! Currently, I’m unemployed and just waiting for my review for Architecure board exam which will start on Sept 3. I’m afraid my Visa application will be rejected. I already have a certification from my review center which states that I am enrolled and the details of my review. I also have my review center ID. What are the other requirement that I should pass? And also, my father will support my finances for the trip. But he will not travel with me. I will travel with my sister and mother only. Is this possible? I can also produce my own bank certificate for back up docs if ever needed. Would really appreciate for you reply. Thank you.
Hi! I think we have the same situation. Currently unemployed since i am going to review pa starting this nov. Did you apply na ba? How did it go?
Hello. May I ask how did ur applications go? I’m in the same situation kasi. Thanks!
Hello. Ask ko lang if ano nangyari w your applications bc I’m in the same situation rn. Thanks!
Hello! What happened ba sa applications niyo? May plans po kasi ako for travels tapos by that time, ganyan na rin po situation ko. Thanks po!
What if student and 18? Isa lang po yung parent na may bank certif and bank statement okay lang po ba yun? :(
Sa akin tinanggap kahit wlang bank account yung mama ko ! single parent din siya. Pero bank account ko ang ginamit sa pagpasa sa applcation sa SK tourist visa, bali naglagay lang ako nang Cover Letter para maexplain kung bakit akin ang ginamit! atleast na APPROVED naman yung visa ko .
If you don’t have a bank account but travelling or is being sponsored for the trip, then you can ask the person to provide the necessary requirements. I brought with us our yaya for the trip. I just provide a notarized affidavit of support. and in the application form, my name was placed there as a sponsor so in her application form, i also attached another copy of the Bank Certficate, ITR, and Bank Statement as proof. She was given a single entry visa.
What if my applicatio has been denied because of lack of reason to travel
And unfortunately my sin has a contest to attend to in south korea and the DEPED
will assist all student and parent can they give me visa eventhough i just got denied this august?
Good day Mr. Flores! I just wanna ask, my mom’s just a housewife pero my aunt will shoulder my travel expenses. Will I still get a good chance for VISA approval if I add a notarized affidavit of support and/or cover letter? Thank you!
Hi! I’m unemployed po cause I just graduated last July. My auntie got married with a korean. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. What should I do?
Hello..same with I am also a Yaya or helper.. I need the some info. About how to make a SK tourist visa..but I don’t have bank account. I have a korean employer and they want me to bring there to korea for vacation.but i don’t know how .and also what are requirements needed about this situation?
hi regarding to the sponsor matter. the one who will sponsoring me is my niece since our Birth certificate cannot confirm our relationship that much because she my cousins daughter it will not appear on our certificate that we have same surnames. can i just submit also a notarized affidavit of support?
Then don’t apply, because it’s one of the requirements.
Hi S! Just bring your old passport when you travel. That’s what happened to me, too. I still had a valid visa when I renewed my passport. I asked the staff at DFA and they said even if the passport is no longer valid, any valid visas inside will remain so. :)
Hi
ask ko lng kung possible ba na magrenew ng visa kahit hindi pa expired?
june 2020 kc expiration ng visa ko gusto ko sana i-avail yung promo ng bdo
Thanks
Ay, di ko po alam :(
pwede pa kaya un sa kapatid ko may valid single entry pa sya sa passport nya kaso nasulatan accidentally so pina renew ng dfa. magagamit pa po kaya nya ung single entry nya valid pa nmn pa tska hindi gamit together with his new passport thanks po
Hi Louise! Ano yung nasulatan accidentally? The visa page or passport page? Nakapagparenew ba kayo? Or ano ang pinarenee niyo, yung approved visa or passport? Medyo same tayo ng scenario kasi.
Hi Louise, naku, di ko alam. I think pwede pa, pero best to call DFA na lang to be sure sure sure.
Hello Mr. Dimen. Magtatanong lang po ako kung pwedi ba ako mag apply ng tourist visa kahit pay tatak yong passport ko na 68-1? Galing na rin akong Korea.
Hi Jhaja, di ko po alam. :(
If pwede man po, baka mahirapan po kasi may record na. Pero best to consult a designated travel agency po para mas informed po yung advice.
Hi Mr. Dimen. Is there a high chance of approval if may invitation from korean boyfriend but he will not shoulder any of my expenses? just a mere invitation for a trip in korea. Can I still include the invitation letter and copy of his passport as part of the requirements? Thank you.
