LIST: Updated South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists

From February 20, 2026, Korean tourist visa applicants in the Philippines are NO LONGER required to submit bank statements for the last three (3) months. In addition, a Certificate of Employment that is electronically signed or does not show an office landline or phone number (usually for freelancers or those working for a foreign company) will be ACCEPTED — no need to submit a letter of explanation or a cover letter. See more updates on the Korean visa requirements below, or click here to see all the travel deals and popular activities in Seoul.

In a nutshell

• What are the requirements needed to apply for a Korean tourist visa (C-3 visa)? Documents vary based on occupation, but all applicants must submit an application form, valid passport, recent photograph, and bank certificate.
• What are the documents required for employees? Filipino employees must submit their Income Tax Return (ITR) and Certificate of Employment (COE). Effective February 20, 2026, COEs with either a landline number, mobile number, or email address will also be accepted.
• What type of documents should business owners submit? Those who own a business in the Philippines will need their DTI or SEC registration and business permit, among others.

Further reading: Sample Cover Letter for Korean Visa Applicants

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Guidelines for Korean Visa Applicants

If you are thinking about getting a South Korea tourist visa in the Philippines (C-3 visa), you will need to prepare the basic documents like the application form, photo, passport, valid OECD-member visas (if any), and ITR, among others. You will also have to submit documents that are specific to your occupation, like the Certificate of Employment (COE) for employees, DTI or SEC registration for business owners, and school certificate OR ID for students. 

Here are some general tips:

• If you’ve traveled to any OECD-member country as a tourist in the last 5 years (except Japan), you may be exempted from submitting an Income Tax Return or ITR. See the list of OECD member countries here. (While this information is no longer posted on the Embassy’s list of Korean visa requirements, many frequent travelers to OECD-countries were exempted from the ITR document. Check with an accredited travel agent to know more.)
• If you plan to submit a Korean visa application with your family members, do prepare a birth certificate and/or marriage contract to prove familial ties. (Family members include your spouse, children, parents, and/or siblings who will travel with you.) 
• If you were invited by a Korean company, submit an invitation letter (in English AND Korean) and a copy of their business registration. No notarization or authentication (Apostille) is require for the letters of invitation.
• If you were invited by a Korean national, you should submit an invitation letter (in English AND Korean) and a copy of their passport or resident ID card. No notarization or authentication (Apostille) is required for any of these documents as well.

Ready to move on? The next few sections will cover the following: (1) a listing of all Korean visa requirements per occupation and (2) a detailed explanation for each type of document.

List of South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos

1. Korea Visa Requirements for Employees

If you are an employed individual, here are the documents that you must prepare:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Original Certificate of Employment (COE)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate 
8. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
9. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable
10. Invitation Letter from an individual or company, if applicable

Note that bank statements for the last 3 months are no longer required.

2. Korea Visa Requirements for Business Owners

If you are a Filipino entrepreneur, prepare these Korean visa requirements:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable
7. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
8. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
9. Original Personal Bank Certificate 
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
11. Invitation Letter from an individual or company, if applicable

3. Korea Visa Requirements for Freelancers or Remote Workers

Filipino freelancers who are registered with the BIR are considered self-employed. This means that you can submit the documents that are required for business owners, such as the business registration (DTI), business permit (LGU), and ITR.

Another way to proceed with your application is by passing the requirements like an employed individual would. This is what I have done multiple times when I was working remotely for a Singapore-based company back in 2017-2019. I submitted my Certificate of Employment without a landline number and, since I don’t have an ITR, I also wrote a cover letter explaining that I work remotely and have yet to get my ITR. I also passed photocopies of my US and Canada visas. My applications were all successful, and I was even granted a multiple-entry visa on my third application.

4. Korea Visa Requirements for Professionals with a PRC License or IBP ID

Professionals who hold a valid PRC License and lawyers with an IBP ID are exempt from submitting a Bank Certificates or ITR. The following must be submitted:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Original Certificate of Appointment or Certificate of Employment (COE)
7. PRC Card or IBP Card
8. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate), if applying for a Korean visa together with an immediate family member
9. Invitation Letter from an individual or company, if applicable

5. Korea Visa Requirements for Students

The required documents for students in the Philippines are as follows:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. School Certificate (Original) OR Copy of School ID (select one)
7. Original PSA Birth Certificate 
8. Parents’ Documents
   • If parents are employed: Original Certificate of Employment + Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 
   • If parents are self-employed: Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI + Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit + Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
   • If parents have a valid Korean visa: Attach a copy of their visa
   • If parents are not traveling with you: Attach a copy of their passport or valid ID
   • Original Bank Certificate
   • Original PSA Marriage Certificate
9. Invitation Letter from an individual or company, if applicable

Note that students do not need to submit both the school certificate and a copy of their school ID. Either one will suffice. (Previously, both were required.)

