How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa Via W Xpress + Updated Requirements for First Timers

Korea is probably every Filipino’s dream country to visit, especially if you grew up watching Korean dramas and are a fan. So if you’re planning to visit Korea anytime soon, keep on reading this guide: How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa Via W Xpress for practical tips and step by step guide on how to do it.

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STEPS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A KOREAN TOURIST VISA VIA W XPRESS

Filipinos generally need a tourist visa when visiting South Korea. Although there are visa-free options, such as if you’re only visiting Jeju Island, entry is only through Jeju International Airport, or if you’re a transit passenger flying to Incheon Airport to or from other countries, you can get a visa-free Korean stay of up to 30 days. But if you’re flying from a Philippine airport to mainland South Korea, you must apply for a tourist visa at the Korean embassy in Manila.

However, if you’re not residing in Manila or want to apply for a Korean tourist visa without a physical appearance, you can do so via W Xpress, as the Korean embassy allows tourist visa applications via mail, with W Xpress as its designated courier service.

Step 1: Determine the Visa Type

A Korean tourist visa is the C-3-9 visa, meant for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure. It allows up to 90 days of stay with single, double, or multiple entries based on eligibility.

Meanwhile, for other visa types, you can check this link for the list.

Step 2: Check if You Are a Simplified Applicant

An applicant for a Korean tourist visa who is a simplified applicant is exempt from submitting bank certificates, statements, or ITRs due to their job, government status, or certain high-tier credit cards. So, before applying for a Korean tourist visa, make sure to check whether you qualify as a simplified applicant. Qualified categories include:

Elected politicians and immediate family members
Government officials and immediate family members
Professional license holders and immediate family members
Credit card holders and immediate family members

If you qualify, you’re exempt from submitting bank certificates, statements, and ITRs, but must show proof of eligibility or relationship if an immediate family member.For full details on simplified applicant status, see the Korean embassy’s notice here.

Step 3: Check the Nearest W Xpress Branch From Your Location

Before gathering your Korean tourist visa requirements, make sure to check the nearest W Xpress branch from your home first. To check for the nearest branch, (1) visit the W Xpress website, (2) select “Branches” at the top, and (3) enter your location. If a W Xpress office is nearby, start collecting your requirements.

Step 4: Gather the Requirements

For the most up-to-date requirements, (1) visit the W Xpress website, (2) click “Product and Services,” then “Authentication” and “Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC),” (3) and carefully select your applicant category from the available options (such as individual, businessman or self-employed, student, housewife, religious worker, or retiree). Each category has its own specific requirements, so it’s important to choose accurately.

In my case, I selected the businessman or self-employed category because I am a freelancer with a BIR-registered blogging service. Depending on which category you select, you will be shown a tailored list of requirements to prepare, including the visa application form.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST VISA

1. Visa Application Form

Fill out the form on a computer using all capital letters. Make sure no field is left blank; use N/A for which you don’t have an answer. After answering it, print it on A4 paper and sign with a wet-ink pen.

2. 1 piece of passport-sized colored picture (white background)

A passport-sized picture should be 35mm x 45mm. Also, make sure that your photo is taken within 6 months, as they can really identify outdated photos. If your picture is ready, paste it on your application form with glue, so it’s not directly printed on the form.

3. Original Passport

When applying for a Korean tourist visa, you must submit your original passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

4. Photocopy of Passport bio-page (page 2)

5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable only)

If you have a valid visa or arrival stamp from any OECD member country issued within the past 5 years, make sure to submit a photocopy of it too on A4 paper. Refer to the list of OECD member countries here.

6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (if applicable only)

7. Original Certificate of Employment (if applicable only)

If you’re employed, ensure your Certificate of Employment includes your position, date of hire, compensation, office address, HR landline (not cell phone), and HR email address.

8. Photocopy of Business Permit and Mayor’s Permit

In my case, I submitted only a photocopy of my Business Permit and did not present a Mayor’s Permit, as I do not have one. Rather, I explained in my cover letter that I cannot submit a Mayor’s Permit, noting that I am a freelancer with a BIR-registered business but do not possess one, as it’s unnecessary since my business has no physical shop or address.

9. Original Personal Bank Certificate

You can request a bank certificate from your bank. If they ask you for what purpose, just tell them it’s for a Korean visa application. They will then ask you to provide the Korean embassy address, so just give it to them as they will type it into your bank certificate.

Important Note: Make sure your bank certificate includes a 6-month ADB that lists your account name, account number, account type, current balance, and account opening date.

10. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)

If your bank offers online statements, you can just download them. Otherwise, you can request a printed copy of it from your bank with your bank certificate.

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

If you’re an employee, you can get your ITR or Form 2316 from your employer. Meanwhile, in my case, I am a freelancer, and I have a bookkeeper, so I only asked my bookkeeper for it. You can do the same, too, if you have one.

But if you really don’t have an ITR, just make sure to mention it in your cover letter and explain why you cannot submit it.

Important Note: In your cover letter, you must list all requirements you cannot meet, along with your reasons.

12. Privacy Consent Form

You can download this via this link and then sign it with a wet-ink pen.

13. Print out and signed copy of the W Express checklist

For the W Xpress checklist, you can download and fill it out here.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to the W Xpress Branch

Once your requirements are complete, the next step is to submit them to the nearest W Xpress branch from your home. W Xpress will then check your documents once you’re there, using their checklist to confirm they’re complete. If there is anything wrong with your documents that needs to be fixed, they will also let you know.

IMPORTANT TIPS FROM JOAN’S FOOTPRINTS

In your application form, all of your answers must be computerized and all capital letters. Only your signature must be wet-inked, and make sure you use black ink, not colored pens. Your form should also be printed in A4 size.
For your photo in your application form, only use glue and not tape or a stapler.
Make sure to print all requirements in A4 size.
Before submission, ensure that all documents are complete and arrange them as listed by W Xpress.

KOREAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How early should I apply for a Korean visa?

You can apply for a Korean visa as early as 2-3 months before your intended travel date.

How late can I apply for a Korean visa?

The updated processing time for a Korean tourist visa is 14 working days. For travel close to your application date, it is not advisable to apply at the last minute due to processing delays, especially during peak season. So it’s best to apply early to allow adequate processing time.

Do I need to book a flight before applying for a visa?

No, you do not need a confirmed flight to apply for a Korean visa.

However, it’s up to you whether you prefer to book a flight first, especially if you’re purchasing it during a seat sale. The risk is that if your Korean visa is denied, you won’t be eligible for a refund for your flight, since it’s a seat sale.

But if you’re willing to book a flight after your Korean visa is approved, this option is much better, as there is no risk factor. Although your flight fare may not be as cheap as it is during a seat sale.

How much should I have in my bank to get approved?

The Korean embassy does not require a minimum ADB. You only need to show them that you can afford to travel to Korea.

Your bank balance, as indicated on your bank certificate and bank statement, should sufficiently cover your travel expenses in Korea based on your planned stay. For example, a 7-day trip generally requires more than PHP 20,000. This means that you should ensure your balance is appropriate for your travel duration.

It’s really a case-by-case basis, depending on your length of stay and travel expenses.

How much is the visa fee?

The processing fee for a Korean visa is PHP 900, but since you’re applying via W Xpress, there’s an additional fee of PHP 1,000.

What does a Korean visa look like?

Compared to a Japanese or Chinese visa, it doesn’t look like a sticker attached to the passport anymore. Once you get your passport back, it will include a printed visa grant notice, which is the Korean visa you will present to the Immigration Office.

What if I am a self-employed or a freelancer?

Freelancers can apply, but must submit all listed documents above and a cover letter explaining their work status, income, how they’ll fund their trip, and ties to the Philippines.

How long is the visa processing time?

The updated processing time for a Korean tourist visa is 14 working days, but during the peak travel season to Korea, such as autumn or winter, expect delays due to the volume of applications submitted to the embassy. So it really depends on when you’re applying; it can take 16 days or more than 1 month.

How can I increase my chances of getting approved?

To increase your Korean tourist visa approval chances, just make sure to show strong financial stability with clear bank statements, show a credible travel history if you’ve traveled before already (especially to OECD/developed countries), provide a detailed and realistic itinerary, and ensure all documents are perfectly neat, complete, and honest, including a solid cover letter explaining your intent to return. In short, just follow the requirements correctly.

What are the common reasons for visa denial?

Some common reasons for visa denial include insufficient funds, weak ties to your home country (e.g., unstable employment or family ties), an unclear or suspicious travel purpose, incomplete or inaccurate application documents, and a poor travel history. This is why it’s important to note that you should convince the immigration officials in your cover letter that you have strong reasons to return home and can financially support your travel.

Help me improve my guide: HOW TO APPLY FOR A KOREAN TOURIST VISA VIA W XPRESS! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas.
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