Do you want to visit the Palace and say hi to the Queen? Hear British Accents or Irish Accents up close? See Big Ben or London’s eye? Or do a Harry Potter Tour in London? Then if you are a Filipino, you need a UK Tourist Visa to see them all! P.S. The United Kingdom is composed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You might think it’s easier for me since Jonathan is a British Citizen. But, it’s easy for you too, as a Philippine Passport Holder. Hopefully, you can obtain your visa with the help of this guide! You can check out everything for a minimum of 6 months to 10 years validity.

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Quick Facts About UK Tourist Visa

Validity: up to 6 months

Number of Entries: Single, 2, 5, 10 years

Where to Apply: Online then VFS Center

Processing Time: 15 working days

Embassy: British Embassy Manila
Address: 120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Taguig City Manila, 1634 Manila
Phone: +63 2 8 858 2200
Website: gov.uk

Visa Center: VFS Global Services Philippines Pty Ltd.
Address: Mezzanine Floor Unit M01, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension Makati City, Metro Manila 1231

Visa Center: VFS Cebu
Address: 9th Floor, Keppel Center, Unit 905, Samar Loop, cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000

Who can apply for a UK Tourist Visa?

Those who want to go on a holiday (tourist) or see family or friends
For business or take part in sports or events
Medical Reasons

Documents for UK Tourist Visa

Mandatory Requirements

1. Valid Passport – it must be valid during your stay in the UK with a blank page (back and front) for your visa

Other Requirements you may submit (A4 size)

2. Previous Travel Documents – old passports, visas, and stamps

3. Details of Employment or Studies

If Employed - Certificate of Employment (with start and length of employment, salary, role and company details)
If Self-Employed – Business Registration with business owner’s name and start date of business
If Student: Letter from School (confirming employment and leave of absence)

4. Financial Evidence – e.g. Bank Statements, Certificate of Employment (with the start of employment, salary, role and company details), Sponsor’s documents (if applicable)

5. Travel Insurance

6. Additional Requirements for Minors:

Birth certificate or legal documents
If not accompanied by your parent or guardian: a signed letter from your parents/guardian, their passport w/signature

UK Tourist Visa Fees

Single - £ 95
2 years (up to 6 months each visit) - £361
5 years - £ 655
10 years - £ 822

Step by Step Guide on How to Apply for UK Tourist Visa

STEP 1: Prepare your documents. Please scan it ahead to make the process much smoother.

STEP 2: Go to this website and follow these instructions.

1. Click “apply now.”

2. You will be asked what language you prefer, select “English.” After that, choose “Philippines,” as you will be applying there.

3. There are 2 Biometric Enrolment Locations in the Philippines; one in Makati and the Other one in Cebu. Choose the first option and click “next.”

STEP 3: Complete the application form. You can save your application and retrieve it back. Please note that you are automatically logged out if you are inactive for 30 minutes. Click “Start now.”

1. Register an e-mail address and create your password. This will be used to retrieve your application.

2. You will be asked a series of questions for your application. Please answer them correctly. Click Save and continue until you are done.

Questions you may need to prepare for:

Employment details with employer’s name and address and contact number, the month and year you started working there, job title and description, and earnings after tax

Yearly Income
Other Income or Savings in GBP
The money you are planning to spend on your visit (include flights, accommodation, and expenses)
Planned arrival and departure in the UK
Your activities
Parent’s details (Name and Birthdate)
Details of persons you are visiting, travel agency organizing your trip, or travel companions
Accommodation in the UK
Travel History (Countries with the date of your arrival and departure)
Offenses committed

3. Review your answers and click continue if you are done.

4. Read the documents that you must provide then tick the box and continue.

5. Read the declaration, tick the box and continue.

STEP 4: Choose the length of your visa and pay your visa Fee.

The Visa fee in USD.

Take note of your reference number. Print out the checklist or front page of your application form.

STEP 5: You will be redirected to the VFS Website. Create an appointment at a VFS Center (Manila or Cebu).

STEP 6: Upload your documents ahead (with the checklist and barcode separator), or you may opt for the Document Scanning Assistance (PHP 670) in VFS. It must be in JPEG, PNG, or PDF File. Upload at most 5 at a time.

STEP 7: Bring your documents during your appointment. Your photo and fingerprints will be taken during your schedule.

STEP 8: Track your application through an e-mail update. You can also opt for the extra service of getting a text (PHP 150.)

STEP 9: Pick up your passport visa at the VFS Center or get it through courier (PHP 575.00).

Frequently Asked Questions on UK Tourist Visa

1. How much is the visa fee?

The Visa Fee depends on the length of your visa:

Single - £ 95
2 years (up to 6 months each visit) - £361
5 years - £ 655
10 years - £ 822

2. Where do I pay the visa fee?

You may pay it at the uk.gov website using your credit or debit card or PayPal.

3. Is the visa fee refundable?

No, once it is paid; it is non-refundable.

4. How much is the VFS service fee?

It will depend on the additional services that you render. The visa application fee is the only mandatory charge.

5. I can’t upload my documents, what do I do?

Follow the instructions on uploading documents (sizes and types.) If you have issues, check your internet or maybe do it later as there may be an error in the system.

6. How long can I stay on a Tourist Visa?

For at most 6 months during your visit.

7. How long is the visa processing time?

It is 15 working days.

8. How many days before my schedule should I process my application?

You can apply as early as 3 months before your date of travel. However, since you can get the decision within 3 weeks, you can also apply 4-6 weeks before your departure to the UK.

9. Is a personal appearance necessary?

Yes, you need to get your photo and fingerprints taken.

10. When is the VFS Center open?

They are open Monday to Friday from 07:00 - 14:00.

11. What travel insurance do you recommend?

You can try Safetywing, my insurance provider.