3 Steps on How my Sister and I Got our First South Korean Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holders
Almost all Filipinos dream to visit South Korea because of the vast spread of Korean dramas and Kpop groups. My sister and I wanted to go there, too. Way back in high school years, I promised to her that we will go there soon. It is really unexpected trip for the two of us. Thanks for our supportive parents that our trip will push through. We are going to South Korea in the next 3 days. We’re so excited!!!
I want to share to you how we got our first South Korean tourist visa. Actually, we took 2 weeks in preparing all necessary documents. We applied last February 2, and we got our visa last February 11. How fast right? We finally have our single-entry pass valid for 3 months.
» Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents «
A. Here are my requirements (employee):
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece Passport size picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original Certificate of Employment
Ask you HR department to include the following infos:
- position
- date hired
- compensation
- office address
- HR landline number (cellphone number is not allowed)
- HR email address.
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate
-account type
-current balance
-account opening date
-ADB
7. Bank Statement
-original or certified true copy of bank statement for the last 3 months
8. Form 2316 copy with personal TIN number
9. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
B. Here are my sister’s requirements (student):
1. Application Form
2. 1 piece Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original School Certificate
6. Photocopy of School ID
7. Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
8. My documents (it can be the parent’s financial support documents)
a. Employment certificate
b. Bank Certificate
c. Bank Statement
d. Form 2316 with personal TIN Number
» Step 2: Submit your application at the South Korean Embassy «
We submitted the above requirements at South Korean Embassy (122 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City, 1634, Philippines). No need for an online appointment. The applications are accepted from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Visa for less than 59 days are FREE of charge! 😀 If you plan on staying of South Korea for more than 59 days to 90 days, the fee is Php 1,800.
First-time travelers will be asked to proceed on either Window 1 or Window 2. Frequent travelers or travelers with valid OECD-member visas will be redirected to Window 3.
The entire process won’t take more than an hour. I think we just spent less than 30 minutes inside the embassy. They will provide you a small piece of paper indicating when will you get your visa. Hopefully, with visa stamped on it. 😀
» Step 3: Pray and Wait for your Visa to get Approved «
The processing time for first-time travelers will take about 5 business days. While frequest travelers and travelers with valid OECD-member visas will only take about 3 days.
Releasing time is only Monday to Friday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Don’t forget to put your name and contact number at the back of the claiming slip.
Pray. Pray. Pray. As long as your requirements are complete, you don’t need to worry that much. Have a safe travel to us! 😀
How about you? Have you travelled to South Korea? Share your applying a visa experience.
0 comments