Hi Dongsaeng, yes, if you’re invited by a Korean, you must submit an invitation letter and copy of his passport.
Re whether or not the chances are higher if may invitation, not sure. But I know na better ang chances if you can show that you can afford this trip and you’re employed, regardless of whether or not invited by someone there or hindi. So I think yes, if financially stable ka naman and employed, better ang chances mo kaysa sponsored ka by someone there.
Hi po ask ko lang po denied po kc yung visa ko for South Korea,makakabpunta po ba ako ng jeju kahit na may tatak yung passport ko?kahit wala pa po ng 1 month?
Hi any update with this situation? Same situation with her.
Hi! For example I applied for a korean visa using bdo gold and got approved on multiple entry.
My question is , is it okay if I travel next year ? Thanks in advance. :)
as long as it’s within the validity period of your visa.
Hi! I’m unemployed po and a fresh grad. My auntie got married with a korean and now she’s living in korea. She told me that I can visit her in korea with all expenses paid. I got enough money in my bank account, valid passport, but i dont have COE an ITR. What should I do to be approved in korean visa? What letters should I make?
Hi Krystal, usually sa ganyang case, you can write a letter of explanation why you don’t have a COE and ITR and proof to support your reason. For example, if your reason is kaka-graduate mo lang, submit proof of that. You also need proof of relationship with your aunt.
Note however na hindi guarantee yung mga yan. Pwede pa rin nilang i-deny kahit inexplain mo and may proof.
Hi! May I ask if its exactly 60days for the bank statment requirement? The bank that issued my BS starts from June 15 to Aug 30, 2018 balance. Is it questionable on the part of embassy? Hope you can answer my query.
Hi Cher, the requirement has to be the past 3 months. 90 days, not 60 days.
Hi po good morning ask q lang po twice na q nag apply for korean visa and twice din aq na denied. first is not qualified to entry to korea pero i have a complete requirements 2nd reason why i denied is they said my other documents is fake but is not.. i know nmn n mahigpit cla so why i am submitted a fake documents. this coming nov i try to apply again may i know if the reason why i am denied is naka record ba sknila un? kse kng dun cla mag babase so i dnt have any chance to entry korea.
Did they say kung anong document ang fake daw?
Hi, I have a US visa but I didn’t end up going to the US due to work. Do I still have to submit photocopy even if I don’t have the arrival stamp?
Hi! I would like to apply tourist visa with my 3 children. Do i need to bring them to Korean Embassy when applying for visa?
Hi Ophel! You can apply on their behalf. :)
For my parents since im applying for us.. do they need 2 original bank cert and bank statement for my dad’s? He is retired.. my mom a housewife… since im applying for them will it not suffice?
Hello leslie!
I wonder what happened to your appliction. Do you mind if I ask what requirement did you provide for your parents since we have the same case. TIA!
Can you still get denied if you have a bpi/bdo gold credit card but is unemployed? Is COE still required?
How come you have credit card if you’re unemployed?
Hi.. I’m a freelancer, can I categorize myself as self employed? Do I also need a DTI and mayor’s permit? Thank you
I’m also a freelancer. I registered myself as self-employed with my fullname as the trade name. There’s no need for you to register to DTI or SEC. I also don’t have a mayor’s permit. I was asked to get an Occupational Tax Receipt but the LGU from where I’m living doesn’t know about OTR so they just asked me to get a temporary mayor’s permit so I could register myself to BIR.
Hi po. Pano po kung may invitation letter ako galing sa Korean friend ko. Ask ko lang sana kung sino ang isusulat ko sa Details of Sponsor? Thank you!:)
If your korean friend will sponsor your travel expenses (accommodation, food, transpo, etc.) then you can put his/her name..you also need to submit photocopy of your friend’s passport or ID
Hi what if i’m already 22 and still a college student, tapos walang bank statement ang parents ko but my korean boyfriend will shoulder all my expenses during my day tour. What will i do? Thankyou :)
Hi Monica. Anong nangyari? Mejo parehas kasi tayo ng case, the only difference is yung friend ko na magshoshoulder lahat ng expenses is nasa japan. I hope you reply! Thank you
Hi! I requested a bank cert last january for korean visa but i did not proceed. Can I still use the bank cert I requested last january for my korean visa application this June?
