South Korea entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Korea for tourism or business. As of 2026, you must apply online before travel — no visa on arrival or visa-free entry is available.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for South Korea eVisa | Philippine passport holders need an eVisa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the official Korea eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before your trip. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from approval and allows a single entry for up to 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in South Korea. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, but immigration only requires validity covering your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in South Korea. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially for first-time visitors. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least ₩1,000,000 (approx. $750 USD) or equivalent in cash. Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush processing
eVisa processing takes 5-7 business days. There's no express option, so apply at least 2 weeks before your flight. Last-minute applications risk missing your trip.
Keep your eVisa letter handy
Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo will ask to see it. The electronic record is linked to your passport, but having the letter speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to visa.go.kr, create an account, fill in the application form, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. Processing takes about 5-7 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out and save a copy on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number electronically.
3
Travel to South Korea
At the airport, check in with your airline and show your eVisa approval letter. On arrival at Incheon or Gimpo, proceed to the immigration counter — present your passport and the eVisa letter. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Enter South Korea
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. You're free to start your trip. Keep your eVisa letter and passport handy throughout your stay.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism; apply at Korean embassy.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For multiple visits within a year; requires proof of travel history.
Work Visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer; requires employer sponsorship.
Student Visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For international students enrolled in Korean universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩200,000 (~$150 USD)
For investors who invest at least ₩100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Philippines passport holders applying online. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)For frequent travellers, valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ₩80,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Stay ExtensionExtension of stay is not typically available for eVisa holders; check with immigration. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa validity; must be paid before departure. | ₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩3,000,000 (~$2,250 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
Philippines passport holders transiting through South Korea do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is minimal for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and application form.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,504.94 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 5-7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The standard fee is around 40 USD (about 2,300 PHP). Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or bank statement handy is wise.
You'll receive a rejection notice with a reason. Common issues include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or past overstays. You can reapply after addressing the problem.
No, the eVisa is tied to the passport number you used in the application. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eVisa.
If you're just transiting and don't leave the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country (even for a few hours), you need the eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.