Korean Visa for Filipinos

UPDATED: August 29, 2016 / Korean Visa for Filipinos

VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE FROM KOREAN EMBASSY
VISA BULLETIN: AUGUST 8, 2016

VISA INFORMATION

Philippine passport holders who intend to visit or work in Korea are required to secure a visa at the Consular Office.
Visa classifications are as follows:
– Temporary Visitor’s Visa (Tourist/Business)
– Transit Visa for Seafarers
– Holders of Confirmation of Visa Issuance number from Korea’s Ministry of Justice.
Temporary Visitor’s Visa may be granted a regular period of stay for 59 days, and if requested, maximum period of stay for 90 days. Transit Visa for Seafarers is granted period of stay for 59 days. For those who have Confirmation of Visa Issuance number, the period of stay will depend on the approved length of stay from the Ministry of Justice in Korea.
For all those who wish to apply for a Korean visa, they must comply the list of requirements.
Required documents depend on the applicant’s occupation and purpose of visit to Korea.

VISA FEES

For Philippine Passport holders:
59 days (or less) stay in Korea — GRATIS
60 to 90 days stay in Korea — PHP1,800.00
More than 90 days stay in Korea (not applicable for tourist visa)
Single Entry — PHP2,700.00
Multiple Entry — PHP4,050.00
American Passport holders — PHP2,025.00
Foreign nationals in the Philippines applying for a tourist visa — PHP1,800.00
*Fees may differ for some nationalites

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

After completing the required documents, applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office from 8:30-11 am only, every Monday to Friday. This is on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment is needed. Representative may file the applications as long as the documents are complete. Frequent travellers who have previous tourist visits within 5 years to OECD member countries, those who have at least 2 tourist visits to Korea, and seafarers who plan to transit to Korea should apply at Window 3. Those who have no previous tourists visits within 5 years to OECD member countries, and holders of confirmation of visa issuance number must present their documents at Windows 1 or 2.
List of OECD member countries
http://www.oecd.org/about/membersandpartners/list-oecd-member-countries.htm

PROCESSING AND RELEASING

Processing takes 5 working days for first time travelers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. This may be extended though, depending on the Consul’s decision.
Releasing time is only from 1:30-4 pm.
Applicants, especially the First Time travelers, are advised to personally claim their visas. An interview with the Consul may be required before the result of the application is given. E-6 Applicants/Entertainers, must personally appear for an interview before the visa can be issued.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
For family applications, documents for proof of relationship is a must. (eg. Marriage Contact, Birth Certificate)
Family applications should be filed together at the same window, at the same time. Representative may file the visa applications of all family members.
Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.

Visa exemptions are as follows:

• If using Philippine Official and Diplomatic Passport.
• If transiting only and going to the U.S., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. But must not stay beyond 30 days and with confirmed onward ticket to the 3rd country.
• If the individual has been to Korea for four (4) times within the past two years with a C2 or C3 visa. Or has been to Korea for more than ten (10) times already.
• If Nationality is among the list of those exempted from securing a visa. For information, or list of these nationalities, you may visit the website.
  http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/en/info/popup/icis/VisaWaiver_pop.htm
  for other visa information , you may also refer to this site:
  http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/main_kr.pt
  For further inquiries or clarifications regarding visa matters, you may contact us at
  Telephone Number +632 856-9210

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office from 8:30-11 am only.
Releasing time is from 1:30-4 pm only.
For family applications, documents for proof of relationship is a must. (eg. Marriage Contact, Birth Certificate)
Family applications should be filed together at the same window, at the same time. Representative may file the visa applications of all family members.
Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.
Visa processing takes 5 working days for first time travellers, and 3 working days for frequent travellers.
There is no expedite processing.
Apply for visa prior to purchasing your airline tickets since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.

KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

FOR EMPLOYEES

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Employees
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Certificate of Employment
(must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate
(must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement
(original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
9. ITR(Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 Copy
10. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
(authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

FOR BUSINESSMEN

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Businessmen
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
7. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
8. Original Personal Bank Certificate
(must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
9. Bank Statement
(original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only)
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
(authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submittiing ITR.

FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL TOUR KOREA

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Students
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. School Certificate (Original)
7. Copy of School ID
8. Copy of Birth Certificate
9. Parents’ Documents
– If employed: Employment Certificate Original [must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address]
– If Self-employed: Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy)
– Original Bank Certificate [must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
– Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
– Copy of Income Tax Return(ITR)
– Copy of Nso Marriage Certificate
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Lettter
. Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
(authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempt from submitiing ITR.

FOR HOUSEWIVES/HOUSEHUSBANDS

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Housewives
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Additional documents
– If husband is employed : Husband’s Employment Certificate Original [must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address]
– If husband is self-employed : Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy)
– Original Personal or Husband’s Bank Certificate [must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
– Personal or Husband’s Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
– Husband’s Copy of Income Tax Return(ITR)
7. Copy of NSO Marriage Certificate
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Lettter
. copy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
. Invitation Letter
. copy of Korean Company Business Permit
. copy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Retiree (Retired Senior Citizens)

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate
   (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
7. Bank Statement
   (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
8. Copy of Senior citizen’s ID

* If bank documents to be submitted are named to another family member, submit proof of relationship. (Ex. Copy of Marriage Contract for spouse, Birth Certificate for child, etc)
* If personally invited by Korean
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of invitor’s Passport or Identification Card
(authentication not required)
* If invited by Company in Korea
. Invitation Letter
. Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit
(authentication not required)
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

FOR KOREAN’S SISTER/BROTHER-IN-LAW

FOR RELIGIOUS WORKERS

Visa Requirements for Religious Workers
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only)
6. Copy of Church SEC in the Philippines
7. Certification from Church Original
– If Employed: Embloyment Certificate Original [must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address] & Copy of ITR
– If Businessmen: Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy), Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit(Copy) & Copy of ITR
8. Personal Bank Certificate Original [must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB)]
9. Personal Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Invitation from Korea
– Copy of business permit of Korean church
– Invitation Letter
– Copy of invitor’s ID
* Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

FOR KOREAN’S PARENTS-IN-LAW

Korean’s Parents in Law
1. Application Form
2. 1pc. Passport size colored picture
3. Passport Original(6Mons. Vaild)
4. Copy of Passport First Page
5. Original & copy of valid visa and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years
6. Invitors'(Korean/Filipino) Korean Certificate of Marriage History (issued within 3months)
7. Invitors'(Korean/Filipino) NSO Marriage Certificate
8. Invitation letter from the Korean National
9. Copy of Korean & Filipino’s Passport First page (or valid ID)
*If Filipino in Korea changed name to Korean name, additional Basic Certificate(기본증명서) should be submitted
FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL STUDY IN KOREA
– Admission Letter from the University in Korea (original)
– Copy of Last School Record, e.g. Diploma and Transcript of Records
– Copy of Birth Certificate
– Employment Certificate (if employed)
– Bank Certificate (if the student doesn’t have full scholarship)
FOR SEAMAN/SEAFARERS
– Original Letter of Guarantee from the shipping company in the Philippines
– Copy of the Guarantee letter from Korea
– Copy of Korean Company Business Permit
– Copy of Seaman’s passport and seaman’s booklet
– Copy of E-receipt (from POEA)
– Copy of Employment Contract
– Copy of Medical Result
FOR SEAMAN’S WIFE (TO JOIN HUSBAND IN KOREA)
– Copy of Marriage Certificate
– Copy of Husband’s Passport (first page)
– Copy of Husband’s Employment Contract
– Guarantee Letter from the Philippine Agent
– Copy of Guarantee Letter from the Korean Agent
– Personal Bank Certificate (original)
FOR SPOUSE OF A U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN KOREA
– Invitation Letter notarized in Korea (original)
– Photocopy of Invitor’s Military ID and/or passport photocopy of first page
– Photocopy of Military Order
– NSO Marriage Certificate (photocopy)
– USFK Form 166
– CFO Certificate
FOR CHILD/PARENTS WHOSE MOTHER/DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO A U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN KOREA
– Birth certificate (photocopy)
– Invitation Letter notarized in Korea (original)
– Invitor’s passport photocopy of first page
– Photocopy of Invitor’s Military ID and Military Order
– Mother’s passport photocopy
– Mother’s visa page photocopy
– NSO Marriage Certificate (photocopy)
FOR FILIPINO MARRIED TO FOREIGNER WHO IS WORKING IN KOREA
– Invitation letter from Husband’s company in Korea (original)
– Copy of husband’s passport
– Copy of husband’s alien registration card
– Copy of husband’s contract or certificate of employment
– Copy of marriage certificate
FOR SHORT TERM EMPLOYMENT VISA (IN SHIPYARD/SHIPBUILDING)
– Guarantee letter/invitation letter from Korea
– Shipbuilding contract between the buyer and the seller
– Dispatch letter from company
– Copy of employment contract
FOR APPLICANTS WHO HAVE A CONFIRMATION OF VISA ISSUANCE (CCVI) FROM THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IN KOREA:
– Filled application form
– confirmation of visa issuance number
– 1 passport sized picture
– 2,250 pesos visa fee
– Employment contract (for E6 and F1 visa applicant or domestic helpers)

