How to Apply Korean Visa in Philippines 2024

With K-pop, K-dramas and skincare and other amazing cultures, South Korea is always a popular tourist spot for Filipinos. If you long to visit this wonderful place and experience the local culture, you need to make some plans to travel there. In addition, you must obtain a Korean tourist visa for a vacation first. Of course, if you have other purposes of departure, such as study or business, you need to apply for the corresponding visas. So, in this article, we will show you the detailed guidelines on how to get a Korean visa. 

Do Filipinos need a Visa to Visit South Korea in 2024?

Yes, as of 2024, Filipinos still need a visa to visit South Korea. They must apply for a short-term visa for tourism or other purposes. It’s advisable to check the latest information from the South Korean embassy or consulate for any updates or changes to visa policies.

However, there are three methods that Filipinos can visit South Korea without a visa:

Via Jeju

Filipinos can visit Jeju Island without a visa for up to 30 days through direct flights. However, tourism outside Jeju is not permitted. Since there are no direct flights from Manila to Jeju, travelers can transit via nearby airports like Singapore Changi Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.

Via Jeolla

Travelers can enter South Korea visa-free through Jeolla by flying into Muan International Airport. To qualify, Filipinos must join a group tour organized by a designated travel agency, allowing visits to North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island.

Via Transit Programs

Filipinos can also take advantage of transit programs for visa-free entry. This includes a 30-day visa-free stay for those transiting to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or 32 specified European countries. Alternatively, there’s a three-day visa-free entry for those transiting through Incheon International Airport, provided they join an accredited Transit Tour Program. Note that while the program is free, some stops may charge admission fees.

When Do You Need to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa?

Usually, you can apply for a South Korean visa between 15 days and 3 months before the travel date. Because visa processing times vary depending on the embassy and current demand.

Korean Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos 2024

As there are several different South Korean visas available for Philippine citizens to apply, the specific requirements will depend on the visa type. Here is the information you need when you need a tourist visa.

Korean tourist visa application form: Travelers from the Philippines must complete the visa application form, such as personal information and contact details. You need to fill it out via computer and print it on A4-sized paper. 

Valid Philippine passport: You must hold an original and valid Philippine passport for more than 6 months prior to travel. The passport should have your signature and at least 2 blank pages.

Korean visa picture: You need to prepare a full face, colored photo taken less than 6 months ago. The Korean visa picture size must be 35mm x 45 mm. The background must be white. You must paste it on your application form.

Photocopy of your passport’s bio page: You can find it on page 2 where your passport photo and other information are displayed.

Original and photocopy of valid visa/s or arrival stamps if you have traveled to OECD countries: If you’ve traveled to OECD-member countries such as Australia and Italy for the past five years, you should include a photocopy of your valid visa in your requirements.

Proof of sufficient funds: You must present your personal and sufficient bank balance for the stay. Of course, you need to show a photocopy of your bank account.

Photocopy of your BIR 2316: If possible, you need to present your Income Tax Return (ITR) proof or what’s commonly known as BIR Form 2316. 

Photocopies of your PRC or IBP card: If applicable, you must show photocopies of both IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) and PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) cards.

South Korea Tourist Visa with any Guarantor/Sponsor: If you are a student, minor, or unemployed person who needs a sponsor or guarantee to support your trip, you will need to prepare additional documentation.

• A sponsor/guarantee letter written by your sponsor indicates and confirms that the sponsor will cover the costs of your trip to South Korea.
• A photocopy of the sponsor/guarantor’s passport or any government-issued ID.
• A photocopy of the Korean Business Permit, if your sponsor is a company in Korea.

How to Apply Korean Visa in the Philippines

Since you know the specific requirements of a visa, there are two ways Filipinos can obtain a visa, applying by themselves or a designated travel agency. Here you can follow the steps below to get your visa.

Apply for a Korean Visa Yourself

• Applicants must download and complete the visa form.
• Make an appointment at the South Korean Embassy to apply for your visa. (We will explain each step afterward.)

• For the scheduled appointment, go to the South Korean Embassy in Metro Manila with all your required documents.
• Submit all your documents to the officials and have them check your documents.
• Pay your KVAC visa processing fee of Php 900 in cash. In fact, a South Korean Visa is free if you’re prepared to stay 59 days or less. If you are going to stay longer, from 60 to 90 days, the embassy will charge you a fee of about Php 2,000. 
• Wait 7-10 working days to get your visa. 

Apply for a Korean Visa through Travel Agencies

If you cannot apply in person at the Embassy, you can obtain your visa through accredited travel agencies. 

• Download and complete the visa application form.
• Choose a nearby accredited travel agency.
• Submit all required documents to the travel agency you have selected. 
• Pay the fee, KVAC service fee for Php 900 and travel agency processing fee for Php 500 to Php 2,000. If you stay longer than 60 days, you will need to pay more.
• Wait for your visa to be issued.

