Traveling to South Korea just got easier for Filipinos as the country has extended its simplified visa requirements!
Photo: Freepik
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines announced the extension of the simplified visa requirements until December 31, 2025.
We all know that compiling financial documents can be stressful, but with these simplified visa requirements, eligible individuals can now skip submitting their bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns (ITR) when applying for a Korean visa.
Who’s Eligible for Simplified Visa Requirements?
Elected politicians, government officials, professional license holders, and credit cardholders of specific cards from BDO, BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank are eligible for the simplified visa requirements.
This courtesy also extends to the immediate family members of elected politicians, government officials, and professional license holders, including parents, spouses, minor children, and in-laws. However, proof of relationship is required.
Meanwhile, credit cardholders can qualify for simplified visa requirements with these specific cards:
BDO:
GOLD:
- 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
ELITE:
- 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 & Green)
BPI:
GOLD :
- Gold Rewards
ELITE:
- Platinum Rewards
- Amore Platinum Cashback
- Signature Card
RCBC:
GOLD:
- Mastercard Gold
- Visa Flex Gold
- JCB Gold
ELITE:
- Black Mastercard
- Diamond Mastercard
- YGC Rewards Plus Platinum
- Hexagon Privilege
- Visa Platinum
- JCB Platinum
- UnionPay Diamond
- Visa Infinite
- World Mastercard and variants
- (RCBC Hexagon Priority, RCBC Balesin World, RCBC The City Club World)
METROBANK:
- World Mastercard
- Femme Signature Visa card
- Travel Platinum Visa card
- Platinum Mastercard
- Dollar Mastercard
What Are the Necessary Documents for Simplified Visa Requirements?
For elected politicians and government officials, an original copy of a certificate of employment or certificate of appointment is only required. Professional license holders must present an original copy of their certificate of employment and a copy of their PRC license ID or IBP ID.
Meanwhile, eligible credit card holders must submit an original copy of their certificate of employment, a copy of their credit card (front only with complete information), and a copy of the latest three months’ credit card account Monthly Billing Statements.
Take note that exempted documents may still be submitted if preferred.
The simplified visa requirements were announced in July and are initially from July 22, 2024, to December 31, 2024, only.
With South Korea becoming a popular travel destination for Filipinos, this great news will help lessen the stress of preparing all the necessary visa application documents.
ALSO READ: Everything You Need to Know About the New Korea Visa Application Center in BGC
