UPDATE: You might want to read this simpler entry for the REQUIREMENTS IN APPLYING FOR A TOURIST VISA (C-3) TO KOREA.
If you’re a Filipino and you want to go to Korea, the first thing that you must do is to acquire a visa… and it isn’t easy!
More than a decade ago, visas are not required for Pinoys. They can come and go as much as they wanted but things changed in 1994 when the Philippine government requested to the Korean government to require visas for Filipinos travelling to their country. That’s what I learned from watching “Magandang Gabi Bayan” three or four years ago.
Let me talk about the individual tourist visa. I had applied for a tourist visa almost three years ago but I was turned down for some reason. I wasn’t disheartened but my hubby (then fiance) was… I remember reading an article where DOLE secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said that it’s harder to get a Korean tourist visa than to get a US visa. It’s probably true…
Unlike a US visa application, there is no interview conducted when applying for a Korean tourist visa. They also don’t require additional documents like land titles or car registration, and the likes. What you will need to provide them are… (1) bank certificate stating your savings, (2) certificate of employment showing your salary and position, (3) latest ITR (income tax return), (4) your passport and a copy, plus the (5) visa application form and (6) 2×2 pictures and if you have been invited, (7) a notarized invitation letter.
You have to go to the embassy really early! They open at 9AM but you have to line up outside before they let you in. Where do you have to go? The Korean Embassy is located at Pacific Star Building at the corners of Gil Puyat Ave. and Makati Ave. Right in front of a gas station, you can’t miss it!
When I applied for my tourist visa, I was there as early as 7AM and the line was already long… After arriving at the place, just follow the queue outside. At around 10 minutes before 9AM, the guard will let people in. You have to get a Visitor’s Pass by providing an ID. It doesn’t have to be a fancy ID, the one issued by the postal office will do. You’ll have to ride the elevator and get off on the 18th floor. There will be another line before entering the main office. The guard (who’s really friendly and nice) will ask you if it’s your first time to apply for a visa (in general) or not. If it is then he will give you a number for Window 3. If not, then you’ll be provided a number for Window 4. You’ll have to sit down and wait until it is your turn. The Korean lady on Window 3 is Ms. Park Ok (at least, the last time I was there)…
When your number is shown on the LCD display, you’ll have to go to Window 3 and present your documents. Like I told you, there’s no need for an interview. If your documents are complete, she’ll staple them and give you a claim stub for your passport. If you have submitted an incomplete set of documents, she’ll ask you to come back and complete your documents. If you’re planning to stay in Korea for more than 59 days, you’ll have to pay 1,500 pesos as visa fee. A stay of less than 59 days is free. Paying doesn’t guarantee an approval.
Application usually ends at 12PM. If your number is not called at that time, you’ll have to come back another day and fall in line, and get another number! Hehe…
Waiting time is usually 7 days. To claim your passport, you’ll have to come in the afternoon of the designated date in your claim stub. Again, you’ll have to queue outside and wait for the embassy to open. I really hate waiting because it makes me all nervous and excited!
If you get a visa, congratulations! If not, then try again later… after 6 months!
My mother applied for a tourist visa two weeks ago and got hers last Tuesday. She’s been here last year for our wedding and it just took her three days to get her visa. We sent her a notarized invitation last year but not for this year. She has a US resident visa so that probably helped her. Anyway, she’s planning to come here on the 7th of August via Asiana Airlines (whose unionized pilots are currently on strike) from the Clark International Airport. The airport is a 15-minute drive from our residence in Angeles City (we live about 200 meters from the gates of Clark).
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Hi there!:)
Just wanted to ask, do you think I have a good chance of being granted a visa given that:
1. I have job that Ive had for about a year now. (So I do have an ITR). I’m paid relatively okay naman.
2. I have a previous Schengen visa(I got it to train for my work) valid for 3 months last year. I did not overstay and I travelled to 4 countries then — Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium.
3. Unfortnuntely, I don’t have much savings — around 25k lang.
What do you think are the chances of me getting a visa?