💡Note: Even if you submit all your requirements to the travel agency, it’s the embassy that decides to issue a visa. Make sure you prepare all the necessary and correct documents to successfully obtain your visa.

💡Note: the Embassy only processes applications submitted through its accredited travel agencies. Some of these agencies include:

How to Schedule a Korean Visa Appointment in the Philippines

To schedule a Korean visa appointment in the Philippines, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in the process. This section will guide you through the whole process in detail.

• Visit the Korean Embassy’s Consular Services website. Go to Apply for a consular service > “Reservation to visit a diplomatic mission.”

• Log in to the “Non-Membership” and click “Consent” to all terms and conditions of Use.

• Enter your details as needed, such as name, email address, contact information and authentication number.

• After you have filled in the information, click on “Non Membership Log In” and you will be directed to a new page.
• Choose the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines or the Consulate General in Cedu.

• Select the visa application type.

• Choose the appointment date and time that you want.

• Enter your name or family’s name with the passport number in the Special Request Box if necessary.

• Once done, click the “Make Reservation” button and print the reservation page.

How to Check Korean Visa Status

To check your Korean visa status, visit the Korea Visa Portal website and input your application details, such as your passport number and date of birth. Alternatively, if you applied through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), you can track your status via SMS notifications.

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a ‘Visa Grant Notice’ from the Republic of Korea (ROK) embassy. The Visa Grant Notice serves as official proof that your visa application has been approved by the Republic of Korea. This document confirms your visa status and includes important details about your visa. It must be presented, along with your passport, to immigration authorities when entering South Korea.

The Visa Grant Notice can be printed either in color or black and white and is essential for immigration clearance. Here’s how you can download and print the Visa Grant Notice step by step:

• Visit the Korea Visa Portal: Go to the Korea Visa Portal.
• Check Application Status: Navigate to the “Application Status/Issue” section and click on “Check Application Status & Print.”

• Enter Your Details: Input your passport number, name, and date of birth, then click the ‘Search’ button.

• View Visa Details: If your visa is approved, your visa details will be displayed at the bottom of the page.

• Print the Visa Grant Notice: Click the ‘Visa Grant Notice’ button to print the document, which you must present along with your passport during immigration clearance.

Additional Tips on Making Korean Visa Photos for Free

Taking a proper visa picture is crucial for your Korean visa application. This section provides easy steps for Filipinos to capture a compliant biometric photo at home for free. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your picture meets the necessary requirements, making your visa application process smoother and more efficient.

• Check Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific Korean visa photo requirements, such as size (3.5 x 4.5 cm), background color (light gray or white), and facial expression (neutral).
• Choose a Location: Find a well-lit area with a plain wall for your photo background. Natural light is ideal to avoid harsh shadows.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear simple, professional clothing without busy patterns. Avoid accessories that may cover your face.
• Set Up the Camera: Use a tripod or a stable surface for your camera or smartphone. Ensure it’s at eye level.
• Position Yourself: Stand or sit facing the camera directly. Make sure your head and shoulders are visible, with your face clearly in the frame.
• Take the Photo: Use a self-timer or ask someone to take the picture. Ensure your eyes are open, and your mouth is closed, maintaining a neutral expression.
• Check the Image: Review the photo to ensure it meets all requirements, including clarity and proper lighting. Retake the photo if necessary.
• Edit the Photo: Use an online photo tool, like AiPassportPhotos, to adjust the size and background if needed. AiPassportPhotos will process the picture to meet the official Korean visa photo requirements. All you have to do is upload the picture and wait for the tool to resize it to 35×45 mm and change the background.

• Print the Photo: Print the photo on quality photo paper. AiPassportPhotos offers you two outputs, a digital visa photo and a printed version. Ensure it is printed in color and maintains clarity.

• Store Safely: Keep your visa picture in a safe place along with your other application documents until you submit your visa application.

By following these steps, you can successfully obtain a compliant Korean visa picture.

FAQ

How to apply korean visa in Singapore for Filipinos?

Filipinos in Singapore can apply for a Korean visa by submitting the necessary documents, including a completed application form, passport, photos, and proof of financial stability, to the Korean Embassy or an accredited agency. Pay the visa fee, wait for 5-10 working days for processing, and collect your visa once approved.

How much is a Korean visa?

The South Korea visa fee in the Philippines is ₱1,900, which includes the application and mailing fee charged by KVAC. Payment is accepted in cash only, and the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the visa outcome.

Wrap Up

All in all, you must prepare all the requirements for your visa to avoid rejection of entry by government officials. Philippine citizens must obtain a visa to enter Korea. Therefore, you can travel to Korea and enjoy the beautiful culture and scenery. If you need any help, you can leave a comment below.