I think you should request for a new one.
hi. I also don’t have a certificate of employment because i’m a part timer, fresh graduate and i’m still reviewing for my board exam. Instead of having a letter written by a client can I instead have it written by my employer? Please answer my question. Thank you so much!
i think it should be ok as long as the COE contains your position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR’s email and landline..the embassy may call your HR to verify your COE..
hi! when is the best time to apply for a korean visa? we are planning to go there by october.
Hi. Dream ko mag tour sa Korea. Pwede ba ako mag apply ng visa kahit “not employed” ?
Perhaps, if you have someone sponsoring your tour.
Hello! What if ininvite ako ng korean friend then sya ung sponsor ko for accomodation, kasi sya ang mag bobook ng plane ticket ko papuntang korea at nasa korea siya.
Kailangan ko pa din ba ng bank account ? At un employed po ako, ma approve po ba ?
Kah, same tayo. Makiki kamusta sana ako. Naka pag apply kaba?
Hi! I’m a bit confused about sa OECD Visa. What does it mean? Nakatira po ako sa US pero hawak ko pa rin is Philippine passport. Ibig sabihin po ba nun ay meron akong OECD Visa since taga US ako? Thank you in advance.
yes
hi dream namin makapag- tour sa korean, makaka kuha ba kami ng family ko ng multiple – entry kahit isa lang may bdo gold visa samin?? yung husban ko lang kasi ang may bdo, ako kasi sa ibang mga banks ang credit cards ko and yung daughter ko is 2 years old pa lang
only the person with the card
how about the supplementary?
Hi. I have a supplumentary BDO Gold. Would like to ask if you pursue your application using the supplementary card? Was it accepted even without Bank Cert and ITR? Hoping for your response.
Thanks!
When is the time I can apply for a visa? If let’s say I am travelling by December?
But as long as you have enough time for it to be processed, then around the month of September (2nd week), October or November will be perfect.
The validity of the visa is 3 months. Example: If you’ll be in Korea on the 5-11th on December, you can apply for your visa 3 months before. So, around the 5-10th of September. Keep in mind that if you’re a first time applicant, it takes 5 days to process the visa. :)
Hi..my husband is working in korea and iam planning to visit him early next year ,can i stay there atleast 30 days with 50k on my account though my husband will support or finance my trip?
the free visa can allow you to stay up to 59 days in SK..if your husband will sponsor your trip, then put his name on the application form as your sponsor
Hi may friend po ako. Husband po nya american.. working sa korea for how many years. How many times na rin po silang balik balik sa korea. Pwede po b syang makakuha ng mas matagal sa 90 DAYS VISA.?
Hi, have you tried passing your application for visa while on going pa yung renewal ng passport mo? My passport will expire this Dec 2017 and my travel will be on Oct 2017. I already processed my passport renewal last June 14,2017 (express) kaso may delay si DFA which will cause me to submit my old passport(Exp. Dec 2017) for the visa application next week. Will I be approved or denied? Thanks a lot po.
Hi I know matagal na tong comment mo but may I know ano nangyari? If you were approved. Thanks!
How much travel costs should I write in the application form?
depends on how much is your estimated expenses for the duration of your stay in SK..for example if you allocated $100 USD per day and your stay is good for 4 days, then write $400 USD in your application form..just make sure your bank certificate has a balance that is more than your declared travel costs..
hi po…unemployed po ako,and I was worried na bka ma deny ang visa ko ksi wla akong mpasa na COE..Im doing tutorial as of now..at yn ang source of income ko.slamt po sa sasagot..God bless..
ano po dapat kng gawin.or ipasa kng wla akong.cmpany na.pnpasukan?tutorial lng.po ang work ko ngyn..slmat po sa sasagot
Hi! I wanted to ask what if you are a cabin crew and you wanted to get a visa but unfortunately, you won’t be able to surrender your passport bc of your internat’l flights? Is a photocopy of passport and company ID okay?
I guess disregard this. Ididikit nga pala nila ung visa sa passport. So, di talaga pwede photocopy. Haha. Thanks anw.
Good Day!
I would like to ask, I have a JAPAN Visa dated April 2012 in my old passport. Should I pass it for my KOREA Visa application? I will be applying my KOREA Visa this first week of Aug. Counted pa ba siya on the “5 year period”?
Also, yun pa yung huli ko na trip abroad. So, walang ibang nakalagay sa old passport ko.
Hope you can recommend.
Thanks a lot!
