You booked a flight, what’s next?
A VISA!
Yes, you heard it right. South Korea requires VISA for Filipinos entering their country. I was scared that I might be rejected or that it might take some time before I got my visa and all the roller coaster feeling in between.
So here’s the things you need to have for your application. The one listed below is for Filipino employees and the list is from Korean Embassy.
Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Employees
1. Application Form (I suggest you fill out one at your home as a draft as they do not want any erasures in the form)
2. 1piece of Passport size colored picture (white background)
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6months) (mine was exactly 6mos. hehehehe)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) (submit just the page 2 because they will give the other pages back to you)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted) (your VISA application will be processed faster)
6. Original Certificate of Employment (with contact number/s & address of company and date of issue)(ask this from your employer in advance)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT Bank Statement) (have the amount of your savings account stated :p)
8. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
If you now have all the required documents (which you should prepare before going to the embassy), proceed to the Korean Embassy at McKinley Hills, Taguig.
HOW TO GET THERE:
If you’re coming from Cubao, you can ride the MRT andget off at Guadalupe station. Find the jeepneys with FTI signboard (you have to walk inside the Guada market to find their terminal). Say that you’ll be dropped off at McKinley Hills.
If you’re coming from Antipolo/ Marikina, you can ride the GT Express shuttles going to Ayala via C5. Ask the driver to drop you off at Buting and cross to the other side where jeepneys going to FTI, Tenement, C5 ikot passes. Tell the driver to drop you off at McKinley Hills.
And presto!
Be there as early as 7am to avoid long lines.
VISA APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Get an ID from the guard, you have to surrender an ID in return and fill up the list.
2. Fill up an application form
3. Get a number beside the entrance. They will tell you which window you are.
*Each window corresponds to different VISA application
4. Wait for your number to flash/called by the manning guard at the windows
5. Submit your application form and wait for the assessor to hand out a piece of paper to you.
*This piece of paper will be used upon claiming your passport. This does not guarantee applicants of an approved VISA. Be on the exact date and time indicated in the piece of paper.
6. Claim your VISA!
That’s easy not if you think about the week long agony you have endure while waiting. My workmate got her passport 3 days after we submitted the application because she already have a US visa. It took her about 2-3 hours to get the passport due to technicalities, while I got mine in less than 15mins.
Hooray!