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2.08.2017

Get a Multiple Entry Visa to Korea with a BDO/BPI Credit Card!

In 2015, my son and I applied for a Korean visa for the very first time. I documented our application experience in this blog, and even listed down the requirements, as well as some tips on what to do and what to expect once you have submitted your application at the Korean Embassy. (Read all about it here.)
Get a multiple entry visa to Korea!
We were lucky to have been granted a multiple entry visa on our first application, thanks to my BDO-issued American Express credit card. Back then, BDO had a promo wherein its cardholders (BDO Gold, Platinum, and American Express) can enjoy a multiple entry visa privilege to Korea for up to five years and be exempted from submitting financial documents such as Income Tax Return (ITR) and Bank Certificate.
The first step to our Seoul Searching - applying for a Korean visa!
More info on how to get a Multiple Entry Visa to Korea after the jump!
Fast forward to 2017, BDO has just announced that this promo is extended until December 31, 2019. The announcement is posted on both the BDO website and the official webpage of the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines.
The American Express credit card.
Here is the announcement, as posted by the Korean embassy.
Click image to enlarge.
"Get Multiple Entry Visas to Korea with the Exemption of Financial Documents.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to give BDO Gold and and Elite Cardholders multiple-entry visas. Applicants who can submit credit card account statement are subject to the following.

- BDO Gold Cardholders
(Gold Visa, Gold MasterCard, Gold UnionPay, Gold JCB)
Multiple-entry visa to Korea valid for 3 years

- BDO Elite Cardholders
Multiple-entry visa to Korea valid for 3-5years
(Platinum Visa, Titanium/Platinum and World Elite MasterCard, Gold/Platinum/Cathay Pacific and American Express Charge Cards issued by BDO, Diamond UnionPay, Diners Club Premiere)

They are exempted from submitting Bank Certificate and ITR (Income Tax Return) when applying. This offer is valid until December 31,2019 only.
Employment Certificate/ Business Permit is still required."

BPI credit cardholders get to enjoy the same privilege, as written in this announcement also posted on the Korean Embassy webpage.
Click image to enlarge.
"Get Multiple Entry visas to Korea with the Exemption of Financial Documents.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to give BPI Gold Credit Cardholders, BPI Platinum Credit cardholders and Gold BPI Express Teller Debit Cardholders multiple entry visas.

Above stated cardholders who can submit BPI credit card or debit card account statement are subject to the following.

- BPI Gold Master Card
Multiple-entry visa to Korea valid for 3 years.

- BPI SkyMiles Platinum Master Card and BPI Amore Visa Platinum
Multiple-entry visa to Korea valid for 3 -5 years.

- Gold BPI Express Teller Debit Card
Multiple-entry visa to Korea valid for 3-5 years.

They are also exempted from submitting Bank Certificate and ITR (Income Tax Return) when applying. This offer is valid until December 31, 2019.

* Requirements other than Bank Certificate and ITR are still REQUIRED.
*Eligible applicants are not automatically issued a multiple entry visa. Issuance of visa whether single or multiple entry is subject for approval of the consul in-charge."

If you own any of the aforementioned cards and have been wanting to go to Korea, I suggest you grab this opportunity while the promo is still ongoing. Applying for a Korean visa is actually pretty easy, as long as you can provide the necessary documents. This promo makes the application process even easier, and you even stand a chance to obtain a multiple entry visa.

The complete list of requirements can be found on the Korean Embassy webpage, as well as the visa application form.

Here are some basic information that you need to know:

Visa Information

Philippine passport holders who intend to visit or work in Korea are required to secure a visa at the Consular Office.

Visa classifications are as follows:
- Temporary Visitor’s Visa (Tourist/Business)
- Transit Visa for Seafarers
- Hloders of Confirmation of Visa Issuance number from Korea’s Ministry of Justice

Temporary Visitor's Visa may be granted a regular period of stay for 59 days, and if requested, maximum period of stay for 90 days. Transit Visa for Seafarers is granted period of stay for 59 days.

For those who have Confirmation of Visa Issuance number, the period of stay will depend on the approved length of stay from the Ministry of Justice in Korea. For all those who wish to apply for a Korean visa, they must comply the list of requirements. Required documents depend on the applicant’s occupation and purpose of visit to Korea.