SHORT TERM MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA

• Qualified Applicants

1. Applicants who have obtained a permanent residency in any OECD member countries (except Korea) or people who visited OECD member countries more than 2 times within the last 4 years, or people who visited Korea more than 4 times within the last 2 years.

– Required document: Original and photocopy of visiting records in the applicants’ passports (visa and arrival stamps)
– OECD member countries
2. Group Tour Guides who has traveled to Korea more than once for the last 2 years.
3. Philippine Government Officials
– Required document: Employment Certificate
4. High Rank Officials/employees of International Airline Companies to Korea
5. Applicants who earn more than $10,000 annually or has Platinum international credit card
– Required document: Official documents proving the financial status of the applicant and original and photocopy of platinum card
6. Applicants who are invited for contract and consultation by Korean public agencies in connection to resources and energy development
– Required document: Employment certificate, related contracts or guarantee letter from invitors
7. Applicants who are invited by the Korean Government to attend international forums, international conferences, international conventions.
– Employment certificate, Invitation letter
8. Executive or high ranking staff of a company that is listed in the  Philippine Stock Exchange market
– Business Permit or Employment Certificate, Individual ITR
9. Reporters, PD, journalists, news editors, etc. people who works in major company for more than one year
– Required document: Identification card and Employment certificate(the period of employment should be indicated), ITR
10. Professionals: i.e. lawyers, doctors, accountants, professors (PRC or IBP card holders)
– Required document:  Employment Certificate, PRC ID copy or IBP copy
11. Popular celebrities, artists/athletes/writers who can be searched or viewed in Philippine major media websites
– Required document: A membership card or an ID, Media records or Records of concerned activity
12. Retired workers aged 55 years above who are receiving pensions of more than P20,000 monthly
– Required document: Any supporting document which proves he/she is a Pension receiver
13. People who obtained a two year college degree or bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degree from Universities in Korea
– Required document: College diploma from Korea
14.  Spouse, minor aged children and parents’ in law of a Korean national
– Required document: Korean couples marriage contract and Korean Marriage History
15. Spouse, children, parents and parents in law of multiple visa holders
– Multiple visa copy and proof of relationship documents, i.e, birth certificate, marriage certificate
APPLICANTS COULD BE ASKED TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AS PER CONSUL’S EVALUATION.
ALL VISA APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL.

REASONS FOR DENIAL (from the Korean Embassy website)

The reasons of the denial of visa application are as follows:
– Your passport is invalid;
– You are prohibited to enter Korea as per Korean Immigration law no.11 sec. 1 (Prohibition of Entry);
– Our record shows that you have previously violated the Korean law;
– You failed to submit the required document completely;
– The documents you have submitted cannot be verified;
– You failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea;
– You failed to prove strong economic and family ties to the home country;
– Your inviter is not qualified to invite you;
– You failed to prove the relationship with your inviter.
※ In addition, the reasons of the denial of spouse visa application are as follows:
– You failed to give prima facie evidence of your marriage validity according to the
Philippine law and regulation;
– You failed to give the correct information about your spouse;
– You and your spouse failed to prove keeping a normal marital life.
The Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located at:
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines
122 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634
And their contact numbers:
Phone number: 02-856-9210
Fax number: 02-856-9024
Extension numbers:
260 – for passport
240 – for family registration and other related documents
220 – Visa 1
230 – Visa 2
302 – Visa 3 (Filipino)
Office hours for visa application: 9AM to 11AM ONLY
Release of passport: 2PM to 4PM
Korean Embassy website: http://embassy_philippines.mofat.go.kr
Call the consular office at 856-9210 (Local no.302)