From July 22-December 31, 2024, holders of select Metrobank, RCBC, and BPI credit cards are exempted to submit standard requirements like the ITR when applying for a Korean visa in the Philippines.
In a nutshell
- What is the simplified Korean visa application process for Filipino tourists? Eligible applicants including professional license holders, elected politicians, select government officials, and credit card holders will be exempt from submitting financial documents like the ITR, bank certificate, and bank statements. However, other standard documents must be submitted.
- Which credit cards are qualified? These include BPI Gold, BPI Platinum, BPO Amore Platinum Cashback, BPI Signature Card, RCBC Mastercard Gold, RCBC Visa Flex Gold, RCBC JCB Gold, RCBC Visa Platinum, Metrobank World Mastercard, Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa card, Metrobank Dollar Mastercard, and others. Note that supplementary card holders are not eligible and still need to submit their financial documents when applying for a Korean visa. Find more details here.
- Which professional license holders are able to simplify their Korean visa requirements? Those who hold a valid PRC license with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer, judge, prosecutor, CPA, pharmacist, and veterinarian
- Does this guideline extend to eligible person’s immediate family? Yes, parents, spouse, children (both minor and adults who are enrolled), and spouse’s parents are able to enjoy the simplified Korean visa application processing as well. Proof of relationship such as birth certificate or marriage certificate, among others, need to be presented.
- Traveling to Korea after quite a while or for the first time? Make sure to book this 2-in-1 T-Money Card with automated currency exchange features for your trip!
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Simplification of Korean Visa Application Documents
As announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, certain individuals and their immediate family members are able to apply for a Korean visa with no need to submit these financial requirements: Income Tax Return (ITR), bank statements, and bank certificate.
Who are exempt from submitting the ITR & bank documents?
These include the following:
1. Select BPI Cardholders
Primary holders of the following BPI cards are exempt (supplementary cardholders excluded):
- BPI Gold Rewards
- BPI Platinum Rewards
- BPI Amore Platinum Cashback
- BPI Signature Card
2. Select Metrobank Cardholders
Primary holders of the following BPI cards are exempt (supplementary cardholders excluded):
- Metrobank World Mastercard
- Metrobank Femme Signature Visa Card
- Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa Card
- Metrobank Platinum Mastercard
- Metrobank M Free Mastercard
- Metrobank Dollar Mastercard
3. Select RCBC Cardholders
Primary holders of the following BPI cards are exempt (supplementary cardholders excluded):
- RCBC Mastercard Gold
- RCBC Visa Flex Gold
- RCBC JCB Gold (Gold Tier) & Black Mastercard
- RCBC Diamond Mastercard
- RCBC YGC Rewards Plus Platinum
- RCBC Hexagon Privilege
- RCBC Visa Platinum
- RCBC JCB Platinum
- RCBC UnionPay Diamond
- RCBC Visa Infinite
- RCBC World Mastercard and its variants (World Tier)
4. Professional license holders
Aside from select credit card holders, those who have a valid PRC license ID or IBP ID are also included in the simplified Korean visa application process:
- Physician
- Dentist
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Prosecutor
- Certified public accountant
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
Select elected politicians and government officials are also exempt from submitting Korean visa requirements.
FAQ
1. Are those included in the simplification of the Korean visa application still required to submit other documents?
Yes! Other documents like the application form, photo ID, etc. are still required. Check the full list of requirements here. If you are applying with your immediate family members, you will need to show a proof of relationship as well.
2. What if I still want to submit my financial documents?
You are free to do so!
