Good news: South Korea is relaxing its visa guidelines for some Filipinos!
Last 30 January, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announced that it will be making the visa application process easier for some Filipinos from 1 February until 31 December 2024.
The new visa application guidelines state that elected politicians, government officials, certain PRC license holders, and BDO Gold or BDO Elite credit card holders as well as their immediate family members are exempted from submitting previously required financial documents, such as bank certificates, bank statements, and BIR Form 2306 or ITR.
The Embassy emphasizes that those who meet their conditions must still submit the other general required documents, including the application form, original valid passport, and an ID photo taken within the last 6 months. Furthermore, if immediate family members are lodging an application with individuals who qualify for the exemption, they are required to present proof of relationship.
Read on below for the new visa application conditions of the Korean Embassy in full detail:
Elected Politicians
Applicable for:
-Members of the Senate, Members of the Congress, Governors, Provincial Board Members, and Mayors (City or Municipality)
-Immediate family members: One’s parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), spouse’s parents
Required Visa Application Documents:
-Identification documents (original) such as a certificate of employment or certificate of appointment
>The submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR is exempted for the politician and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.
***Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred.
Government Officials
Applicable for:
-Persons with a rank higher or equal to Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government, and Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police
***Excluding those in acting duties
-Immediate family members: One’s parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), spouse’s parents
Required Visa Application Documents
– Certificate of employment (original)
***It is necessary to clearly specify the affiliated organization, working period, position, and salary. If the relevant information is omitted or cannot be verified due to a lack of contact with HR, disadvantages may be given to the applicant
>The submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR is exempted for government officials and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.
***Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred.
Professional License Holders
Applicable for:
-Those holding a valid PRC license ID (IBP ID for lawyers) with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer (including judges, prosecutors), certified public accountant, pharmacist, and veterinarian
-Immediate family members: One’s parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), spouse’s parents
Required Visa Application Document
-Certificate of employment (original) and copy of PRC license ID or IBP ID
>The submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR is exempted for professional license holders and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.
***Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred.
Credit Card Holders
Applicable for:
-BDO Gold Credit Card Holders
- Mastercard Gold Credit Card
- Visa Gold Credit Card
- JCB Gold Credit Card
- UnionPay Gold Credit Card
- Diners Club International
- American Express Cashback Credit Card
- American Express Explorer Credit Card
***Excluding Supplementary Credit Card Holders
-BDO Elite Credit Card Holders
- Mastercard Titanium, Platinum and World Elite Credit Card
- Visa Platinum Credit Card
- JCB Platinum Credit Card
- UnionPay Diamond Credit Card
- Diners Club Premiere Credit Card
- American Express Platinum Credit Card
- American Express International Dollar Charge Cards (platinum, gold, and green)
***Excluding Supplementary Credit Card Holders
-Immediate family members: One’s parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), spouse’s parents
Required Visa Application Document
-Certificate of employment (original), copy of credit card (front only with complete information), and latest three-month credit card account Monthly Billing Statements (copy)
>The submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR is exempted for credit card holders and family members. Other documents, such as proof of relationship, are required.
***Exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred.
The decision to ease visa application requirements for select Pinoys came about five months after the Embassy opened the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Taguig to make the application process more convenient for Philippine nationals who wish to travel to the Land of the Morning Calm.
The KVAC is located on the 9th floor (Zone 2) of the Brittany Hotel at 6 McKinley Parkway, Aura Complex, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. It is open on weekdays from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Visa application submissions are accommodated from 9 AM.
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To avail of this exclusive deal, use multiple-use promo code “BDODEALS” upon checking out at www.bigskynation.com.
***Featured image by Daniel Bernard on Unsplash