Visa Fees
For Philippine Passport holders: 59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS
60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP 1,800.00

More than 90 days stay in Korea (not applicable for tourist visa)
Single Entry -- PHP2,700.00
Multiple Entry -- PHP4,050.00

American Passport holders -- PHP2,025.00

Foreign nationals in the Philippines applying for a tourist visa -- PHP1,800.00

Application Procedure

After completing the required documents, applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office from 8:30-11 am only, every Monday to Friday. Please arrive before 10:30 am to allow enough time for processing. Applicants who arrive after 10:30 am may not be accommodated. This is on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment is needed.

Representative may file the applications as long as the documents are complete. Frequent travelers who have previous tourist visits within 5 years to OECD member countries, those who have at least 2 tourist visits to Korea, and seafarers who plan to transit to Korea should apply at Window 3. Those who have no previous tourists visits within 5 years to OECD member countries, and holders of confirmation of visa issuance number must present their documents at Windows 1 or 2.

Processing takes 5 working days for first time travelers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. This may be extended though, depending on the Consul’s decision. Releasing time is only from 1:30-4 pm.

Applicants, especially the First Time travelers, are advised to personally claim their visas. An interview with the Consul may be required before the result of the application is given. E-6 Applicants/Entertainers, must personally appear for an interview before the visa can be issued.

Important Reminders

Applicants may file their applications at the Consular Office from 8:30-11 am only. Please arrive before 10:30 am to allow time for processing. Releasing time is from 1:30-4 pm only.

For family applications, documents for proof of relationship is a must. (eg. Marriage Contact, Birth Certificate) Family applications should be filed together at the same window, at the same time. Representative may file the visa applications of all family members.

Validity of visa is only 3 months from the issue date. Do not apply more than 3 months prior to the date of travel.

Visa processing takes 5 working days for first time travelers, and 3 working days for frequent travelers. There is no expedite processing.

Apply for visa prior to purchasing your airline tickets since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.


Visa Exemption

- If using Philippine Official and Diplomatic Passport.
- If transiting only and going to the U.S., Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. But must not stay beyond 30 days and with confirmed onward ticket to the 3rd country.
- If the individual has been to Korea for four (4) times within the past two years with a C2 or C3 visa. Or has been to Korea for more than ten (10) times already.
- If Nationality is among the list of those exempted from securing a visa.

Good luck on your application! See you in Seoul! :)

P.S. Make your trip more fun and enjoyable with Trazy! Click the image for details!
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46 replies:

Heather Jones said...

Congrats on your visa! Very exciting to travel to these places having the right credentials. I hope to get a visa one day, or at least renew my passport.

Simple Mama At Home said...

It is great when you are able to get a reward from a credit card. I believe this could become a trend and be available in other places as well.

Unknown said...

That's pretty awesome! It's hassle free and you get to have a multiple entry visa! Thanks for the heads-up!

Soneia said...

This makes traveling convenient for cardholders! I sure hope they have the same promo for Japan. I've always wanted to go to Korea.

Soneia said...

That is really nice, I think it's great that banks are offering something like this. It makes traveling convenient for account and card holders!

Eileen said...

Thanks for letting your readers know about how to acquire a multiple entry visa to Korea. I've always wanted to go on a trip to Asia so this information will come in handy.

travelpogi said...

thanks for sharing the experience and for possting tipss! this are all helpful!

- Kelly Reci

Eugenia said...

That’s so great you have been granted a multiple entry visa to Korea on your first application! Should definitely check out the BDO website!

Eugenia said...

That’s so great you have been granted a multiple entry visa to Korea on your first application! Should definitely check out the BDO website!

Eugenia said...

That’s so great you have been granted a multiple entry visa to Korea on your first application! Should definitely check out the BDO website!

Eugenia said...

That’s so great you have been granted a multiple entry visa to Korea on your first application! Should definitely check out the BDO website!

Shabby Chic Boho said...

Oh wow it sounds like a fun experience. I'd love to get a visa to travel there for myself and my family.

Julie Syl said...

Wow I will show this post to my friends travelling to Korea Thanks for documenting the process and hinting at shortcuts :)

Lisa RIos said...

Congratulations on getting multiple entry visa and thanks for sharing your experience as well as ideas in getting it done. The BDO website should be so helpful for anyone trying to visit Korea anytime!

Unknown said...

Congrats!! :)
Did you still pay for the multiple entry visa fee of P4k?

Unknown said...

Congrata!!! Did you still pay for the multiple entry visa fee of 4k? So that is 8k for you and your son?

Czjai said...

Hi Joan! We did not pay for anything at the Embassy. From what I know, tourist visas are gratis (free).

Unknown said...

Hi, I would like to ask If travel agency/3rd party (not family related) can process my visa to avail BDO/BPI credit card holders for multiple entry? It would also be my first time if ever I'll apply for a VISA. Thank you

Czjai said...