Hi! Please help. My bank eastwest do not provide bank ADB and opening date in the bank cert even if I already told them I need it for visa purposes. They said they can give me separate print out of my ADB and prinscreen of my account opening date. Could I just attach these 2 to the bank cert? Do I need to make a cover letter for this?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Hi po. Eastwest bank din po ako. Nagpasa po ba kayo ng cover letter or yung Bank statement na lang po talaga? Pinasa niyo din po ba yung print screen?Thank you po.
Hi im planning to get a tourist visa together with my daughter and our friends. But in my case i will used the employment certificate of my husband who is already working in korea he has an e9 visa and one of the req is the itr but my husband dont have the itr is there a chance that my visa application approved?
Hi! I’m currently unemployed, but I do family business na nakapangalan sa mother ko.. Can I use this us my source of income to get my visa approve?
That would be difficult because hindi sya sayo nakapangalan. :|
ask ko lang pano pag un-employed ka tapos wala kang source of income pero nakalagay sa invitation ng korean friend ko na sagot nya lahat ?? wala akong bank account.. ok lang kaya un ??
Hi B,
I’m really worried, the korean embassy just called in our office, sadly there is a problem in our phone so we need to cut the call and we were hoping for another call (for the whole day, but nothing happens). Is there any chance for them to call again? also I we are travelling for 4 and the 3 of us are employed to our mother’s business and we will travel with my mom. However, she has low banks statement (since she use it as an emergency) and I have bigger bank statement that so bothers me. Also she will guarantee my sister. What will I do? is the risk of denied visa is higher?
Hi my sister and I will travel together on October. We’re both still students, however, our parents bank accounts named it under our names, in short the bank accounts we will be presenting will be our own. do we still need a cover letter to explain our situation? They are both self-employed, we can provide the itr, business registration, etc. but the bank statements will be under our names
Hi Kathryn, we believe it’s not a problem.
Hi! Has anyone here got their visa application accepted but didn’t push through due to some circumstances? Do you think it will be harder to apply the second time around?
additiona question kahit 4days tour need pako din visa ? thanks po sa sasagot
Hello!!! I just want to ask about the freelance certification. Do I need a signature of our manager? What if he only sent it to me through email? Do I need to legalize it through notarization?
Hi Grethel, I submitted a scanned version of a signed letter though. I didn’t have it notarized. But make sure your client’s contact details and your employment details are there.
Good day!
I have a bank account since 2016 that is exclusively for my payroll. Recently (almost two months ago), I opened another account where I placed my personal savings. This is also where I save money, enough for my planned travel to Korea. The embassy requires the original or certified true copy of a bank statements or passbook for the last 3 months and I’m planning to use the account I recently opened. But I would like to know if the bank statement of my recent (2-month-old) bank account is OK for my visa application.
Thanks.
Hi,
Regarding with you comment a year ago?
I’m also currently in that position, may I ask if what happened to your application?
i have my payroll account and i recently opened a savings account with 2 months old.
Hi Lou, if I were you I would submit both bank cert and bank statement for BOTH my payroll and saving account to show that I have 2 accounts. That’s what I always do.
Hello,
Dito PO ako sa Dubai now nagwowork at may residence visa.Plan ko po na magbaksyon sa Pilipinas sa March.At magtour Ng 10 days sa Korea..Possible po ba na ma approve Ang korean visa ko Kung mag apply ako.?thanks
Hi! My sons plans to go to Korea this November. They are currently working for their fathers business and they have no ITR. They have bank accounts in their names and their father will be giving them a certificate of absolute suport for thier trip. Will it be enough for them to be given a Korean Visa?
Hi. I am planning to go to Korea with my younger sister as a graduation gift. I will be shouldering all the expenses, but I am wondering on what will be the process for her visa application since our parents don’t have a bank account or a business. Will my financial details suffice? And should I make a cover letter explaining the situation?
Your answers will be a great help.
great help,,thank you so much
Hi! My family is planning to visit S.korea end of this year. Im the head of the family, my concern is ” Do i need to submit 5 sets of documents? E.G Business and bank details, or just one set for the 5 of us is enough like the Japan Visa Application.
Thank you
Hi. I’ve recently resigned in my full time job a month ago and I am now in transition of becoming a freelancer. I still don’t have any client but there’s a possibility that I will be having one this week. I have plans on applying for SoKor visa on the third week of September. So for the questions:
1. You mentioned that you provided a Certification before when you were a freelancer. If my client is from abroad, will a digital Certification / scanned copy be okay?
