By continuing to read this article, you agree to double-check with the concerned establishments for the latest updates.

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.

THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK

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

  1. 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.
  2. Original Personal Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
  3. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.
  4. ITR (Income Tax Return, Form 2316), ideally with BIR stamp.
  5. 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

  1. Photocopy of Business registration form from DTI or SEC. SEC Registration must include pages with the names of stockholders.
  2. Photocopy of Business permit or Mayor’s permit
  3. 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.
  4. Original Personal Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
  5. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.
  6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)

For Housewives or Househusbands

  1. Your own or your spouse’s original Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
  2. Your own or your spouse’s Bank Statement. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate

For Students

  1. Original School Certificate
  2. Photocopy of School ID
  3. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate of applicant
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Parents’ Original Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
  7. Parents’ Bank Statement. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months.
  8. Copy of parents’ marriage certificate.

For Retired Senior Citizens

  1. Original Personal Bank Certificate. Must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB.
  2. Original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook covering the last 3 months.
  3. 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.
VISA APPLICATION FORM 2020
The guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace gate
The guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace gate

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?

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 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?

Only one copy will do, provided that you’re applying at the same agency at the same time.

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?

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).

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?

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.

Where can I check the status of my visa application?

You can check the status of your application by visiting www.visa.go.kr. Then follow these steps.

  1. On the top menu, click on ENGLISH.
  2. Click on or hover over the Check Application Status on the left menu. It will reveal options.
  3. Click Check Application Status & Print.
  4. Accomplish the form on the next page. On the Type of Applications field, select Diplomatic Office.
  5. 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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Jeric

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?

Kiers

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?

Ilyas Ahmad

Yes

Jessa gelig

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!

Sarah

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?

Giselle

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?

Mark James

Okay lang ‘yan.

Karen

Hi po, paano po magapply ng visa kung ang masponsor yung relative n nkatira sa Korea, student yung pupunta dun

Tawny Gwynne Estolloso

Hi!

What if I am currently unemployed but still have the finances to support myself on the trip?

Elle Wood

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?

hana

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.

edwardo

Paano kung Fresh college graduate ako, pero supportado padin ng parents ko.

Janzell

Hi. How if isasama ko tatay ko mag travel sa korea pero unemployed sya. Do i need guarantee letter? Thanks

rose

Hi ask ko if magkano required account ng bank statement?

Carlo

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?

rachel

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

cecille vidal

HI,

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.

cllvidal@yahoo.com

mark

hi ask ko lng if ung application need ng computerized or okay nmn kung print then susulatan?
thanks

Shaira

Hi,

Ask ko lang po if below 3 months palang ang account is it still possible to apply for visa?

jin

Sir above 3 mos na po yung account ko pero kasi delayed yung sahudan ok lng po ba?

ruffy

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??

Antonio

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.

ruffy

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??

Vicky Barioga

pag credit card po ba pwidi mag request ng bank statements?

Raqz

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.

BINGO DRILON

You may request copy of your credit card statement of account (SOA) to the credit company where ur a holder.

Ailene

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?

Anika

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?

Heidi

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.

JEROME

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.

kath

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???

rose pena

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.

rose pena

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

rose pena

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

Rowell Octavio

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?

Tin

–> 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 ;)

Eddi Suh

Hi, paano po para sa mga OFW? BIR Certified Copy po ibibigay?

Ijin

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.

Jay G.

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.

Ijin

Thank you so much for your response! I Hope ma-grant ang visa namin

Ijin

hi Yoshke Dimen! just got my visa and its approved! thank you so much!!!

Nei

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!

jen

Did you still submit bank statements?or only the bank cert and itr are waived when using credit card promo?thank you.

leirahm

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?

leirahm

I am travelling with my daughter, do we need to fill up 2 application form?

Jam

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

Jill

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

Chii

Hi,

Pano po kaya kung employee naman ako but walang ITR? But I have bank statement. Can I still apply for a visa? Thank you. :)

Jeng

Hi! Wanna ask po, what if 6 mos na yung bank acct ko? Possible naman pong ma grant? :) thank youuuu

Magnolia Tulabing

hi, til when po validity magamit un Bank certicate & Statement of account from the date issue na pwedeng mag apply ng visa?
Thanks po

Jong Refugia

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!

Jay

Hi Ill be applying as a student in korea. Do you by chance know the process for this?

Nix

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?

ROWENA MENESES

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?

Thank you.

lowreen

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

lowreen

do they really call the employers?

liz

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

Blue

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

Kat

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?

Avy

Question lang, are there specifications/ requirements for the passport photo? Thank you.

Ken

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?

Jd

Hi Yoshke!

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?

Thanks!

zel

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!

Ems

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

Ronley

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.

ms shahadat

Message…I do not have any bank account, I can apply

Gggg

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?

Mark Tejones

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.

Jenah

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.

