MANILA — The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in the Philippines announced on Thursday updated guidelines aimed at simplifying the visa application process and encouraging more Filipinos to visit South Korea. The revisions take effect on February 20, 2026.

Under the new rules, the previously required three months of bank statements will no longer be needed across all visa categories.

Student applicants also benefit from a streamlined process: they may now submit either an original school certificate or a copy of their student ID, instead of both.

For group or family applications, common documents—such as invitation letters, family relationship papers, or company-related documents—need only be submitted once, attached to the file of the representative applicant.

Employment-related submissions were also simplified. Explanation letters are no longer required if employment documents lack a landline number or carry an electronic signature, provided that other contact details, like an email or mobile number, are available.

KVAC said the adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to make the visa application process more convenient while maintaining proper verification standards.