ICYMI: Korea Visa Application Center now accepting applications through mail nationwide
Appliying for a visa to go to Korea just got a whole lot easier!
In case you missed it, the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in the Philippines announced that they are expanding their services to allow applications to be done through mail instead of submitting them in person.
"We are pleased to announce that starting on May 1, 2024, our Visa Application Courier Service will be expanded nationwide through W-Express," KVAC stated in a Facebook post.
"Enjoy a smooth and convenient visa application process as the first step to your planned Korea trip," they added.
Previously, WExpress' postal visa application was only available for Filipinos residing in Palawan and Mindanao.
KVAC clarified that they will only be accepting Tourist Visa(C-3-9) application forms of Filipinos only. Non-Filipinos and other types of visa must be submitted personally to them or designated travel agencies.
According to the website of WExpress, formerly known as DHL Philippines, they offer a streamlined processing of visa applications with an estimated application timeline of just 13 working days.
Documents will reach Korea Visa Application Center within three working days from the WExpress branch. You must then wait about seven working days for document evaluation and visa processing, and another three days to receive your passport at your doorstep.
Family members or co-workers can submit applications on your behalf with proper proof of relationship. A copy of your birth or marriage certificate is needed for family members, while a copy of the company ID or Certificate of Employment of both the representative and applicant is required for co-workers.
The courier service advised that you must allot sufficient time for your application, as pull-outs and fast-tracks are not permitted. You must also ensure you have all the required documents as specified by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
You will be charged P900 for the KVAC Service Fee P900 and P1,000 for the WExpress Service Fee, adding up to a total of P1,900.
If you're not sure about the documents needed for your application, check out our guide on What you'll need to apply for a South Korean visa.