Philippines to South Korea tourist visa
Complete South Korea tourist visa guide for Filipinos. C-3–9 visa requirements, free visa fee for stays under 59 days, 5–15 working days processing, and 75% approval rate. Updated February 2026.
- Visa
- South Korea Tourist Visa
- Fee
- Free
- Processing time
- 5–7 working days
- Length of stay
- Up to 59 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea
- Passport Bio-page Copy — Clear photocopy of your passport bio-page (page 2)
- Passport Photograph — Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Korean visa specifications
- Visa Application Form No. 17 — Complete the official Korea visa application form available from the embassy or KVAC
- Certificate of Employment — Original certificate from your employer proving your employment status
- Bank Certificate — Original bank certificate from a Philippine bank showing your account details
- Bank Statements — Original or certified true copy of bank statements for the last 3 months
- Income Tax Return — Photocopy of your filed Income Tax Return or Form 2316
How to apply
- Complete Form No. 17 — Download from the embassy or KVAC website. Fill accurately, sign, and attach a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Prepare financial documents — Gather bank certificate, 3 months of statements, ITR or Form 2316, and Certificate of Employment from your employer.
- Book KVAC or embassy appointment — Submit through the Korea Visa Application Center in Manila or the Korean Consulate in Cebu.
- Submit application — Visa fee is free for stays up to 59 days. KVAC charges a service fee of around PHP 400.
- Receive visa decision — Standard processing is 5–7 working days. Peak seasons (summer, Chuseok) may take up to 15 working days.
Common questions
- Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
- Yes, Filipino citizens require a C-3–9 Tourist Visa to visit South Korea. The Philippines is not among the visa-exempt countries for Korea. You must obtain a visa before travel through the Korean Embassy, Consulate, or Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).
- How long does South Korea visa processing take from the Philippines?
- Standard processing takes 5 to 7 working days from submission. However, processing may extend to 15 working days during peak seasons like summer and Chuseok holidays, or if additional documents are requested by the embassy.
- What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Filipinos in 2025?
- The visa fee is free (gratis) for stays up to 59 days. For stays of 60 to 90 days, the fee is PHP 2,000. The Korea Visa Application Center charges an additional service fee of around PHP 400. Travel agencies typically charge PHP 2,400 total including service fees.
- How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?
- The C-3–9 Tourist Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Most applicants receive authorization for 59 days or less. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay. Extensions are generally not permitted.
- What bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa from Philippines?
- While there is no official minimum amount, your bank balance should be sufficient to cover all expenses for your trip including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. A balance of PHP 100,000 to PHP 150,000 or more is recommended for a 2-week trip. The 6-month Average Daily Balance (ADB) is also evaluated.
- Where can I apply for a South Korea visa in the Philippines?
- You can apply through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila, the Korean Embassy in Makati, or the Korean Consulate in Cebu. Most applicants use KVAC or accredited travel agencies for convenience. Walk-in applications may be phased out in favor of designated travel agencies.