Hello, South Korea! Simplified visa application announced for BPI, Metrobank, RCBC cardholders

Your dreams of visiting South Korea are within reach now that the country has expanded the list of simplified visa requirements to more credit card holders.

When applying for a tourist visa, Filipino visa applicants with certain credit cards from BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank may no longer need to secure financial documents such as bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns starting July 22, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

Instead, they may secure 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 as this courtesy extends to immediate family members such as their parents, spouse, minor children (applicable for adult children who can prove to be students through documents), and their spouse's parents.

Note that all applicants should still submit proper visa application documents like a valid passport, visa forms, travel insurance, employment documentation, and travel itineraries are still required.

“Please be informed that the bank documents are the ONLY exempted or substituted documents in the said simplification process and all other general documents must still be submitted,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.