CES TRAVELS

Hi Jenah, okay lang photocopy ang bank cert and statement for your mother and sister. Important original copy is yung attachment for your application.

cherillloba@yahoo.com

Hi po! hindi na ba available ang promo yung sa BPI pag kumuha sa agency.

Missy

Hi ES!

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!

Lianne Rodrigo

Hi!

Regarding #1 answer mo, may formal template ba ang COE? :) For freelancers.. :)

Thank you!

Billy De Jesus

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.

CES TRAVELS

baka po may questionable transactions sa bank statement nyo po

aurea cruz

pwedeng magtanong kung ilang years nb ang business mo at ung bank account mo pls reply

Grace

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

Jackid

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.?

mara

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?

Kay

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.

Kay

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. :)

Mei

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.

mei

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.

John Greg Padua

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!

WiL

Hi John! kamusta pag kuha mo visa?

nicole

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!!!

ogie

as a tourist po ba kyu or studying in korea?

ilhoon

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,

ilhoon

and additional na din po ,wala po akong itr, your reply po is highly appreciated

Lyn

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

ogie

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..

ogie

hi sir ilhoon.. just make an explanation letter why you dont have an itr..

aubrey

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

Zacky

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?

Z

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

kai

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?

Kai

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?

Zacky

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?

Lockheart

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

Sele

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.

Carmel

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.

Ai

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?

thank you.

April

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. :)

Gilly Cañada

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

Jerimiah T

Hello, please I need a work visa to south Korea, can you help me get it?

ana

Hi,

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.

CHI

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.

Claire

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

Ronalyn

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!

Ri

Any updates po for this? :(

:)

Same case. Any updates?

Erika

Any updates? Currently unemployed din but also reviewing for a state board exam. My parents will be sponsoring my trip.

Jill

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.

mmm

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.

Mia

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!!

janenne

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.

Claire

Hello,

What if I get invited by a relative from the Philippines? What are the requirements to specify him/her as my sponsor/guarantor? Thanks!

Azil

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

Agapito D. Silva Jr.

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.

Donna

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

Leyy

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 :)

Jan

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!

Jan

Hi

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.

Mariel

Hi po panu po pag ofw ka..need p din ba ng bank dito at matagal n ba dpat ung bank accounts

Mariel

Hello nadedeny din po ba pag ofw?

Carmel

Hello,

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?

Thank you

❤

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?

Din

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”.

Rosemarie Ojo

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.

Gel

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.

Rina

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?

Thanks

Iah

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!

Iah

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!

Pudding

Hi lah! We are on the same situation. Kamusta application mo? Whay docs did u submit? TIA :)

Iah

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!

Iah

I see. Sorry, what cover letter po? Hehe!

pat

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!

Charisse

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!

Charisse

You’re welcome. I always read your travel blogs, they’re very helpful! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. God bless you!

Ands

Good day!

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!

Andrea

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!

Yey

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 !

conchita

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.

Meshies

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.

king

Hi, need papa ng travel agency kapag family application, or khit ako nalang representative tia

Aica

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).

Aileen

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?

jessicaxpark

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? :)

jessicaxpark

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! ♥

jessicaxpark

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!

jessicaxpark

Thank you so much! ♥ Yes i will still try. Worse comes to worst, magJapan nalang cguro , mas madali maapprove don :( Thank you so much!

Iah

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.

Believer

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 :)

john

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

Lanie

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.

Lanie

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.

Dane

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.

Georgie

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!

Georgie

Hi Yoshke! Wow, good to know. Thank you so much!

H

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.

H

Thanks Yoshke. Sana ma-approve din sya. Just got approved today. Tomorrow is his scheduled date ng release ng visa application nya.

H

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. :(

Carla

Hi H!

Did your boyfriend also submit full requirements? Like yung itr lang kulang niya? I wonder bakit na deny siya :(

carla

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

gharz

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?

Al

Hello,

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.

Thoughts?

Joseph

Hello sir,

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

Mia

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!

Allan

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…

Melissa

Hello!

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! :)

Juni

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 :)

feewee

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

Travy

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

Janet Valdivia

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.

Joselly Abigail

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.

Raffy

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?

Thank you.

Rach

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?

Ma Lorena Casuga

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

Jonie

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.

hyerin

hello good afternoon.meron ba agency pa korea sa davao.?
and magkano ba ang show money?

Yuri Ca

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?

Kim Tolentino

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.

Jacqueline Polintan Gapud

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..

Maria

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!

Gabita

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.

Jacq

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.

Thanks!

KJ

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?

Jonavie Carla Lim

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!

Gracee

Hi Yoshke,

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! :)

Gracee

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?

Thanks! :)

Antonio

Apply Seoul visa mga 15 Wala pa ang result pero my OECD visa sa US sa Cagayan De Oro po ako

JS

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! :)

Janet

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

Janet

Claire

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.

jm

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?

Carlo

HI Yoshke!

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?

Thank you!

Indigo

I am a freelancer and do not have ITR. Just like for Japan can I send letter saying why I cannot provide ITR

Dee

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?

Jane Pagal

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.

