Simplified Korean visa application extended until December 2026

Elected politicians

Members of the Senate, members of Congress, governors, provincial board members, and mayors (city or municipality) are covered by this policy. This opportunity also extends to their immediate family members (parents, spouse, minor children, adult children who are students, and the spouse's parents).

While they are exempt from submitting financial documents, they are required to provide an original certificate of employment or certificate of appointment and proof of relationship. 

High-ranking government officials

Persons with a rank higher or equal to Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government, and Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police (excluding ones in acting duties) can also avail of the simplified visa application. This courtesy also extends to their immediate family members.

Though they are not required to submit their financial documents, they must provide an original certificate of employment, specifying the affiliated organization, working period, position, and salary. The advisory stressed that if relevant information is omitted or cannot be verified due to a lack of contact with HR, disadvantages may be given to the applicant. 

Professional license holders

Those holding a valid PRC license ID (or IBP ID for lawyers) with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer (including judges and prosecutors), certified public accountant, pharmacist, and veterinarian may simply submit a copy of their PRC or IBP ID for validation. They must also submit proof of relationship if they are bringing their immediate family members with them. 

Credit card holders

Primary cardholders of a BDO, BPI, RCBC, METROBANK, or PNB Gold or Elite credit card are also exempted from submitting financial documents. This courtesy is also extended to their immediate family members.

BDO qualified cards:

• All active principal and supplementary BDO Credit Cardholders of Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, UnionPay, and BDO-issued American Express Cardmembers
• All active BDO Debit Cardholders (Mastercard and Visa)

BPI qualified cards:

• BPI Gold Rewards Card
• BPI Platinum Rewards Card
• BPI Amore Platinum Cashback Card
• BPI Signature Card

According to BPI, supplementary cardholders are included, provided they are part of the primary cardholder’s immediate family and can provide proof of relationship. Otherwise, supplementary cardholders are exempt.

RCBC qualified cards:

• RCBC World Mastercard (including Hexagon World Priority, Balesin World, and The City Club World)
• RCBC Visa Infinite
• RCBC Platinum Mastercard (including Black Platinum, Diamond Platinum, YGC Rewards Plus Platinum, and Hexagon Club Privilege)
• RCBC Visa Platinum
• RCBC JCB Platinum
• RCBC Unionpay Diamond
• RCBC Gold Mastercard
• RCBC Flex Gold Visa
• RCBC Gold JCB 

Metrobank qualified cards:

•  Metrobank World Mastercard
• Travel Signature Visa
• Femme Signature Visa
• Travel Platinum Visa
• Platinum Mastercard
• Dollar Mastercard

Note that for Metrobank, the offer does not apply to Supplementary Credit Cardholders of the mentioned cards.

PNB qualified cards:

• PNB Gold
• PNB Elite

To prove financial capability, one must submit a copy of the front of the credit card with complete information and the latest three months' credit card account statements. Proof of relationship must also be included if immediate family members are joining. 

The Embassy noted that applicants who fall under these categories are still welcome to submit their financial documents if they feel this will help their visa approval.

They stressed that other general visa application documents, such as a valid passport, passport-sized photo, application forms, and employment documentation, are still required for all applicants.