Anyone had any experience in getting tourist visas at the Korean embassy in Hong Kong ? I want to go to Seoul and take my helper with us but I’m afraid that if I make the request or help to guarantee the application, that there might be some problem because then the Korean embassy might feel that she will be “working” while in Korea. So I think we will proceed with her making her own application for a tourist visa. Overall I’m unsure and would appreciate any insight on the process – how much time should I generally expect ? thanks.
Hello there! I also want to ask about my chances of getting a tourist visa?
1. I’m currently employed in the government for more than five years and my salary is almost 15k lang per month.
2. My husband is an OFW there in SK and on his 4th year of working, nakauwi na sya here in Phils twice.
3. I have around 100k savings
I just want to visit my husband lang sana the reason why i want to go there. What do you think are my chances, Ma’am?
Hi Grayz! If you’re a government employee you might have a better chance to get the visa. If your husband is on E9 visa, it might be better not to disclose that.
Hi! How much savings would be acceptable in order to get a tourist visa? i plan to travel with my in-laws and my daughter. my father-in-law will be attending a conference in Korea and my daughter and I plan to go with him. My daughter has a bank account already, can I give them the bank cert of the said account as well? my daughter is just 1 1/2 years old by the way. hoping for your prompt response.
@katsan >> she will be traveling as your dependent so you don’t need to show her bank account… as to how much savings, i really don’t know…
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me what window I have to go to when I apply for another visa? It will be my 2nd time going to SKorea if ever.
Thanks!
hi ms morenabeachbum! how was your trip? in so far as i know, if it’s your second time and you dont have visa from other developed countries, you have to go to Window 3. but if you have other visas, you will be directed to Window 4. Seems like you’re coming back to korea soon. kwento naman jan!!!
Hey Ms. Cecille,
I had an AMAZING time!!! I don’t even know where to start! I met soooooooooo many people that I’ve become good friends with (mostly westerners who are there to teach English but I also met a few Koreans who I still keep in touch with as well)… I stayed in Suwon, 30 minutes away from Seoul and I had such a blast! From time to time we’d take the subway to different parts of Seoul to have dinner, go shopping, etc. Taking the subway was actually fun! On the weekends we headed out to HongDae to party it up. (love love love the fact that their clubs play KPop such as Lollipop… haha!) I’m planning to go back during the last week of August that’s why I asked about the visa thing. All my friends from there have been bugging me about getting it already so they can plan on what things to do when I come back. Thanks again for your help
hi ms. morenabeachbum!
wowwww! nice to hear you had so much fun as well. and you’re going back there sooner than i plan to. i plan to go back maybe October.i want to be back sooner but i thought maybe i have to wait for six months to be sure of a visa(my third). love it there too.:)
hi, paano ako makakakuha nang visa kung ako ay retired na. pero binigyan ako ng invitation ng isa kong korean friend. kailangan ko pa ba ang employment certificate?
please rely po thanks…
Hey Ms. Cecille,
Yup! Absolutely loved it! Anyway, is it a requirement that you wait 6 months after arriving back from Korea before you apply for another visa?
Thanks!
Hello Ms. Morenabeachbum!!!
Actually i just thought that way. I tried to read along here but i didnt find any related comment about it. I am trying to wait for the “six months” and also save some money for the subway rides…hahaha!!!!
Hey Ms. Cecille,
Yeah, I didn’t read anything related to it either. By the way, the subway rides are SUPER cheap. You just have to make sure you have a T-money card and your 10,000 won will go a long way. =D
Ms. Betchay,
Do I need to wait 6 months before applying for a new visa? just arrived from Korea 3 weeks ago and plan on going back on August 22nd.
Thanks!
hi ms. morenabeachbum! you’re right, subway rides are really cheap. but remember, i stayed there for 20 days. i plan to make the most next time if i get a 30 day visa again.:)
Hey Cecille,
Oh right, you were there for quite a while. You should try eating at N. Seoul Tower next time (if you havent already). My friend made reservations for us and it was spectacular! Gave you a 360 degree view of Seoul. Amazing!
