Getting a Korean Tourist Visa without ITR and COE (Certificate of Employment) in the Philippines
I know many of you are worried if you can get a Korean Tourist Visa or not. We have been feeling the same every time my sister, my dad, my friends, and I are applying for a Korean Tourist Visa. It is not easy and I have heard most of my friends were denied to get a tourist visa for Korea. In this post, I'll let you know how I was able to get a tourist visa despite of having no work, and ITR in the Philippines.
I applied for a Korean Tourist Visa in July 2019. I did not go to the Korean Embassy but I visited one of the agency that is designated by Korean Embassy to file my application. For other agencies, please open the attachment from this link.
I went to a travel agency in Megamall and submit the following documents needed.
1. Visa Application Form (should be computerized or typewritten and can be downloaded at www.travelpros.ph ). DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM FROM THE WEBSITE OF KOREAN EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES. The pagination and space were not aligned so make sure you get the one from TRAVEL PROS. Why am I insisting this? Travelpros did not accept the application form I downloaded from the website of Korean Embassy in the Philippines. Ironically, the Embassy do not accept the form that is not ALIGNED (although it is coming from their website) and not computerized. Also, it is instructed by them that you should not put 'N/A' for the blanks you cannot answer. So please be strictly followed.
2. One (1) 35 mm x 45 mm colored passport photo against a plain white background . Please paste/glue on the application form.
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (Page 2)
5. Original Personal Bank Certificate* (MUST INCLUDE: account type, current balance, account opening date and 6 months ADB [Average Daily Balance])
6. Bank Statement* (original or certified true copy (if e-statement or copy of passbook) of bank statements for the last 3 months)
7. Photocopy of NSO/PSA Birth Certificate (if travelling with parents and/or siblings)
8. Photocopy of NSO/PSA Marriage Certificate (for female married applicants). *In this case, I did not submit a Marriage Certificate and this is the reason why I did not apply for a Korean Dependent Visa in the Philippines.
9. If available, Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries (refer below) for the past 5 years (if applicable only) . CLICK HERE for a list of OECD member countries.
Additional Documents:
10. Letter of Explanation - I have no ITR.
11. Letter of Explanation - I am Unemployed.
12. Application for Visa Express Processing. It shortens the processing time of application to two (2) - four (4) business days. An additional fee of P1,000.00 or $20. Please get it here.
Please be aware that providing an explanation letter about requirements you cannot meet is very important. Make sure you state your reason clearly about not working but traveling to South Korea.
■ Regular Processing Time: 7 working days
■ Visa Fee: 59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS or FREE but the Agencies asked to pay for P700.00 (standard).
■ If you are applying more than 60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP2,000.00 + PHP 700.00 (Agency fee).
TIPS:
Try to complete all the information asked as possible.
If items are not applicable, just leave it blank.
Please make sure you write your future accommodation and address although confirmed flight and hotel bookings are not required.
Disclaimer
I do not make any guarantee that you'll be able to get a South Korean Visa like I do. I am also a traveler like you who helps other travelers, so please understand that the information cannot answer all your questions. Also, much of the information here is transcribed directly from embassy's WEBSITE, and Travelpros WEBSITE. I have no any connection with Travelpros and I am not endorsing them. We have questions they cannot answer, too. So if you have any serious issue, it is best to call the Korean Embassy and make sure to check the embassy’s WEBSITE for updates.
