Getting a Korean Visa from the UAE

Contrary to the hassle and bustle of obtaining a tourist visa from the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, getting one from their Embassy in the UAE is a piece of cake…

Requirements for Tourist:

1. Original Passport with UAE Residence Visa (plus copies)
2. Application form and 1 recent passport size photograph
3. Guarantee letter from the applicant’s sponsor in the UAE (stating the position in the company and monthly salary); and
4. Recent bank statement for the last (3) three months

Applications are submitted in the morning (8am to 11:30am) while Passport/ Visa, whether approved or denied, are collected in the afternoon (1:30 to 2:30).

My boyfriend and I went there on a Sunday morning at 8:00 (first day of the week as Friday & Saturday are weekends in the UAE). Compared to the Philippines where surely you have to follow a long queue; In Abu Dhabi, we were the first, the only, and I was pretty positive the last applicants of the day. The Embassy was so quite when we came, only 2 employees were around, quietly working behind the Visa section window. We sat on the couch and prepared our documents, ensuring that nothing’s missed or overlooked. And even though Airline, Hotel bookings & travel itinerary were not stated in their list of requirements, we opted to secure them just to make sure.

After several minutes, we were called at the counter to present the documents. Luckily only a couple of questions were asked, i.e. “Where do you work?” and “Why do you want to travel to Korea?” I didn’t show much enthusiasm (e.g. announcing that I’m a BIG Korean fan and that Hallyu is my life!) as doing so might jeopardize our chances. (For one, the Consul might think I’m too eager to leave and might not come back, hehehe^^)

We were advised to return in the afternoon at 2pm to claim our passports. Providing a complete set of requirements does not guarantee applicant a visa so on our way back, I was feeling, nervous, anxious and excited all at once. I had to get another hour off from the office to go back to the embassy for the collection as courier service/ pick ups are not allowed.

I was scared to go back, scared of the result, scared of rejection… But thankfully, we got a positive result.

We’ve been granted a C3 Visa, valid for 90 days from the date of issue, maximum of 30 days stay. Wohooo! And did I mention that we got the visa free of charge? Icing on the cake!!!