This is from someone who is presently in Korea (4th time).
No, it is not a requirement to wait 6 months before applying for another visa. There’s no rule as to when you could apply again, in fact you could apply a day after you came back from Korea. However, this could stir some questions with the immigration at Incheon airport. Based on my experience, the question was like this, “no company will allow it’s employee to be absent for so long, if it’s true that you’re working in the Philippines, how were you able to get this much vacation?”. When applying for a visa, employment certificate is required and this means you’re presently working, so the question is but logical. So you have to justify your reasons, and be ready if they ask some documents. In my case, I was asked to show my company ID and business card. Some were asked to show their Certificate of Leave of Absence issued by the company, stating how long they are allowed to be on leave. In some cases, they ask both. I want to help the others (including the first timers) to avoid being A to A, like one person I know (I sat next to her at the plane and it was her third time to visit Korea). It doesn’t hurt to take extra precautions, plane tickets aren’t cheap. Let’s look at it positively, if they ask questions, it’ll be a good chance to show that your purpose is valid and you aren’t hiding anything. Look your best and be confident in answering their questions (they’re pretty much intimidated with someone who can speak good english :-p. But bear in mind that these aren’t always the case and some can freely enter without the need for questioning. Goodluck!
hello lizzie!
i just want to know how long have you stayed in korea during your 1st 2nd and 3rd time? i’m so curious because the first(and only) time i went to korea i stayed for four months. i just extended my stay, paid 30,000won for every 30 days until i got the last extension they can give me. they said i can only extend 3 times.
i arrived in the philippines last april 29. now, i want to go back there in july and i’m worried that they might question me because i stayed there for quite sometime, but i didn’t work, no business whatsoever. i don’t really know, but i just don’t want the thought that i’m likely to be denied a visa this time. i’m so worried about it. i will present the same documents that i presented before, but this time there wouldn’t be any invitation letter. how important is it by the way? anyway i hope i get a reply from you. i really find your posts very helpful not just for me but to all who wish to go to korea. if you can please email me at sierjer@yahoo.com. i hope we can keep in touch. thank you very much and god bless.
YES! you dont need to wait for another six months to get a tourist VISA. I just called the Korean embassy now. You need to wait for another 6 months if your visa application was denied. If you have an approved visa, you can get another visa anytime. THIS IS A CREDIBLE INFORMATION. If you want to confirm it, you can call Korean Embassy @ 811-6139. Go na ulit tau!!!
Hey Lizzie!
Thanks for your response! That really helped! I’ll apply for my visa soon. I can’t wait to go back to Korea… hopefully by August I’ll be back there (that is IF I’m issued another visa *fingers crossed*)
Thanks again!
hi morenabeachbum!
I hope you get you’re 2nd visa without any problem.
hi i would like to ask,do i still need to get a tourist visa even if im just staying to korea for 5 days?..im just gonna attend my brother’s wedding.. hope you can help me..thanks
HI MISS LIZZIE…
This is rose, i’m new int this forum.
Ask ko lang po kasi i’m a first timer at yung bf ko ay iimbetahan ako sa koreas to meet his parents and relatives.
Ang concerns ko lang; anu anu napo ang requirements needed ngayon for tourist visa?
And whata are the reasons why som people are being rejected to get their tourist visa?
Masyasdo naba sila naging strict ngayong MAY 2009 for releasing a tourist visa?
THANK YOU>>> More powers to this website…
At pahabol pa po;
Since nakapag travel napo ako sa middle east country like Saudi and kuwait. Would it be an adavantage to get a tourist visa?
