The Hallyu nation removes the 3-month bank statement requirement, making travel easier for freelancers, students, and first-time travelers.
Planning that long-overdue Seoul trip just got significantly easier. Starting today, February 20, 2026, Filipino applicants for a Korean tourist visa will no longer be required to submit three months’ worth of bank statements—one of the most challenging financial requirements for many travelers.
The announcement was made yesterday by the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) Manila, marking one of the most significant visa requirement revisions in recent years. The move is part of Korea’s broader effort to “enhance convenience for visa applicants and promote visits to Korea,” according to KVAC.
For Filipinos—especially freelancers, creatives, and first-time travelers—this change removes a longstanding barrier that often delays or discourages travel plans altogether.
The biggest change
Previously, applicants were required to submit detailed bank statements covering the last three months to prove financial capability. This requirement has now been officially waived for all visa types.
The lifting signals a major shift in accessibility. For many Filipinos, financial documentation requirements—especially rigid bank history submissions—have been one of the most intimidating parts of applying for visas.
Now, Korea is effectively opening its doors wider.
This comes at a time when Filipino tourism to South Korea continues to surge, driven not just by travel trends but by deep cultural ties through K-pop, K-drama, film, and food.
Freelancers and remote workers benefit from new contact rules
Another major update removes the strict requirement for employer landline numbers.
Previously, employment certificates without a landline number—or those issued with electronic signatures—often required additional explanation letters. Under the revised rules, this explanation is no longer necessary.
As long as reachable contact information such as a mobile number or email address is provided, the employment document will be accepted.
This is particularly significant for Filipino freelancers, remote workers, and employees working with foreign-based companies—many of which do not have traditional office landlines.
The change recognizes the realities of today’s digital workforce.
From following BTS’ journey to visiting iconic K-drama filming locations, Filipinos have long embraced Korean culture beyond screens.
Student applicants also get simpler requirements
Student visa applicants will also benefit from relaxed documentation.
Instead of submitting both an original school certificate and a copy of their student ID, applicants may now submit just one of the two. This small but meaningful adjustment reduces paperwork and streamlines the application process.
Families, groups can submit shared documents
KVAC also announced that families and groups traveling together no longer need to submit duplicate copies of shared documents. Items such as invitation letters, proof of relationship, or company documents can now be submitted once and attached to the representative applicant’s file.
This simplifies group applications and reduces redundancy.
Temporary website maintenance; walk-in applications still accepted
Shortly after the announcement, KVAC Manila issued a follow-up advisory stating that its official website is currently undergoing maintenance. During this period:
• The website will be temporarily inaccessible.
• Premium Lounge reservations will not be available.
• Walk-in visa applications will continue to be accepted.
• Existing Premium Lounge bookings will proceed as scheduled.
KVAC assured applicants that updates will be provided once the website is fully restored.
Applicants advised to stay tuned for further updates
While the revised requirements officially take effect today, applicants are advised to remain on standby for additional announcements and clarifications from the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) Manila.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor KVAC Manila’s official website and social media channels for further updates, including detailed application guidelines, processing procedures, and any additional adjustments that may follow.
As implementation begins, more operational details—including how the removal of bank statements will affect application evaluation—may be clarified in subsequent advisories.
For now, the revised rules mark a clear step toward simplifying the visa process and making travel to South Korea more accessible for Filipino visitors.
Korea strengthens bond with Filipino travelers
South Korea has long been one of the most beloved destinations for Filipinos—not only for its scenic seasons and modern cities, but for its emotional and cultural resonance.
For many Filipinos, visiting Korea means stepping into the world they’ve come to know through K-dramas, music, and storytelling. From strolling along the Han River to visiting Bukchon Hanok Village or discovering hidden cafés in Seoul’s quiet neighborhoods, Korea offers both familiarity and wonder.
These new visa policies suggest that Korea isn’t just welcoming tourists—it’s welcoming Filipino fans, creators, dreamers, and travelers with fewer barriers.
Now, that Seoul itinerary may finally be within reach.
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