Korean Visa Application 2019 | Requirements for Tourist Visa + Winter in Korea

Last year, I finally got my Multiple Korean Visa. It took me 7 tries to finally acquire one, I was only granted Single Entry Visas during my last visits. This was during the time when you can still apply directly at the Korean Embassy in Manila. A lot has changed in a span of a year, so I am sharing here an updated version of my post on Korean Visa Application for Philippine Passport holders. I hope you get your visas in time for Winter!





This post is in partnership with a trusted travel agency Bella Vita Trips. Here's an informative interview with BVT to help you with your own Korean visa application process.

 Can you tell us about the updated process of Korean visa application for Filipinos? 

BVT: There are a lot of changes with the process of a Korean visa application for Filipinos.

First, you do not have to fall in line in the embassy anymore, all you have to do is approach us (a travel agency) to help you process your application.

Secondly, processing time was from 7 to 10 working days, now it is 30 to 35 working days.

There is also no expedite process option for a regular tourist visa anymore. They can only offer it for business purposes such as attending convention/conference, or a company invites the applicant for business purposes in Korea. However, we still need to know the departure date of the client, so we can check/work on it to get expedite processing for business visa applicant.

How long should you submit your requirements prior a Korea trip?

BVT: Applicants should submit their applications 35 working days prior to their departure. The Korean visa processing time can take up to 30 - 35 working days.

TIP No. 1: MAKE SURE TO APPLY FOR YOUR KOREAN VISA IN ADVANCE, AT LEAST A MONTH OR 1.5 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR TRIP!

 What are the requirements to get a Korean visa?

TIP No. 2: MAKE SURE TO SUBMIT EVERYTHING!

• Original passport (must be valid for more than 6 months) 
• Two (2) pcs. passport size photo (colored, and in white background)  
• Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five (5) years (if applicable only) - See all 34 OECD countries HERE
• Original PSA birth certificate 
• Accomplished application form - You can download this HERE.

• If married, original PSA marriage certificate 
• Bank certificate with average daily balance  
• Bank statement (latest 3 months) 
• Photocopy of latest Income tax return  
• If employed, Original certification of employment (must include: applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number, and HR e-mail address) 
• Photocopy of PRC card or IBP card (if applicable only)  
• If business owner or self-employed, photocopy of business registration from SEC or DTI  
• Photocopy of business permit or mayor's permit  
• If student, original certificate  
• Affidavit of support  
• Photocopy of school I.D.  
• Parents' documents