This guide is only applicable for tourist visa applications for credit card holders in the Philippines:

This is my second time applying for a Korean Visa. The first was in 2017 when I went through a travel agency. This time, I received an email from BPI about their partnership with the Korean Tourism Organization and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, so I thought I would give it a try.

The promo period was until December 31, 2024. I applied after the holiday, on November 4th, assuming that the people were still on extended vacation. But it seems many of us had the same strategy lol

Through this simplified visa application for BPI credit card holders (Gold and Elite cards), only the following documents are required. Application form and copies should be in A4 size:

1. Application form

• Download the form and fill it out 
• For tourism purposes:
  • Question 2.1 – Selected ‘Short-Term Stay less than 90 days’
  • Question 2.2 – Entered ‘C-3-9 Short-Term Tourist Visa’
  • For longer stays, please check their website
• Questions 8.4 and 8.5, I entered the hotel address and phone number where I intend to stay
• Question 8.7, I’ve been to more than 5 countries in the last 5 years, so I added another sheet to continue the list
• Question 10.2, Since I am funding my trip, I entered the following:
  • Question 10.2a – My name
  • Question 10.2b – “Self”
  • Question 10.2c – Financial support
  • Question 10.2d – My mobile number

2. Photo

• Check photo requirement
• Paste the photo on the form 

3. Passport

4. Copy of Passport bio page (Page 2)

5. Data privacy – You can have it printed at KVAC

6. Certificate of employment (original)

7. Copy of the latest 3 months credit card account monthly billing statements – I have paperless statements so I printed it out and went to a BPI branch to have them certified. But this is not needed, just a copy will suffice

8. Copy of credit card with card number – If the card number is at the back of the card, along with the CVV, make sure you cover the CVV

The only difference from the usual application is the exemption of these documents:

• Bank certificates
• Bank statements
• ITR

Apply and submit your documents at Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).
It is located on the 9th floor of Brittany Hotel, just next to SM Aura. No need for an appointment, just go anytime during their office hours (M-F 09:00-04:00PM)

Here’s my timeline:

10:35AM – Arrived at KVAC. There were a lot of applicants! I lined up at the front desk to show my documents and get a number. Unfortunately, I forgot my photo lol. They do not have a photo service there so make sure you have a photo glued to your application. I went to SM Aura and asked the guard for a photo studio. There was one on Level 4. I was the only customer, got my photo taken right away and I only waited for 15 mins. I rushed back to KVAC.

11:00AM – Lined up again at the front desk. I didn’t know that I needed a copy of my passport bio page and a printout of the data privacy document. But fret not! They have a printer/photocopier machine there. Wheew! ₱10 per page (cash only)

11:05AM – I was finally given a number – A125. It was only A055 at that time! The room was full so I went back to SM Aura to have brunch.

11:50AM – Back at KVAC. The waiting room was still full, seats were all occupied so I had to stand up and wait for a while until I got seated.

01:50PM – A125 got called! Yay! You have to exit the room, go upstairs (to Level 10), and look for the counter assigned to your number. The officer checked my documents and I was asked to pay at another counter. I paid ₱900 (cash only), went back to the same counter and gave my receipt. They took all the documents and my passport. I was advised to take a photo of the visa application notice and after that I was given a stub/receipt with a barcode, you will use this to claim your passport. I opted to claim my passport instead of delivery, if you prefer courier it is an additional ₱300 within Metro Manila. The stub/receipt has my application/registration number, date of application, and revisiting date. In my case, it was on November 20th.