Key Takeaways:
- Korean Embassy simplifies visa application for holders of specific credit cards from BDO, BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank.
- Eligibility extends to primary cardholders’ family members; supplementary cardholders excluded from the simplified process.
- Applicants need employment certificate, card copy, latest statements, and proof of relationship; other documents still required.
What is the Simplified Visa Application Process by the Korean Embassy?
The Korean Embassy in the Philippines recently made an announcement that will simplify the visa application process for many credit card holders. As part of a move to ease the application requirements, holders of specific credit cards can benefit from a less arduous procedure.
Which Credit Cards Are Now Eligible?
From July 22 to December 31, the following credit cards will qualify for the simplified visa application process at the Korean Embassy:
BDO Credit Cards
Gold:
– Mastercard Gold Credit Card
– Visa Gold Credit Card
– JCB Gold Credit Card
– UnionPay Gold Credit Card
– Diners Club International
– American Express® Cashback Credit Card
– American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card
Elite:
– Mastercard Titanium, Platinum, and World Elite Credit Card
– Visa Platinum Credit Card
– JCB Platinum Credit Card
– UnionPay Diamond Credit Card
– Diners Club Premiere Credit Card
– American Express® Platinum Credit Card
– American Express® International Dollar Charge Cards (Platinum, Gold & Green)
BPI Credit Cards
Gold:
– Gold Rewards
Elite:
– Platinum Rewards
– Amore Platinum Cashback
– Signature Card
RCBC Credit Cards
Gold:
– Mastercard Gold
– Visa Flex Gold
– JCB Gold
Elite:
– Black Mastercard
– Diamond Mastercard
– YGC Rewards Plus Platinum
– Hexagon Privilege
– Visa Platinum
– JCB Platinum
– UnionPay Diamond
– Visa Infinite
– World Mastercard and its variants (RCBC Hexagon Priority, RCBC Balesin World, RCBC The City Club World)
Metrobank Credit Cards
Elite:
– World Mastercard
– Femme Signature Visa card
– Travel Platinum Visa card
– Platinum Mastercard
– Dollar Mastercard
Can Family Members Be Included in This Process?
Yes, the eligibility extends to certain family members. The primary cardholders can include their parents, spouses, minor children, adult children who are students, and their spouse’s parents in the simplified visa application process. However, supplementary cardholders do not qualify for this simplified process.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants must submit the following:
– An original Certificate of Employment
– A copy of the front of their credit card with complete information
– A copy of their latest three months’ credit card statements
– Proof of relationship for other family members included in the application, if applicable
The Korean Embassy noted, “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.”
For more detailed information about visa requirements, you can visit the Korea Visa Portal.
What Was Announced in January?
Back in January, the Korean Embassy had extended simplified visa application processes not only for credit card holders but also for professional license holders, elected politicians, and government officials. Initially, this simplified process was limited to holders of BDO Gold and Elite credit cards.
Additional Information
According to VisaVerge.com, this recent extension includes more credit cards, thus broadening the pool of eligible applicants for a simplified visa application process. This has made traveling to Korea much more convenient for a larger number of individuals, avoiding the need to provide extensive financial statements.
Consistently, the Korean embassy is making significant efforts to streamlining the visa process. This initiative not only simplifies the procedure but also encourages more people to visit Korea, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Feel free to check out the official Korean immigration website for comprehensive and authoritative information on other visa-related queries.
By aligning these processes more closely with the everyday financial tools people use, the embassy is truly working towards a more accessible and user-friendly visa application system.
Conclusion
The expanded list of eligible credit cards from the Korean Embassy is a testament to ongoing efforts to simplify the visa application process. Whether you’re a BDO or Metrobank credit card holder or part of another qualifying group, these changes could make your travel plans to Korea far easier.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Terms
- Simplified Visa Application Process:
A streamlined procedure implemented by embassies to reduce the complexity and number of documents required for obtaining a visa, aimed at making it easier and faster for eligible applicants to receive approval. - Primary Cardholders:
Individuals who hold the main credit card account and are responsible for all charges made to the account. In the context of the simplified visa process, they may include eligible family members. - Supplementary Cardholders:
Users who have access to the credit card account but are not the primary account holders. They do not qualify for the simplified visa application process. - Certificate of Employment:
An official document from an employer that verifies an individual’s employment status, position, and sometimes salary. It’s required to demonstrate stable employment when applying for a visa. - Proof of Relationship:
Documentation that verifies familial connections between the primary cardholder and other included family members, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal documents, required for visa applications that include family members.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Korean Embassy now offers a simplified visa process for specific credit card holders. Cards from BDO, BPI, RCBC, and Metrobank are eligible. This initiative eases documentation for primary cardholders and family members, promoting smoother travel to Korea and fortifying ties between Korea and the Philippines.
— By VisaVerge.com
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