Thinking about travelling to the technologically advanced, rich and beautiful South Korea? You do not have to require going through an agent to obtain your visa. It is by no means impossible to apply on your own, thereby saving time and money. We shall be taking you through the process of acquiring a South Korea visa without an agent in this guide. This guide will guarantee that you do everything within the visa process without worrying as a tourist, student, or business traveler.
Knowing about South Korea Visa Process
First of all, you should be aware of a general procedure of acquiring a visa to South Korea. There are different kinds of visas such as tourist, business, student and work visas offered by South Korea. It will include filling an application, preparing the needed documents, and dropping them in the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country.
In case you choose to obtain South Korea visa visa independently, ensure that you are aware of the kind of visa category you will be using considering the reason why you are travelling. Every category has its own requirements, charges and turnaround time.
Advantages of Working without an Agent
Most tourists believe that it is more convenient to apply with the help of an agent, but it is better to do it oneself:
- Cost Savings: You do not have to pay any service fee imposed by agents.
- Transparency: You are in charge of your own documents and keep abreast of all activities.
- Quick Response: You will be able to monitor your application directly with the help of official embassy websites.
- Flexibility: You are able to change or upgrade your application at any time without having to wait in line with an agent.
In case you know how to obtain South Korea visa without an agent you will have control over all the activities of your traveling documentation.
How to do it without an agent.
1. Identify the Right Visa Type
Identify the visa that you require. A tourist visa (C-3) is used in short-term traveling (90 days and below). When you are going to study, work or stay long, then select the right type of visa.
Go to the official site of the embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country to verify the kind of type to use depending on the purpose of traveling.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Various visas have varied requirements of documents but generally you will need:
- An authentic passport (not below 6 months of validity)
- An application form of a visa, which has been filled in.
- Latest passport size photographs.
- Evidence of financial security (bank statements)
- Evidence of accommodation in South Korea.
- Flight itinerary or booking
- Letter of employment or student identification (where necessary)
Visit the Korean Embassy of your country to see more or country specific requirements.
3. Complete the Application form.
Obtain the visa application form of South Korea in the official embassy site. Completely fill it in the English or Korean language. Make sure that everything is correct such as your passport number, travel dates and contacts.
The form can be filled either digitally or manually (in block letters). Check spelling or part of the sentence.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
The visa charges are dependent on the type of visa and the nationality. As a rule, the fees are to be paid locally in local currency at the embassy counter or by way of bank transfer (whichever is appropriate). Ensure that you ensure the new fee structure is checked on the official site of the embassy before making payment.
Oh, store the receipt, that is a vital component to your visa application file.
5. Submit Your Application
After making your form and documents, you can present them in person in the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. There are also countries where one can submit through recognized visa centers (such as VFS Global).
In cases of personal submission, please be sure to carry all originals and copies. Appointment may have to be made beforehand, depending on the methods of your embassy.
6. Track Your Application
Once submitted, a tracking number will be allocated. Check online any change in the state of your visa on the embassy site using it. Your country and type of visa may need as many as 5 to 15 working days to process.
There should be no follow-ups made unnecessarily or making more than two calls, most embassies have their updates posted in real time on the internet.
7. Collect Your Visa
After this, you will be notified to retrieve your passport. Check your visa information as soon as possible; make sure that all is fine (name, passport number, visa validity etc.).
Congratulations! You have now learned how to attain the South Korea visa without an agent!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although it is easy to do it by yourself, you should not make such mistakes:
- Delivery of uncomplete documents.
- Giving wrong or unequal information.
- Lack of signature on the form.
- Using a different category of visa.
- Disregarding the embassy updates or instructions.
You should take your time and ensure that you give a second check on the details you are giving to avoid delays and rejection in the process.
How to do a successful visa application.
- Begin the application at minimum 4 weeks before the trip.
- Arrange your papers and send them in order.
- Be direct on your purpose of travel.
- Keep a copy of all documents clear.
- Adhere to embassy channels of communication.
Such little gestures will improve your probability of approval on the first go.
Why Go Kite Tours Should be Selected as a Help.
Whereas it is entirely possible to apply on your own, in case you ever get confused, Go Kite Tours can also guide you, check all your forms, and even assist in the documentation, without usurping your application. We are convinced in enabling the travelers to take charge of their visa process and at the same time offer expert assistance where necessary.
Conclusion
It is not as hard as it sounds to apply to a visa in South Korea without agent. The whole process can be left in your own hands with a bit of preparation, proper documentation and being very attentive to details. It is an excellent bait to save money and learn the system more.
Go Kite Tours is ready to help you in any way, and to look through your application. These are just a few steps to follow and prepare to visit the amazing culture, food, and beauty of South Korea.