If you've been dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul, indulging in delicious Korean street food, and visiting all those iconic K-drama filming locations, this is fantastic news for you.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has just made it easier for you to process your visa. Starting July 22, 2024, to December 31, 2024, the visa application process is being simplified for credit card holders from BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank, on top of the existing policy for BDO cardholders.
"Please be informed that the bank documents are the only exempted or substituted documents in the said simplification process and all other general documents must still be submitted," the Korean Embassy in Manila also said in a notification released on July 8.
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The South Korea Simplified Visa program: Who's Eligible?
If you have one of the following credit cards, you're in luck! You and your immediate family members (parents, spouse, minor kids, and even adult students) can benefit from this simplified process. This means less paperwork and more time planning your adventures.
BDO Cardholders:
- Gold Cards: Mastercard Gold, Visa Gold, JCB Gold, UnionPay Gold, Diners Club International, American Express® Cashback, American Express® Explorer™
- Elite Cards: Mastercard Titanium, Platinum, World Elite, Visa Platinum, JCB Platinum, UnionPay Diamond, Diners Club Premiere, American Express® Platinum, American Express® International Dollar Charge Cards (Platinum, Gold, Green)
BPI Cardholders (new):
- Gold: Gold Rewards
- Elite: Platinum Rewards, Amore Platinum Cashback, Signature Card
RCBC Cardholders (new):
- 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 (including RCBC Hexagon Priority, RCBC Balesin World, RCBC The City Club World)
Metrobank Cardholders (new):
- World Mastercard, Femme Signature Visa card, Travel Platinum Visa card, Platinum Mastercard, M Free Mastercard, Dollar Mastercard
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Other Requirements in Processing Korean Tourist Visa for Filipinos
Here's the best part: with these cards, you can skip some of the usual paperwork. You only need to submit:
- Original certificate of employment
- A copy of your credit card (front only)
- The latest three months of credit card account Monthly Billing Statements (copy)
Bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are no longer required, but you still need to provide proof of relationships and other general documents.
While the new simplified process for credit card holders from BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank makes applying for a Korean visa easier, please note that visa approval is still not guaranteed. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea will review each application based on their criteria and guidelines. Therefore, ensure all required documents are complete and accurate to enhance your chances of a successful application.
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