The recent changes in the length of time in processing Korean Visa made Filipinos upset. Just last November 7, 2019, the Embassy of Republic of Korea in the Philippines made an announcement about the 3 ways to go to Korea visa free!
Can Filipino Travel to Korea without Visa?
Yes. There are three ways to visit Korea without visa. Read the entire article to know more about it.
1. Tourists in transit to Third Countries
You can avail this if you have a visa to US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand that has a transit through Korea to enter the above mentioned countries or if you stayed in and departed from one of the above mentioned countries and transit through Korea bound for the country of origin or a third country.
People who hold a visa to at least one of the 30 European countries (Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Rumania, Luxemburg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Malta, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Estonia, United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Czech, Cyprus, Portugal, Poland, France, Finland, Hungary), who transit through Korea bound for one of the 30 European countries can also avail this.
NOTE: You must have a confirmed onward flight ticket for departure within 30 days after entering Korea.
2. Visa Free Entry for foreign transfer passengers
For foreign transfer passengers, eligible applicants are those transferring through the Incheon Airport and taking part in the Transit Tourism Program on their way to a third country or country of origin or those referred to as “general transfer passengers.”
General transfer passengers should have a transfer ticket to be able to stay in the Seoul capital for up to 72 hours, while Jeju transfer passengers or Chinese tourist groups organized by a Korean travel agency under the Transit Tourism Program with tickets for a domestic flight or ship to Jeju are allowed to stay for up to 15 days.
3. Visa Free Entry to the Jeju Area
The third way for travelers to get to Korea visa-free is by flying directly to Jeju Island. Travelers are allowed to stay on the island for 30 days.
People from Syria, Sudan, Iran, Macedonia, Cuba, Republic Of Kosovo, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Ghana, Yemen, Gambia, Senegal, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Cameron, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Egypt are not qualified to avail all of the ways above.
For a more detailed information, visit the Visa Announcement section of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.
Read more about my other blogs about Korea:
- Korean Visa Requirements + Tips
- Reasons for Denial of Korean Visa
- Best Travel Agency for Korean Visa
- Filipino Budget Trip to Korea
- South Korea: 4 Days Budget Itinerary
- 7 Days Itinerary in Seoul
- Tips for First Time Travelers to Korea
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Thankyou so much for sharing this ms. Karla! I have been wanting to visit South Korea and this very helpful for me/us.
Woww!!! This is great thanks for sharing this Ms.Karla namomotivate tuloy ako magpagawa ng passport ?❤️.
Oh wow, so you CAN get in without a visa, haha! Been interested to travel to Korea since Blackpink’s debut (lol) and I’m really hoping this pandemic just ends so we can pick up travel plans and go back to normal! I’ll probably need a visa still, though, as I want to travel all over the place, haha!
Thanks for sharing this Karla! I’m actually planning to visit South Korea or Japan kapag pwede na ulit mag travel. I’ll see kung ano mabilis ma approve na visa. Haha
wow this is great.. but I think applying for visa still good and less expense
That is why a lot of Filipinos visit Jeju Island, I wish I could see the island myself too. I am thinking if there is a direct flight from Philippines to Jeju Island, and I only knew flights to Seoul or Busan.
Wow. Thanks for this Ms. Karla. But Im wondering, which will cost me higher, flying to Jeju directly or applying for visa?
Flying to Jeju directly is more expensive. Applying for visa is free.
We were supposed to go to Korea on the first week of April but due to ECQ and our flight got cancelled we had to resched it. We havent applied for visa yet. Maybe its a sign that we should check out jeju area first! Thanks for this!
Ohhh. Maybe i can just chill in jeju island!! It’s seems to be such a hassle to get a korean visa with all the requirements. But I’m also hearing that we may be allowed there visa free in the future. Fingers crossed. Haha
Pasyal na lng muna kami sa Jeju Island! That place looks relaxing that the city.
Thanks for sharing this information. South Korea has been one of the most visited country in Asia. Most visitors in the country take trips on famous K-drama location shoot and other visit the country to meet their idol group and attend concerts. Overall South Korea sure is a great country to visit whether for a fun or for visitors who want to experience more diversity.
Thank you that was a helpful information on visa .