At saang window po kaya ako dapat pumasok?
hello there…just wanna ask po if i still need a visa to travel in korea..im here now po sa germany and im married here..but im still filipino citizen..do i still need a visa po ba? what are the requirement po ba need ko to apply? thanks..somebody help me please…thanks!
hello! i my fiance who is a korean invited me to come over his place for mor than 2weeks..he will be introducing me to his family and friends..by the way i am a voluteer nurse here in the philippines and i don’t receive any salary istead i just receive an allowance..i also don’t have ITR..so for my case what are the needed documents for me to obtain a tourist visa? thanks po.
my fellow kababayanz,
could you help me with my problem? i have a wife working as production worker in seoul, south korea for almost 2 years. i wanted to visit her. i heard of those tourist visa for employee but so sad i have no job recently due to global crisis. could i possibly get a tourist visa? how?
marionnes last blog post..At the senate hearing…
to morenabeachbum, cecille and lizzie d.
hello guys! thank you so much for the info-s! i’m from cebu and i just came back from seoul. i stayed there for 4 months (legally) and intend to go back to korea again this july. when i applied for my visa i presented all the necessary documents including an invitation letter from my girlfriend (she’s korean).
i’m holding a multiple entry US tourist visa, i’ve been to different countries in southeast asia and i have business in cebu. but i think the strongest document that i presented was my girlfriend’s invitation letter.
now my question is, how important is it? as i’ve said, i plan to go back to korea in july and this time i won’t ask an invitation from my girlfriend because i plan to surprise her.
by the way, in case you’re wondering why i stayed for 4 months legally, what i did is that when i was there i went to seoul immigration office and applied for an extension. i payed 30,000won for 30 days. they can only allow us to extend 3 times.
i hope i get a reply from this post. thank you and good luck to all of us.
do you think i have a good chance of obtaining a tourist visa?
1. i am just a volunteer nurse here in the philippines but i could borrow my signed contract from the hospital i am affiliated with to present as one of my documents.
2. i am now reviewing IELTS and i could also ask the review center to make a certification that i will be taking the exam this coming august in dagupan city so i could also present it as one of back-up documents (?)
2. i have the notarized invitation letter from my fiance
4. i will be presenting my leave of absence letter to the korean embassy
5. i have a bank certificate
i really would like to travel to korea because i would love to meet my fiance’s family and friends..and of course, i miss my fiance terribly.. =( please help me. thank you ^_^ actually my only problem is..i don’t have a permanent job here in the philippines so i am so worried that i could be denied..God bless me. ^_^
Hi Ms.Betchay, very helpful ang blogs mo coz some of my questions were already answered. By the way, two months na po ako d2 s Korea, akala ko like Dubai pag nag apply ako kahit tourist lang ako ang employer ang maglalakad ng papers ko para sa working visa ko, pero iba pala, sayang kumpleto pa naman ako s documents ko. Hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin akong work. Napakamahal pa naman ang binayad ko para lang sa invitation ko for tourist visa. eto ngayon TNT na akong matatawag, kaya natatakot akong maglalabas ng bahay. Pwede pa bang mabago ang VISA ko? paano po kaya??? Antayin ko po ang reply nyo, salamat! God Bless!
only rich filipino people lang daw ang nakakakuha ng tourist visa ngaun that’s why they are requiring for bank certificates kasi naman ang daming nag rarunaway as of now i think malapit nang maging million..Yung mga may working visa nga tumatakbo yung tourist visa pa kaya
Hi pipay! magkano pala binayad mo for the invitation? kasi may Korean nagooffer din magbigay ng invitation sa kin pero may bayad.