2. Since, if ever, I’ll just be starting my work this week or the following week, I will not be able to process my tax obligation yet, right? So will my ITR from my previous work be ok?
Thank you in advance!
I’m in the same situation now. May I ask how your application went? And did you tick employed in the application form or wrote freelancer in ‘Others’? Thank you!
Hi! What if foreign yung company(freelancer ako), do I still have to send the hard copy to them and have it red ribbon? But our boss is here in PH? Thanks! :)
If I am travelling with my family and we are all employed (we’ll support ourselves for the trip), do we still need to bring our birth certificates and our parents’ marriage contract? Thanks.
Sa mga my pbi/bdo gold credit card na ng apply for tourist visa kinakailangan b ipakita mismo sa korean embassy? Sa agency ksi ako ngpalqkad
Hello, I already have a ticket na for Nov 7,2017. When is the best time to apply for a visa? Ok lang ba kung this September na? Naguguluhan kasi ako dun sa validity ng tourist visa, sabi sa site ng embassy 3 months validity daw, sabi naman sa ibang blog 59 days daw. Thank you in advance and by the way, this is a great blog entry you have here. Keep it up and more power!
You can stay in KOREA for up to 59 days, but you should use your visa within 3 months after ma-issue. So yes, pwede ka na magapply ngayon kahit November pa yung trip kasi valid sya for 3 months, but kapag nasa Korea ka na, dapat yung stay mo di lalagpas sa 59 days.
hello, my cousin and I are planning to go to Korea next year. Just a little background, she’s still a student and I hold a Canadian passport. I will be shouldering all our expenses. I was thinking of giving her an Affidavit of Support that she can submit with all her other requirements. You think I need to give her my bank certificate and statement as well? Any insights would be much appreciated! Thank you.
good pm. My family(we’re 6) just got our Korean visa, valid from Sept 8-Dec8, 2017. It’s quite sad coz we wrote the intended travel in Dec 27-Jan 1… I read that the validity is really 59 days but we’re positive that the embassy will consider our planned date of travel.
That means visa will expire even before our trip. it’s ok for us to renew but when is the best date to renew? is it ok to renew earlier to give us time to prepare the stuff since its winter, Is October or November ok to renew?
Will the embassy get angry with for not leaving on the given visa validity when in fact our travel is really sked during the Christmas season.
thank you
under important reminders showing on the SK website, “Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.”
Hi. Just wanna ask re EOCD visa. I had been in France last 2015 and had my Schengen visa valid for 15 days only during our trip. Is it considered under the EOCD Visa you are referring to? Do i still need to submit it to the embassy during our application for South Korea visa? Thanks in advance.
Hello,
If I got approved for a single entry tourist visa, is it possible to apply again for a D2 (student) visa again?
Thank you sa sasagot.
How to apply tourist visa with family?
hello, question. My COE states that it is for Bank Certification instead of Visa Application. It still has my Compensation Package. Will that be acceptable?
Hi Cristine! Not sure. :( I think it’s still okay, but that’s just a hunch.
Hi, question. My parents’ trip to Korea will be their first travel out of the country. Is there are a rule or something that they should have a previous travel prior to their Korea trip before applying for a tourist visa?
Nope. It’s okay if Korea is your first international trip. Although there’s a bigger chance of getting approved if may past travel history talaga.
Hi! I recently graduated from college and unemployed. My parents’ grad gift for me is a trip to S. Korea. My question is, what documents should I bring if I am neither student nor employed? Thank you :)
Write a cover letter explaining that this is a graduation gift from your parents, declare them as your guarantor, and then submit their bank/employment papers instead.
Hi. Same sitution. Same pa rin ba ng process ngayong 2019?
Yep! Pwede pa rin yun.
Hi, i have a bpi gold mastercard. Do i still need to submit bank statement (original or certified true copy of BS/passbook for the last 3mos)? Kasi ang nabasa ko bank cert and itr lang ang not needed to be submitted if u have bpi/bdo gold cc?
No need. :)
Hi, I’m really curious. Totally no need to submit any financial document if you have a BPI Gold MasterCard? Maski credit card statement not needed anymore? Thanks!
Hi! tanong ko lang po ilang months po need sa statement ng credit card (bdo)? tia!
Latest billing statements with photocopy of credit card
We have multiple visa till Dec. 2, 2017. Is it possible to renew our visa in korean embassy even if we still have 2 months left? Thanks
hi i would like to ask sana im a fresh graduate i dont have work yet and no bank accounts .. is it possible na maka kuha ako ng visa if ever ung boyfriend kong korean mag ssponsor ng lahat lahat ?? ticket food and sa bahay nila ako titira ??