Hi Rochelle! You can seek the assistance of a travel agency, pwede naman. :)

csmith said...

Hi, I’d like to ask for your suggestion. I’m going to apply with my 1 year old son and my mother.

Here’s our profile:
Me: Housewife, has personal bank account, visited Japan and Korea once (single entry visa, within the last 5 years), has a sister who is a permanent resident in Korea.
My husband who will not come along with us, is a businessman with necessary permits such as DTI, etc.

Mom: Businesswoman, been to Korea twice (single entry visa, within the last 5 years), BDO gold card holder, daughter is a permanent resident in Korea.

Son: No travel history yet

My question is what should I write regarding the funding of travel-related expenses. Can I write “myself”even if I’m a housewife? And even if I will submit my husband’s business permits? I’d rather use my bank account cause it has more transactions and movement.

I also have a PENDING supplementary card application for BDO gold credit card from my mom.
Should it be approved, can I also present it and also write that “I” will fund my travel expenses and my son’s? *Again, while me being a housewife.*

Or do you have any suggestions as to how to proceed?
I’d appreciate your response. Thanks!

Czjai said...

Hi CSmith! Did you use your husband's proof of income when you applied for your single-entry visa? If you did, I suggest you just do the same thing, since one of the requirements is proof of employment/business.

Same goes for your mom, who has been to Korea twice.

As to who will fund your trip, you can write your husband's name if you will use his financial docs. Your mom should write that she will fund herself if she can show her financial docs.

Hope this helps. :)

Unknown said...

HI, Just a question, What is your BDO American Express Credit Card? is it Gold or Platinum or Just the Plain AMEX? Thank you..

Czjai said...

Hi Carlo!
Mine is the regular AMEX card, just like the one in the photo.

John Carlo Weber said...

Thank you for your response.. God bless us abundantly

Unknown said...

Hi.. i have a question.. since you were exempted from submitting ITR, was your son exempted in submitting your ITR as well?

Unknown said...

Hello, im a principal cardholder, my wife is my supplementary, is my wife can use it also?

Unknown said...

Hello. I just wanna ask about getting visa in korea using Bdo gold or bpi platinum. Iam principal cardholder, my wife is my supplementary. Is korean embassy also accepts supplementry as requirement? Thank you

Czjai said...

Hi Julito! If you're applying as a family, your wife can simply present your documents as her financial documents, too. :)

byruthie said...

Hi, may I know if what kind BDO American Express did you provide? Did you still give your 3 months bank statement? I will really appreciate your help and reply. Thank you so much. :)

Czjai said...

Hello byruthie!
I used the standard American Express Card. I submitted my bank statement as well, just to be sure. :)

byruthie said...

Which standard American Express? The green one or the blue one? :) But is the bank statement really needed or not? Thank you so much for your reply.

Czjai said...

Hi byrtuhie!
Mine is the green one. :) Bank statement is needed, bank certificate can be waived if you use your AMEX as proof of financial capacity. :)

byruthie said...

I am really sorry for asking too many questions. But may I also ask if your green card is in peso billing or dual currency? Because I called just now they said that green card is not eligible.

Czjai said...

Hi byruthie! Mine is peso billing. Also, the AMEX card pictured above is similar to the one I used when I applied for my visa. n

byruthie said...

Hi, thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. :)

byruthie said...

Hi again, sorry but I have another question. When you applied using your AMEX card, did you have any OECD stamp or visa?

Czjai said...

Hi byruthie!
No OECD visa on my passport then, but had stamps from my previous travels to HK and SG.

Unknown said...

Hi! With regards to the financial requirements, do i need to submit my personal bank statement along with the credit card statement? Or do i just need to submit my original credit card statement? Thanks in advance!

Czjai said...

Hi Marianne! Just your credit card statement will do. :)

Unknown said...

Hello po Ms. Czjai, may I ask if you still presented your bank transactions for the last 3 months? Or BDO card holders are totally exempted from passing financial documents? If no, what financial documents did you present aside from your BDO card and bill? Thank you so much! :)

Unknown said...

Hello again, what if you don't have bank statements? Will they still allow? Thank u!!

Czjai said...

Hi Phoebe, you still need to show them your Bank Statement and Certificate of Employment.

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Unknown said...

Hello! Would you know kung ano need isubmit na docs ng supplementary cardholder? Ako ung principal, c mom ko ung supplementary. Hindi kasi kami nagsabay magapply ng visa kasi wala pa naman cya balak umalis

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