BPI cardholders get multiple entry visas to South Korea

MANILA, Philippines - South Korea has granted multiple-entry visas to cardholders of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) effective until December 2016.

The Korean Embassy has agreed to grant BPI Gold MasterCard, BPI Platinum credit cardholders and Gold BPI Express Teller debit cardholders multiple-entry visa access.

BPI Gold MasterCard cardholders will receive a multiple-entry visa to Korea good for three years, while BPI SkyMiles Platinum MasterCard, BPI Amore Platinum Visa cardholders and Gold BPI Express Teller debit cardholders will be granted multiple-entry privileges for five years.

Furthermore, the Korean Embassy has exempted these cardholders from submitting financial documents such as a copy of their ITR (income tax returns) and bank certificate.

Cardholders only need to submit photocopies of their BPI Express credit card and statement of account for BPI credit cardholders, while Gold BPI Express Teller debit cardholders only need to submit a copy of their BPI Express online account screen’s shot and photocopy of their Gold debit card.

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) director Inshik Park said he expects more travelers to visit Korea next year following the new offering.

On the other hand, latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed Korea remained the top contributor of international tourists for January to September 2015 period with 997,135 arrivals, a 25.03 percent share in the total inbound traffic, and provided P4.73 billion in receipts.