This was my first visa application, and supposedly my first entry here. But oh well, I still think it would help open up doors for aspiring travelers and k-pop fans alike. Please read on for a more detailed procedure.
FREE VISA TO KOREA*
I love to travel but so far I've only traveled to countries
without the need to get a visa or pay for one. For one thing, because
it's visa free, secondly, I don't want that dreaded feeling of applying
for a visa and get myself rejected in the process. It may sound a bit
cliched but getting rejected hurts, emotionally and financially. So
when my friend invited me to visit Seoul, I panicked! All I can think
of is --- this trip would require us to apply for a tourist visa. I
said NO, but to my surprise she told me it's FREE! Yes, you read that
right. If you are a Filipino National and wants to travel for a
holiday in South Korea for less than 2 months, the visa application
is free of charge.
*for single entry & less than 59-day stay
1. Plan the date of visit and the corresponding number of days. This will help in determining your visa application requirement and fee (if needed). Plus, you can plan ahead in filing for your vacation leave.
2. Complete all Requirements
- Application Form
- 1 pc Passport-sized colored ID picture
- Original Passport
- Photocopy of PassportBio-page
- Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries
- Original Certificate of Employment (must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number, HR e-mail address)
- Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening, ADB)
- Bank Statement (original or certified copy of bank statements/passpook for the last 3 months)
- Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
For other details and a more updated requirements kindly refer to their website.
3. Submit all requirements to the Consular Office. Note that submission of visa applications are from 9:00 to 11:00 am only, every Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. It's a first come first served basis of application, no appointment is needed. If traveling with a group, one may submit on behalf of the other applicants.
4. Wait for the processing. A claim stub or schedule will be given to you upon submission of all requirements. Processing time are as follows:
- 3 working days - for those who have visas and stamps of OECD member countries;
- 5 working days - for those who do not have visas of OECD member countries.
*Those who have traveled as tourist to any OECD member country with 5 years will be exempt from submitting an ITR copy and are considered frequent travelers.
5. Claim your passport. Note that they will not accept your application if it's incomplete. Claiming of passports with visas are from 2:00 to 4:00 pm only, every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There are cases that upon claiming, they might request additional documents before they release your visa. It is advised for first time travelers to claim their passports
personally as Consuls may require an interview before they issue or
release your visa.
FREE & EASY
Here are some tips that will make your application a breeze.
- It's optional to provide an itinerary of your visit, so it's wiser to apply for a visa first. But if you have booked a promo ticket, make sure to allow at least 2 months to complete your requirements and visa application before your departure date.
- Request for your certificate of Employment early, as some companies release documents 3-5 working days from date of request.
- Know the exact location of the Consular Office before going, not all taxi/cab knows the area.
- Watch out for visa announcements for any exemption and additional details for application
- The Embassy announces promotions of granting multiple-entry visa for free, like with my experience this year, if you have a BDO Gold Credit Card, you are eligible for the multiple-entry visa, just submit a copy of your account statement; this also exempts you to submit bank certificate, bank statement and ITR for your application.
CAUTION
Going to a place for the first time may not be as easy and worry-free as you might have hoped. So here are some things I wish I knew before going:
- There is no allotted parking space for applicants at the Embassy. You may park your cars at nearby establishments and walk to the gate instead.
- Application process does not guarantee approval or grant of visa.
- Gratuitous Visa is valid only for 3 to 4 months upon approval. Plan carefully your schedule of application and departure.
In our experience, we applied for the visa but already had our dates in mind. When we purchased the ticket after visa approval, it was a bit expensive than the promo rates when we checked for tickets. Other details in our itinerary were done in a rush but we were able to stick to our budget and enjoy our travel.
Korea is an amazing country and Seoul is gorgeous. I, for one, fell in love with this city! Follow my blog for our travel photos and adventure in Seoul.
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If you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment or email me at thewanderlustkitty@gmail.com
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