Hi! It will be very, very difficult. Many of those in similar situations who messaged us were denied.
Hi what if i’m still a college student and graduating naman this october tapps this summer or before graduation gisto ko pumunta sa SK my parents don’t have bank accounts but yung sister ko meron pwede bang un nalang gamitin ko?and also iinvite din ako ng boyfriend kong korean at gusto nya din na mag sponsor sakin what should i do? Thankyou
Having your sister sponsor you might be your best bet. But we don’t know for sure.
Hi! I’m in a pinch right now. I’m a graduating college student who’s also a freelance photographer. I work part-time and earn quite a fair amount per client and I get a lot in a month. My parents will not be funding my planned trip so I plan on submitting the requirements on my own. Do you think this will be okay? Will at least P50,000+ in my bank account suffice for a supposed 4day trip??
Thanks so much ;_;
Hi EOS, yeah, like Kate, we also have friends who had funds a bit north of P50,000 and their applications were approved. Although to be honest, we don’t know how often it happens. What we know for sure is that if you only have that much in your bank account, you need to make sure you have all the other requirements.
hi! what if i only have around 30k in my bank account but i will be writing my aunt’s name in the visa application form as guarantor, will that be okay? i’ll be traveling with her din. thanks!
Hard to tell, but since you have a guarantor, there’s a good chance it will be approved as long as your aunt meets the requirements and can prove she can support both of you.
a friend has 50K for a 3-day trip and got approved..:)
Hi! I got my visa last December 2016 (thru the BPI promo) and planned to visit Korea with my daughter the same month. However, due to a family event that we can’t miss, we didn’t push thru with our trip. This November 2017, I’m scheduled to finally visit Korea, using the visa that I got last Dec 2016 (valid until Dec 2019). Won’t I have any problems/concerns? Will it not be an issue that I didn’t travel on my initial intended dates in 2016? Thanks!
Hi Riza, as long as your visa is valid, I don’t think it would be an issue.
Hi @The Poor Traveler!!!
I stumbled upon this article last summer and because of how detailed you outlined the steps, this made us decide to push through with our application. We applied last Sept. 26 as a group and we got our visa on Oct. 4!!! Hooray!!! Thank you so much for sharing all these information. This help us greatly on planning our SK trip this coming last week of the month, in time for autumn!!!
Wow! Congrats! Enjoy the autumn colors!!!
Hi!
Ask ko lang po po kung yung bank is nagbago ng system and yung kaya lang nila iprovide na bank statement is screenshot?ano po kaya kailangan ipacertified true copy ba o kailangan ko magprovide ng cover letter? Thank you :)
Hi Camil! Have it certified. :)
Hi. I’m pregnant and i want to have tourist visa in korea my boyfriend is korean. Is it possible that I can get tourist visa?
Hello, just wanna confirm if I have bpi credit card and bank certificate is already waived does that mean i don’t also need to submit a statement of account? Thanks.
Hello! Do we still need to provide a certificate of employment even though we have a BDO credit card? The details states that the applicant will be exempted from providing financial documents if he has a active BDO credit card. So does that mean we don’t have to provide certificate of employment?
Hi. I’m a student and may problem ako sa requirements ng parent ko about sa bank cert. May nakaindicate sa bank cert kung ano ano yung mga included, hiningi ng dad ko sa eastwest yung bank cert and ayaw nila ibigay yung 6 months ADB kasi yun daw ang format nila and kita naman daw sa bank statement yun. Pano po kaya pwede gawin?
You can still submit that.
hi, ask lang sana po ako. EX OFW po ako, just last 3 months i exited from my work in saudi. Can i still used my final COE even i am not working already from my previous company?? as of now i am still unemployed. thank you
Hi,
I just want to confirm something. We are planning to go to Korea in December. Originally, we only plan for a 4-day trip but it can extend longer. Pwede bang ilagay sa application na four days lang ang stay. Magkakaproblema ba kung lalagpas ng 4 days ang stay ko? Thanks a lot.
Hi! You can stay longer than what you declared as long as pasok sa validity length nung visa.
Hi, would P30k be enough for a 5-day stay? Also, what if yung ADB ko is not that high. madalas na winiwithdraw ko lahat ng funds ko from my ATM. And, pwede ko bang gamiting personal savings account yung Payroll account ko? Thanks for your assistance.
