Maybe you want to visit friends, do some sightseeing, or have a quick meeting. Good news! Traveling to South Korea is now simpler for Filipinos. If you have a Philippine passport, you can enter South Korea without a visa for a short stay, which means less paperwork and more time to plan your trip. Before booking your flight, check how long you can stay and what documents you need to bring. This quick guide explains everything in simple terms so you can prepare easily and enjoy your South Korea trip without stress.
Do Filipinos need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. If you have a Philippine passport, you need a visa before you can go to South Korea.
It’s pretty easy to apply, but you’ll need a few things ready. Make sure your passport is valid, and have your flight and hotel details. If you’re staying with a friend or family, they might also need to give you an invitation letter.
Once you have your visa, you’re all set to enjoy your trip. Just remember to check the dates so you know how long you can stay.
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Visa Tips if You’re Staying in South Korea for More Than 30 Days
If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 30 days, you need to apply for a visa before your trip. Visa-free entry only applies to short visits.
Here are some visa options Filipino travelers can consider:
👉 Tourist or Visiting Visa (C-3) – For sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or short-term stays longer than 30 days.
👉 Work Visa (E-series) – For Filipinos who already have a confirmed job offer or employment contract in South Korea.
👉 Student Visa (D-2 or D-4) – For those enrolled in a university, college, or language training program.
👉 Dependent Visa (F-3) – For family members of Filipinos working, studying, or staying long-term in South Korea.
Before you apply, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and prepare all required documents. It’s best to check the latest visa updates from the South Korean Embassy or the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) before submitting your application to avoid delays.
Which Countries Can Visit South Korea Without a Visa?
If you’re going to South Korea, it’s good to know if you need a visa or not. Many travelers can visit without one for a short trip. Here’s a quick list to help you plan.
Country/Region | Visa-Free Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
USA | 90 days | Bring a valid passport |
Canada | 180 days | Have a return or onward ticket |
UK | 90 days | Passport must be valid during your trip |
Australia | 90 days | Easy entry for short visits |
New Zealand | 90 days | Bring proof of onward travel |
Japan | 90 days | No visa needed for tourism or business |
Singapore | 90 days | Smooth and simple entry |
Malaysia | 90 days | Passport must be valid on arrival |
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South Korea Visa Types
Not sure which visa you need for your trip to South Korea? Don’t worry. Here’s a simple and updated guide to help Filipino travelers choose the right visa, whether you’re going to visit, work, study, or stay with family.
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Stay Length | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
Tourist / Visitor Visa (C-3) | For sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or short business trips | Up to 90 days | The most common visa for Filipino travelers. Must apply through accredited agencies or KVAC. |
Work Visa (E-series) | For Filipinos hired by companies or institutions in South Korea | Based on employment contract | Requires a valid job offer and supporting papers from your Korean employer. |
Student Visa (D-2 / D-4) | For those accepted into a university, college, or language school | Duration of program | You’ll need an acceptance letter, proof of financial capacity, and school documents. |
Dependent Visa (F-3) | For family members of foreigners working or studying in South Korea | Same as the sponsor’s visa validity | Provide marriage or birth certificates and your family member’s valid visa copy. |
Business / Investor Visa (D-8) | For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a business | Varies | Must show proof of investment, business plan, and company registration. |
Training Visa (D-3) | For technical or job training programs | Usually short-term | Requires an invitation from the Korean company or institution providing the training. |
Working Holiday Visa (H-1) | For young travelers (18–30 years old) from partner countries | Up to 1 year | Note: The Philippines is not yet included in South Korea’s Working Holiday Program. |
Resident Visa (F-series) | For long-term stays (work, study, family reunification, etc.) | Long-term | Issued after securing the main visa type and registering your stay in Korea. |
👉 Note: Visa rules can change. Always check the latest info from the South Korean embassy or their official website before you apply.
South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos
Planning a trip to South Korea for more than 30 days or need a special visa? Before you apply, make sure you have all your papers ready. These will show who you are, why you’re going, and that you can support yourself during the trip. Being prepared will make the process quicker and easier!
