The Korean Embassy announced on Jan. 30 that it will ease the requirements needed for visa application under four categories.
“From February 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines will simplify visa application documents for visa applicants who meet the following conditions,” the embassy stated in a notice posted on its website.
Seoul, South Korea (Photo by Jonathan Hicap)
The new policy will cover elected politicians, government officials, professional license holders, and credit card holders.
“Please be aware that for those who meet the following conditions, only the stated financial documents can be exempted or replaced, and other general required documents must still be submitted,” the embassy clarified.
Meanwhile, the Korean Visa Processing Center (KVAC) in Manila announced on Jan. 9 that “all visa applicants may proceed directly to the 9th floor upon arriving at the hotel. Although KVAC will start supporting applicants to file application from 9 AM, Customer Waiting Area on 9F opens at 7 AM to comfort all applicants.”
The KVAC is located on 9/F (Zone 2) of the Brittany Hotel at 6 McKinley Parkway, Aura Complex, BGC, Taguig.
Here are the requirements for Korean visa application by category, according to the embassy:
□ 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 copy) such as a certificate of employment or certificate of appointment
- Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are 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
- Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are 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 lawyer) with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer (including judge, prosecutor), 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
- Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for professional license holder 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 or BDO Elite Credit Card Holders
* Excluding Supplementary Credit Card Holders
** See attachment for applicable credit card types
- (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 3 months credit card account Monthly Billing Statements(copy)
- Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are 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
Credit card types for simplified visa requirements (Source: Korean Embassy in the Philippines)