Hi Sir, what it may savings account po ako nagkakalaman nmn po ung sahod ko po monthly kaso kinukuha ko rn po.tapos lalagyan ko po this month ng 25k.kukuha po kasi ako ng tourist visa for 5days.vacation po ng family ng bf ko.ok lng po ba un?
I have all the requirements for tourist visa application for Korea except that I cannot provide a copy of business permit from the mayor, I have just closed my business last january 2017. What else can I submit in place of the business permit?
Hello,
I’m scheduled to get the result of my application on 2nd week of Dec. Can I still claim it even after the schedule given or I have to follow the date?
Thank you, Pao
Have a nIce day =))
Yes, if you are not available on the exact release date, you may claim it after the date, JUST TO MAKE SURE WITHIN A WEEK (for example, your original release day is Monday or up to Thursday, you may claim it up to Friday; if your release day is Friday, you may claim it on Monday the following week). I would suggest if you claim it after the release date, claim it PERSONALLY. But of course, I strongly recommend to claim it ON EXACT DATE if you really have a time or you are available that time.
Hello po..april 2018 po ung punta namin ng korea..through travel agency..tapos sila n din ang magpaprocess ng visa namin..magkano po kaya dapat ang laman ng account good for 4 days?this january n po kasi kami magpapasa ng requirements..thanks
#12 po
Hello po!
Ask ko lng po, balak namen pumunta with the whole family pero si mama at si papa is wlang work at kme lng ng sister ko ang may work pero naka base kme s UAE, parehas may account ang parents ko s pinas at kme ng sister ko ang bank namen is from UAE, tatanggapin kya po nila un for requirement.
paano po b kme mag aaply if ever?
Hi Jackie, feeling ko naman tatanggapin naman din un as requirements. Are your parents senior na? If so, may ibang set of requirements sila.
Not sure where you should apply, kung sa UAE or kung pwede sa Pinas. Best to call the embassy.
Thank you for this useful blog of yours. I just have a question:
We only have a marriage license and NSO marriage certificate is too long to process that it may not come on time with the date of our planned Korea trip? Will marriage license suffice. Thank you
Hi Ron. I honestly don’t know the answer to this, but if I were in your shoes, I would submit a copy of the marriage license and write a letter of explanation to justify. :)
Hi,
I would like to ask if it is my 2nd time to apply for Korean Visa and I was approved the first time, is that considered to be part of the OECD visa requirement or no? Thank you. :)
Hi! Last time I applied, past Korean visas are not counted.
Hello what if my bank account is newly opened?i will open bank account this january and planning to go to Korea in february?
Not advisable. They will see that you just opened the account in the bank statement and it will raise more suspicions.
Hi,
Plan namin ng younger sister ko pumunta sa SKorea this April, I’m a 2017 College fresh Grad while my sister is graduating high school this May, our mother will cover all the expenses, however, she is a businesswomen, so she doesn’t have employment supporting papers while my father is a government employee. Will an Affidavit of Support and Cover Letter (explaining that this is a graduation gift for both of us and will declare them as our guarantor) be enough to guarantee the approval of our Tourist VIsa?
Nothing can “guarantee” approval. Will you also be able to submit your mom’s business registration docs since she’s a businesswoman? If so, submit those too because they and your mom’s bank records will be required.
Hi po. Ask lang po if may chance po kayang maapprove ung visa namin for a 3days tour in sk.. unemployed po ako pero may enough money naman po ako on hand para sa trip and magsponsor din po yung mother ko. Kaso wala po syang itr kasi housewife lang po sya but may laman po ung account nya kasi every month syang pinapadalhan ng kuya ko na working in abroad. Ok na po kaya ung bank statement and bank certificate lang nya ung iaatach ko when applying for visa? Thanks po
Hi Yan! I think the safer way is to have your brother sponsor you instead?
follow up question po.
ano ano pong requirements, kung si kapatid ang sponsor ng travel to SK?
salamat po, god bless.
Hi Mervin. Di po namin alam pag unemployed kasi talagang requirement nila ang COE and ITR. Nirerequire pa rin nila yan kahit na sponsored ng iba ang trip.
Hi, I just opened a bank account last Jan.9 and planning to apply a korean visa on April 10. Is there any chance of being aproved? Its 3months old by that time. Hope to hear from you or from anyone here with same scenario. Thank you.