Hello po ate betchay,,,
yung nasa list pa po ba yung mga requirements sa korean visa application?? updated poba yun??? Kase po, kinukumpleto kona yung mga papers ko papunta ng Korea,, pero not sure po kung yan nga ba lahat yung mga requirements.. thank you po,,, sana makareply kayo agad…
thanks.. God bless
hello po,,,
pwedepo bang patulong kung anong website pwede makapag download ng korean visa application form? or pwede naman po sa mismong embassy mag fill up non di ba?,,
paki answer naman po,,,,
kahit sino po sa inyo pwedeng mag answer…
thank you po,,,
hello po,,,
pwedepo bang patulong kung anong website pwede makapag download ng korean visa application form? or pwede naman po sa mismong embassy mag fill up non di ba?,,
paki answer naman po,,,,
kahit sino po sa inyo pwedeng mag answer…
thank you po,,,
hi tekla! you can fill out the form at the korean embassy… there are koreans who even speak tagalog so you won’t feel uncomfortable going there…
good luck and God bless…
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hi tekla! i mean yes, the visa application forms are available at the embassy and you can fill out the form doon na rin. the guards and the Korean staff (who even speak in Tagalog) near the photocopy machine are helpful so you can ask them about your concerns…
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Hey! I just want to ask ano po yon requirements para sa Student who wants to Visit Korea?. I have a Shengen Visa Valid up to 2012. Pero Full time student po ako ngayon. so pano po pag wala ITR and Employee certificate?
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hello!
i don’t have a permanent job here in the philippines because i am just a volunteer nurse. consequently, i don’t have an ITR..could you suggest other options rather than the employment cert?
Hey Jeremy,
How are you? Regarding your question about how important an invitation letter is, personally, I don’t think it’s important. I was able to get my tourist visa without one. I think what they’re really after (in my opinion ha) is that you have a stable job here in the Philippines that you’re definitely going to come back to and you have money to spend in SKorea while you’re there on vacation. That’s my two cents on it.
Cheers and have fun when you go back there!
hi im planning to complete the requirements this june, my only problem is a the bank statement that is needed. im currently working here in makati im a call center agent for a year already so employment certificate is not a problem. i dont have a bank account although i have savings account which i get my salary from, suppose my mom would lend me money so that i will have my own account will it still be valid even if i deposit the money this june and im planning to apply visa this coming july?
Hi Louise,
I don’t think there should be a problem with that. A bank certificate basically just states how much money you have in the bank as of whatever date you asked for it, but then again, it could vary depending on which bank you get it from. I wouldn’t be too worried if I were you. Good luck with your application!
tnx for taking time in answering my question.. i hope they’ll approve my application..
hi. i just want to ask if i have a cousin who married a korean. then i am planning to visit her. do i still need an invitation from her husband? what is my chance in that case?
hello. could you please help me? i have a plan on going to korea this august, however, i don’t have an ITR because i am only a junior nurse and i just receive 1000/month for my salary..could i just skip the ITR instead i will just ask for the hospital administration an employment certificate since i signed a contract? thank..i hope you could help me with this..thank you..
sorry..actually the 1000/month is just my allowance not salary.. ^_^
hello!
my friend in korea invite to come there just for tour in a month,what should i do? as i read the requirements, i don’t have enough money in the bank coz i was just employed,i traveled before in Malaysia for work about 15 months.,now i’m currently teaching in an ESL school., could you please advice me?! thanks!
hello!
Do i have a chance to be granted in getting a tourist visa?
hi poh! im hir in korea now,ending my contract to oct.2009,babalik pko d2 dhil guz2 ng boss ko maextend ako, kya lng ang prblema ko guz2 kong isma ang asawa ko d2 s korea,wl xang cert,of employment at ITR n req. pwde poh b n svhin ko s boss ko n gwan xa ng invitation pra mkasma ko d2 pblik? sna poh msagot nyo ang pblema ko .. more power 2 dis site GOD bless u all tnx!
3yrs npoh ako d2 s korea at E-9visa ako, ano poh ang ggwin ko pra maisama ang aking aswa d2 s korea? pwde poh ba yrs ang iistay ng aking asawa d2 s korea hanggang s mtpos ko ang 2yrs xtended contract ko? ang pinagbabasehan ko poh kc ung invitation letter ng boss ko!POSSIBLE POH B KAYA UN N MKAKUHA NG VISA ANG ASAWA KO
hi..just want to ask…may bf ako na korean,he is working now there and I am staying Philippines now then i want to visit him at korea,anu-ano po ang mga guidelines para makapag apply ng tourist visa at magkano po ang fees?
i want to apply at korea also,mas madali po bang makakuha ng work at factory in korea with the help of my bf?
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