6. Korea Visa Requirements for Housewives

Housewives may apply for a tourist visa with the following requirements:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Additional documents:
   • If husband is employed: Original Certificate of Employment + Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316 
   • If husband is self-employed: Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI + Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit + Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
   • Original Bank Certificate (for your personal bank account or your husband’s bank account)
7. Original PSA Marriage Certificate

7. Korea Visa Requirements for Retirees

Filipino retirees must turn in the following Korean visa requirements:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Original Personal Bank Certificate
7. Copy of Senior Citizen Card

If the bank documents to be submitted by the retiree are named under a family member, submit a proof of relationship, e.g. a copy of marriage contract if the account holder is the spouse or birth certificate if the account holder is a child

8. Korea Visa Requirements for Elected Politicians and Government Officials

Those who hold an elected office (whether a senator, congress member, governor, mayor, or provincial board member) OR a position that is equal to to the Asst. Secretary of an Executive Branch or Brigadier General of the AFP or PNP are exempted from submitting financial documents like the ITR and Bank Certificate. This exemption also applies to their parents, spouse, spouse’s parents, and children who are minors (e.g. students).

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Original Certificate of Appointment or Certificate of Employment (COE)
7. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable
8. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate), if applying for a Korean visa together with an immediate family member

9. Korea Visa Requirements for Religious Workers

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Original Certification from Church
7. Copy of Church SEC
8. Certificate of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage(CRASM), if applicable
9. Other documents depending on occupation:
   • If you’re an employee: Certificate of Employment + a copy of your ITR or Form 2316
   • If you own a business: DTI or SEC business registration + business permit + a copy of your ITR or Form 2316
   • If you’re a student: Original School Certificate OR a copy of your School ID
10. Original Personal Bank Certificate
11. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card, if applicable
12. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate), if applying for a Korean visa together with an immediate family member

10. Korea Visa Requirements for Foreign Residents in the Philippines

If you are a non-Philippine passport-holder who is living in the Philippines, you may submit the following documents for your South Korea tourist visa application:

1. Application form #17
2. One (1) Passport-Size Photo (colored)
3. Original Passport
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page (Page 2)
5. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years, if applicable
6. Photocopy of ACR I-Card, long-term Philippine visa, and arrival stamps to the Philippines
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate 
8. Other documents depending on occupation:
   • If you’re a student: Original School Certificate OR a copy of your School ID
   • If you’re an employee: Certificate of Employment + a copy of your ITR or Form 2316
   • If you own a business: DTI or SEC business registration + business permit + a copy of your ITR or Form 2316
9. Invitation Letter from an individual or company, if applicable
10. Visa processing fee of ₱2,000 for single-entry visas or ₱4,500 for multiple-entry visas (This fee is usually separate from what you need to pay to your travel agent who will process your application.)

Additional requirements and conditions may apply depending on your nationality.

Glossary: Korean Visa Requirements Explained 

Here are some information that may help you prepare the documents that the Embassy requires:

1. Application Form #17

The Korean visa application form is a 5-page document that seeks to know your basic information, family background, occupation, and travel history. It is pretty straightforward and can easily be accomplished in less than an hour. Each applicant must fill out this form. Download the form ➜

2. Bank Statements (NOT REQUIRED)

As of February 20, 2026, bank statements are no longer required to be submitted. However, in case this requirement is reinstated, all you need to do to prepare your original bank statements (for the last 3 months) or a certified true copy of your passbook. You can also request the statements from your branch of account (fees may apply).

• For students: Get this document from your parents.
• For housewives: Prepare your own bank statements or get this document from your spouse.
• For retired senior citizens: If you’ll submit a family member’s bank statements, make sure to prepare either a birth certificate or marriage contract to prove the relationship.

3. Invitation Letter

If you’ve been invited by a Korean national or company, make sure to have an invitation letter in English and in Korean, which typically includes the inviter’s name, address, occupation, reason/s for invitation, dates of travel, and sponsorship details (if applicable). The letter of invitation does not need to be notarized.

(As someone who is already living in South Korea, I have provided my family and close friends with a simple invitation letter. I stated that they would be traveling to visit me and specified my relationship with each applicant, e.g. mother, brother, or college friend.)

4. Original Certificate of Employment (COE)

The COE should include your position in the company, hiring date, compensation, office address, company landline or mobile number, and the company’s email address. I would recommend you to inform your company that they may receive a call or email from the Korean Embassy. Request them to verify your employment details, if asked.