May chance naman but it depends on many other factors.
Hi i would like to knowkasi friend ko mag apply sya ng korean visa but tax exempted na daw sya pano yun wala na syang ITR?
Is this because of the new tax policy? 2018 lang yun na-implement pero ang ITRs are records of the previous year so hahanapan pa rin sya ng ITR from 2016 or 2017.
Hi thank you for the response. pano daw po if hindi tlaga sya na deducan simula nung pumasok sya sa work need ba nun ng letter galing sa employer na wala tlaga syang tax
Hmmm, naku, di ko na po alam kapag ganun. :(
Hi po. Just wanna ask if ok lang ba na local bank account ang gamitin ko for visa req? Or shud i open a new 1.. June po sana alis namin. Thank u in advance.
Yep! Okay lang local bank account.
Hi, I am planning to submit my documents to the embassy, however i am confuse if i need to still state my travel details when I went to HK, one is for tourism and one is just for a transit going to Shenzhen. Concern ko lng po is since hndi na po nag stamp si HK sa passport, need ko pa din po ba siyang state sa application form. Naisip ko lang po na bak mga kabearing since ang mkikita lang pong stamp is yung alis and arrival ko po sa Pinas. Thanks po
What if i already have visa and my flight will be on march but my visa expiration date on Feb. 21 , what should i do?
Thank you
Hi po..just want to ask.. What if i got a VOID stamp on my Visa more than 3 years ago, and i’m planning to try again, Can i still apply for another one?. And on my application, do i need to declare that i got Void?
hi. i would like to know po. in a multiple entry visa for 3 years, we have 030 days as period of sojourn. what does that mean? 30 days for the whole 3 years? or 30 days per enter in korea?
30 days per trip
hello! me and my brothers are planing to go to korea on march. We are planning to present our family company’s ITR and Bank statement, would it be okay? also, under the details of Sponsor section in the application form, should i check yes for “do you have anyone sponsoring you for visa?” since we are claiming that the company will shoulder all our expenses. sorry if i have a lot of questions. hahaha. thank you in advance.
If you’re declaring that the company will be sponsoring your trip, then yes, you should check yes for that item.
However, based on our experience though, even if we were to be sponsored by a company, they still required that we submit our PERSONAL bank statement and ITR. :)
Hi! I’m a freelancer but the company I’m working for is based in the US. Will the sample COE letter apply to my case?
Yep, that’s okay. As long as they can vouch in a document/letter that you work for them and provide details of your arrangement with them.
Hi! Good day! I will apply for korean visa tomorrow, i have complete requirements. From COE, ITR, bank cert and statement, but I am worried with my amex card, having second thought of submitting it because i have used all my credit limit. Do you think, Will it be a problem? Thank you, your response will be much appreciated.
Hi can i ask if i dont have bankstatement is it fine ? but i have a cash money to support my vacation in korea . Because im my work was giving cash basis salary and i dont have time to go to bank
Based on our experience, they would still require bank statement unless you have other documents that can prove funds. It has to be documented somehow.
Hi I applied last January 23 and I was denied it said “I failed to qualify for the visa category I applied for”. I applied for a tourist visa under the employee category. And I plan to apply again what do you think should I apply under the self employed category because we have a family business.
Hi Jen,
What documents did you present since we also have a family business I am worried now that I will be denied. Thanks!
Hi Jhen,
Is the family business named after you? Or can you produce any proof that you own that business in part? Because if you can’t, then I think you cannot use that business for your application.
hi. i would like to ask, i’m a student, and my first cousin who’s an OFW ang magssponsor s SK trip ko, at kasama din siya, if anong papers ang pede at dapat naming isubmit for application of visa???
Hello. We have same situation. Planning to apply for a Korean visa on January. OFW ako, and I’m planning to sponsor my cousin. What should i do? How’s your application po? Ok lang po ba mgsponsor ang non-immediate familymember? Hope you reply po. Thanks.
Check out this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/12/korea-visa-requirements-manila-embassy-application/
Note the requirements for students.
In addition, submit your sponsor’s employment, tax, and bank documents. Not sure if non-immediate family members are allowed to sponsor, but if they are, they might also ask for proof of relationship.
hi po. ask ko lang ano ano requirements pag galing ako ng saudi because OFW ko. then end of contract na ko by oct. and nagplaplan kame mgSK for vacation.ano mga need ko isubmit eh that time wala pa ko work. thnx