Document | What It Is | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
Valid Philippine Passport | Your main ID for travel | To prove who you are and your nationality |
Completed Visa Application Form | Filled-out form for a South Korea visa | Gives details of your trip and why you’re going |
Recent Passport Photo | A clear, recent ID picture | Used for your visa and official records |
Proof of Financial Support | Bank statement, payslip, or income proof | To show you can pay for your trip and stay |
Flight Ticket (Return or Onward) | Travel booking back home or to the next stop | Shows you plan to leave South Korea before your visa ends |
Accommodation Info | Hotel booking or address where you’ll stay | Lets them know where you’ll stay during your trip |
Extra Documents Based on Visa Type
Some visas may need extra papers. Here’s a quick look at what you might need, depending on the visa you’re applying for:
Visa Type | Extra Papers You May Need |
|---|---|
Tourist/Visitor Visa | Travel plan, hotel booking, proof you have enough money |
Work Visa | Job offer, contract from your employer in South Korea, papers from POEA/DMW |
Student Visa | Acceptance letter from your school, proof you can pay for tuition and living expenses |
Dependent Visa | Marriage or birth certificate, copy of your family member’s visa |
Training Visa | Invitation letter from the company or school where you’ll train |
Business or Investor Visa | Business plan, proof of funds, company papers (if you have them) |
How to Apply for a South Korea Visa (For Filipinos)
Planning a trip to South Korea? Whether it’s for travel, work, study, or to visit someone, here’s a simple guide to help you apply for a visa without stress:
1. Know if You Need a Visa
If you have a Philippine passport, you need a visa to go to South Korea, even for a short trip.
2. Get Your Documents Ready
Before you apply, make sure you have these papers ready:
✅ Valid Philippine Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
✅ Completed Visa Application Form (download and fill it out)
✅ Recent Passport Photo (white background, taken in the last 6 months)
✅ Proof of Financial Support (bank statements, payslips, or an affidavit of support)
✅ Flight Booking (return or onward ticket)
✅ Accommodation Details (hotel booking or an invitation from a friend/family)
✅ Other papers depending on your visa (e.g. school acceptance, job contract, invitation letter)
3. Submit Your Application
You need to apply through an accredited travel agency or a visa center. South Korea does not accept walk-ins at the embassy. Bring your papers, pay the visa fee, and keep the receipt.
4. Wait for Processing
Starting October 27, 2025, the processing period for short-term visit (C-3) visas will take 16 working days instead of 14.
If you’re planning a trip soon, it’s best to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your flight to avoid any delays.
Application Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Regular Application | 16 working days | Updated from 14 days |
Express Application | 5 working days | No change |
5. Get Your Visa
Once you receive an SMS notice, you can visit the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) to collect your passport and visa.
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South Korea Visa Fees for Filipinos
If you’re applying for a South Korea visa, pay the fee when you submit your documents at an accredited agency or KVAC, and always keep the receipt for reference.
| Visa Type | Fee (PHP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Tourist / Visitor (C-3) | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 | For short trips to travel or visit friends/family |
Single-Entry Visa | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 | Valid for one-time entry |
Multiple-Entry Visa | ₱2,000 – ₱2,500 | Allows multiple entries during the validity period |
Student Visa (D-2 / D-4) | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 | For studying or attending language programs |
Work Visa (E-series) | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 | For Filipinos hired by a Korean company |
Dependent Visa (F-3) | ₱1,000 – ₱1,500 | For family members of foreign workers or students |
💡 Tips for Filipino Applicants
✅ When to Pay: Upon submission of your application at the travel agency or KVAC.
✅ How to Pay: Cash is preferred. Some agencies may accept GCash or card.
✅ Keep the Receipt: Always keep your receipt until your visa is released.
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Safe Travels and See You in South Korea! ✈️
Whether you’re going to South Korea for a holiday, to study, for work, or to visit friends and family, we hope this guide has helped you plan. Get your papers ready, follow the steps, and you’ll have a smooth trip.
Before you go, remember to:
✅ Book your flight to South Korea early to get a good price.
✅ Reserve your hotel or place to stay in advance so you can relax.
✅ Get a South Korea SIM card or pocket WiFi at the airport because it’s very helpful for maps, messaging, and finding places while you travel.
South Korea has delicious food, friendly people, and many amazing places to explore. Pack your bags, bring a smile, and get ready for a fun trip.
Have a safe flight and enjoy South Korea!