• For students: Get this from your parents, if they are employees.
• For housewives: Get this from your spouse, if he is employed.

5. Original Passport

Make sure that you have an original DFA-issued passport that is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure. For example, if you plan to travel to South Korea on July 1, 2026, your passport should at least be valid until January 1, 2027.

6. Original Personal Bank Certificate 

You can get a bank certificate for your personal account (not corporate account) from your bank. When asked for what purpose, tell them that it’s for your Korean visa requirement. (When I requested a bank certificate for my payroll account in BPI, I had to pay around ₱300 and wait for 15-20 minutes. Note that other banks may charge differently and may take a longer processing time.)

• For students: Get this document from your parents.
• For housewives: Prepare your own bank certificate or get this document from your spouse.
• For retired senior citizens: If you’ll submit a family member’s bank certificate, make sure to prepare either a birth certificate or marriage contract to prove ties.

7. Original & copy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD-member countries for the past 5 years (optional)

If you plan to submit your Korean visa requirements, prepare a photocopy of your visa/s and arrival stamp/s to any OECD-member country that you have in the past 5 years. If you have not traveled previously to any of the following countries, you can skip this part.

OECD-MEMBER COUNTRIES

• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Chile
• Chech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Korea (Republic of Korea)
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States

If you have your valid visa/s and arrival stamp/s on your old or expired passport/s, make sure to submit your old passport along with your current and valid passport. I have done this in all of my applications.

8. Passport-size Photo

Your passport-size photo must follow these guidelines: 

• Colored 
• 35 x 45 mm in size
• Taken in the past six (6) months
• Must have a white background 

You may opt to go to a photo studio and avail their South Korea visa package. This usually costs around ₱150-200 and takes 15 minutes to complete. For an additional fee, you can also ask them to overlay a formal attire so you won’t have to bring or wear one.

9. Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit

Business owners must present a copy of their local business permit as part of their Korean visa requirement.

• For students: Get a copy of your parents’ business permit, if applicable.
• For housewives: Get a copy of your spouse’s business permit, if applicable.

10. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI

Submit a copy of your DTI or SEC registration.

• For students: Get a copy from your parents, if they are business owners.
• For housewives: Get a copy from your husband.

11. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

One essential Korean visa requirement is a photocopy of the ITR or Form 2316. You can typically request any of these documents from your human resources.

If, for some reason, you have no ITR to submit, consider writing a letter of explanation to the Embassy.

If you are a frequent traveler or someone who has traveled to an OECD-member country within the past 5 years (excluding Japan), you may be exempted from submitting this Korean visa requirement. Just make sure to verify with your travel agent and submit the original and photocopy of your valid visa/s and arrival stamp/s.

• For students: Get a copy of your parents’ ITR or Form 2316, if they are employed. 
• For housewives: Prepare a copy of your spouse’s ITR or Form 2316, if he is employed.

12. Photocopy of Passport Bio Page

The bio page is the second page of your passport. It’s the one that contains your photo, name, and other details. Make one copy.

13. PRC Card or IBP Card (optional)

If you have a card from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC card) or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Card (IBP card), submit a copy.

14. Original PSA Birth Certificate 

If you don’t have a birth certificate on hand, you can request one from PSA online by clicking here. You can also do a walk-in application at the East Avenue Census Serbilis Outlet (offers same-day processing) or at any Census Serbilis Centers.

15. Original PSA Marriage Certificate

You may request for your PSA (NSO) marriage certificate online by clicking here, if you do not have one that’s readily available.

16. School Certificate (Original) 

Filipino students who are applying for a Korean visa must submit an original School Certificate, which is typically provided by the school registrar. Note that Registration Forms are not allowed.

17. School ID 

Make a copy of the front and back portions of your school ID.

How to Apply for a Korean Visa With Incomplete Requirements

If you face any difficulty in submitting a particular Korean visa requirement, e.g. the ITR or old passport that has your other valid visa/s and arrival stamp/s, you may want to write a letter to the Embassy to explain your situation. Here’s a sample cover letter.

Word of Caution

The Embassy of Korea in the Philippines reminds visa applicants that the following actions will result in denial of visa issuance for three (3) years:

• Providing false statements
• Submitting falsified documents
• Altering original documents

In previous years, the Embassy reported that they received forged travel documents, such as fake tourist visas and arrival stamps. Such cases are reported to local authorities, so make sure to supply only true and verifiable information in the entire Korea visa application process.

Reference

To see Korean visa requirements for all categories, you may visit the website of the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines.

If you’ve got any input, share them in the comments section below so you can help those who are preparing to apply for their Korean visa!

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