Carla

Hi Yoshke!

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!

izel

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..

angel

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

Mika B

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 :)

Bianca

Hi Yoshke,

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!

Janien

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?

Paula

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!

eeee

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? :(

Kai Santos

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 :(

Bernard Barroso

hello what about po sa ofw, ok lang po ba ang bank statement is from here sa abroad? thank you :)

bren m yap

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!

Trish

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

Moe

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.

manju

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.

lablii

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
]

Jenjen

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?

MM

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?

MM

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

VL

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?

Nino

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?

Nino

Is it okay if my coe is as homebased freelancer?

LIANNE RODRIGO

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!!

Mariel Anne

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?

Ace

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!

Ace

Can bpi supplementary card holders avail of their promo? Need pa rin po ba yung itr and bank statements for it?

Ksha Pino

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 kshapino@gmail.com. MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA MAKAKTULONG PO. Urgent lng po talaga kasi mag aaply sana ako next month dito sa Cebu.

Mark James

Hi,
USED Visa po dapat.
Hindi po credit pag hindi used.

isay

hi!

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.

Thank you!

Rona

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)

Jan Claudine

Hi!

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!

Anonymous

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

Anonymous

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

Nica

Hi, is it necessary to submit passport together with old one?

Mark James

Not necessary po but mas maagi na -submit with the new one lalo na’t may mga stamps ang old passport.

Nica

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?

Boe

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

Daniel John

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.

Rechell Ramos

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.

Mark James

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.

Marvin

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

Rox

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 :)

Neen

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?

CJ

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.

Zhel

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…

Alissa

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?

Raqs delos santos

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..:)

Nicole

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?

Nicole

If sister po mag-sponsor, hindi na po need ng parents financial docs?

Yuehan

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.

WiL

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.

Jo Anne

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.

Rosie

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!

JNN

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?

Jes

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!

JNN

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?

Jes

Thank you, Yoshke! :)

KT

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?

rb :)

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

Freya

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?

Thank you!

Freya

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.

Mae

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! :)

Raphaella Mae R Navarrosa

Sorry, June-December* 2018

Paula

Hello,

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

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.

Best,
Paula

Vie

Hi,

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.

Anj De Leon

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.

Stef

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?

Marie Antonette D. Rosario

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

Marie Antonette D. Rosario

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.

Jas

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!

beebee

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.

Jocelyn

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!

Angela

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.

Pris

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

Den

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 :((((

Den

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 :)

Den

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?

Rawr

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.

Athena

Hello!

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

Andi

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! :)

Aron

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

Alvin Villanueva

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.

Thank you

jheyy

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.

Danielle

I’m traveling with my family, but can apply as an individual?

LJ

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!

Christine

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.

Maria

Hello Yoshke, tanong ko lang kung ang Cebu is kasama sa new Visa application processing time?

JV

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 :(

kent

Hi,
for new passport (10 years) if wala siyang signature, will it not be valid? will it be grounds para ma denied ang visa?

Mars

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.

Mars

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

Tamman Hossain

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.

Pat

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?

Dora

Hi Yoshke, can you share the template of this separate page? Thanks! :)

Doms

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?

Sakura

Hi,

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.

Sakura

Hi Yoshke,

Ask ko lng if possible kaya na maapprove yun visa ko? Thanks!

JK

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!

edward

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.

edward

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?

TinaG

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?

Thank You

Anne

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

Sherry Anne Layson

Thanks po.

Jeck

Hi Sir,

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?

Jeck

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.

Sakura

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

approved na visa namin yesterday lng :)
tuloy na tuloy na kami next month. thank God lahat kami na approved.

Sakura

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.

Sakura

Hi Yoshke,

Really, nice idea..meron nman ako pang isang pang winter pwede dun n lng ako bibili.

Thank you so much :)

Alaa Ibrahim

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???????????

ella

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

anonymous

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…….

Maruki

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?

Dora

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 :)

Jemibee

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!

sen

when we download the form, kapag itype natin automatic naka arial size 12 na ba yun?

sen

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?

Sen

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.

Cam

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!

Gail

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??

Kristian

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?

Christine

Hi Yoshke!

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?

Eula

Hi,

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!

Ralph Daniel

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 :)

aj

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

aj

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

Clyrrah

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.

Irish

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.

Micah

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.

chelle

if my credit cardis newly issued about 2mos can i use it as a requirement?

Karen Ty

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?

Jin

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?

Jing

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!

April

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. :)

April

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

Thank you for the response. Your blog is amazing! Keep it up. :)

Gayle

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?

Reggie

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

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?

glenda

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?

Inna

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?

jha

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.

Princess Pascual

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

Ces B.

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.?

Malit

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

Paige Winks

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?

John

I can see you updated the blog in 2020. Is there any new update in the meantime?

anj

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?

Marie

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 :(

Rachel

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?

Jaimelee dela Fuente

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

Jaimelee dela Fuente

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!

Rin

Hello, are APEC card holders exempted from applying for a korean visa?