The Korean Embassy unveiled the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) at the Britanny Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. This initiative promises Filipino travelers “hassle-free and limitless” visa applications. The center is geared to provide superior visa application services, and starting from August 29, it will levy a P900 fee for every visa application, irrespective of the visa category.
The launch comes as a relief to many travelers. KVAC’s General Director, Kyusuk Ahn, remarked in a recent interview, “There were numerous challenges with visa applications before. But with the opening of the KVAC, these inconveniences will be a thing of the past.” Given Korea’s increasing popularity as a travel destination among Filipinos, the KVAC is expected to streamline the visa process significantly.
Director Ahn emphasized, “Anyone eager to apply for a Korean visa is welcome at the Korea Visa Application Center anytime. We will accommodate as many as we can.”
At present, there’s no charge for Korean visa applications for visits up to 59 days. The KVAC began its pilot run on August 14, exclusively accepting online reservations. During this phase, which continues until August 25, there will be no application fee. The center’s official commencement is on August 29, from which point both walk-in applications and those without prior online bookings will be entertained, necessitating the application charge.
Under normal circumstances, visa processing will span five business days. However, processing times might be extended during periods of heavy demand. Applicants will receive a notification when their results are ready.
Director Ahn is keen to welcome more Filipinos to Korea. “There’s a vast following for K-Pop, Korean cuisine, and the broader Korean culture. We invite Filipinos to experience Korea, especially those who visited before the pandemic, to observe the myriad changes that have since taken place,” Ahn expressed.
For comprehensive details on the visa application process, interested individuals can head to https://www.visaforkorea-mn.com. The KVAC’s portal also offers one-on-one online consultations, a Q&A section, and timely announcements.