It was a week ago that I revealed my RTW plans and the beginning of my quest for visas. Every Filipino who have experienced applying visas to Japan, US and Europe (Schengen, UK) can relate to this agony. I went through both before but it doesn’t get easier. Since I’m going through the whole process again, I thought I’d make an outline to give future Filipino applicants a starting point. Digging through pages and pages of requirements can truly cause nausea, no kidding.
UK VISA
The United Kingdom (UK) is composed of the following 4 countries: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. As a Filipino passport holder, let it be a default to assume we needed visa to travel anywhere outside Southeast Asia. UK is no exception. There are several visa types but I’ll be focusing on Tourist Visa. UK visa is applied through official partner UK Border Agency online.
My focus will only be for tourist visa application. If you’re studying, working, marrying, or visiting family, I’m sure there’s a whole other bunch of stuff you need to prepare. I can’t help you with it, sorry.
Restrictions in visiting UK as a tourist:
- Visit to UK cannot be for more than six (6) months;
- Leave the UK at the end of your visit;
- Have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK without working or needing help from public funds.
- Will not take paid or unpaid employment.
When to Apply for UK Visa?
As with most countries, UK visa can be applied maximum of 3 months before intended entry.
Where to Apply for UK Visa?
There are 2 parts in UK Visa Application: (1) Online Application (2) Appointment to submit biometric and supporting documents.
- Have in hand your passport, UK address (hotel booking or friend’s address), email address and begin your online visa application. You will need to print the application form after you complete the process. Every person is required have a visa application. Children are considered persons. Somewhere in the website you’ll find a link to download application form to fill up by pen. Don’t bother with this, as this is for those countries that do not have online application option.
- Book Appointment via:
- online booking page (this is free)
- call centre: PLDT / Smart Subscribers 1-909-885-VISA (8472); for Bayantel 1-903-VISAUK or 1-903-847285. PHP 32.00 for each minute for landline calls (excluding VAT and applicable NDD charges for calls made outside Metro Manila). No reason to use this call centers. They charge per minute and will probably spell your name wrong.
What to bring to the Appointment?
- A printed and signed copy of your online visa application form
- Your current valid passport Note: The UK Border Agency will retain your passport until they have reached a decision on your visa application. Bear in mind if you have travel plans before going to UK.
- Previous passports
- Original supporting documents, with photocopies and translations
- Printed copy of the supporting document checklist
- Payment or proof of payment of visa application fee.
- 1 recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) according to below specification.
Photograph Strict Specification
- Taken against a light grey or cream background;
- Clear and of good quality;
- Printed on normal photographic paper;
- 45 mm high x 35 mm wide in size
- Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.
What are supporting documents?
Simply put, these are documents that show evidence that you have ties in the Philippines and that you are coming back–job, family ties, properties, etc. Also documents that shows you are capable of supporting yourself while in UK without the need to find employment–Bank statements, certificates, employment payslip, credit cards, etc. All these should be submitted during the appointment. No further documents will be accepted after. Now, while the absence of these documents may result in unsuccessful visa application, submission does not guarantee visa issuance. More info on UK Visa Supporting Document
If you’re not paying for your own way, or have friend(s) in UK who will support you, you should present them with the following documents:
- Valid Citizen/Residence ID or Passport
- Bank Statement
- Address and contact details
- Invitation letter stating their support
How much is UK Visa? Where to pay for UK Visa? (Updated 12-17-12)
Tourist Visa {short term up to 6 months} costs USD 129.
Since December 17, 2012, visa fee can only be made online. It will form as part of the online application process. When all items are filled up, you will be directed to the website of WorldPay where you have the choice to pay with Visa or Mastercard. They no longer accept payment in person like I did before.
Waiting for Result
If there are no further delays (lacking or unverifiable document), you should have result in approximately 4-5 working days. Track your application through the free Application Status Tool. You can collect documents personally or have the option to have it delivered to your home by paying Php 450. You also get an SMS saying it’s on its way.
Update: So lesson learned, if you are planning to visit in summer, you have to apply earlier. March and April is really hectic. I received mine in 15 days. This is also because of the Royal Wedding coming up on April 29, 2011.
UK Visa Application Centre
Ecoplaza Bldg., Unit 606, 6th Floor
2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension
Makati City, 1231
Philippines
Website: http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com
Here are some links for additional reading
General Information
Information on the UK Immigration Rules
UK Tourist Visa
UK Visa for Filipino Passport Holders kicks off the Visa for Pinoy Series I’m starting in this blog. Here’s hoping it will be a good starting point in your application. I had to go through labyrinth of information to get here. I don’t have my visa yet but I’ll update often! Now, moving on to a totally unrelated topic, this is my 100th post! :)
NOTES & UPDATE: I just came back from a very easy application submission. My schedule was for 9:40am and I was there 9:30am as the website suggested. You have to reschedule if you’re more than 20 minutes late. Total wait time is about 2 hours but once my number is called, it took less than 5 minutes for them to check my documents and then another 5 minutes for them to take my biometric data.
Like I said I was there for 2 hours with about 80 people ahead of me. I saw a lot of people being sent back and forth to rearrange their document, or having to filled up more forms, or worse being asked to come back. Here are few notes to guarantee you out in a jiffy!
- No need to submit photocopy your application form and passports. They’ll ask you to take it out. Save trees too!
- Paste the photo on to the application form. Not stapled, not taped, but pasted.
- Print copy of the supporting document checklist and check (tick) those supporting document that you’re submitting. Some people didn’t, so they have to fill this up when there.
- Arrange document in the order presented on the checklist.
- Bring original supporting documents and have a photocopy of them. I don’t know how many people had to go out and have their document photocopied. Note that you will leave with them ALL your original document (land title, lease document, business registration, bank statements, financial statement, etc.) to be returned with your visa.
- You can only go in with your documents placed in an envelope. Bags and phones will have to be left at their package counter (at the guard). So much more consideration than the US Embassy.
hi there.. I have a friend who will sponsor me to have a 1 month vacation in uk. He will be the one paying all of my expenses.. do you think it would be easy for me to get a visitor visa? I would really appreciate if you can give me a little help with this since because I really have no idea what to do.. This is his graduation gift for me.
hi wanderlass, can you apply directly with the UK embassy? my parents had a terrible experience with VFS Global when they were applying for their schengen visa. VFS almost lost my mom’s passport and took them 2 days to find it. the grief my mom went through thinking that her passport was lost was enough to make her HATE VFS Global. But she still wants to apply for a UK Visa, just not through VFS Global anymore.
thanks in advance!
I think VFS is the only way you can apply in the Philippines. If you’re applying from another country, I don’t know the answer.
Hello. Just wanna ask paano po if student na mag-aaply ng tourist visa sa UK. What requirements should I bring? Thanks po. Godbless. ✌
Hello everyone :) I got my visa…it only took 12 days after I went to makati to submit my documents…
wow … good for you !! planning to process mine too soon ,,
How can I get a sponsorship? Is it through a letter? I’m planning to visit a friend in UK and I don’t have any idea on how to start my application for a VISA. I’d really appreciate if you reply. Thanks. :)
Hi! re:the Printed copy of the supporting document checklist. Is it the same as the supporting docs guide posted at the right side of this page? : http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/documents/
I can’t seem to find the list that you stated in your post. Hope to get your reply asap
Thanks in advance!
hi-just a quick question am now in uk with my Employer,they bring me here as they really need my help to sorting stuff as they decided to live here in uk.i have 6 months visa-but we are planning to have a legal paper and work permanently to them,,,is there a chance that we can process our doc.here,??sinced i know the british autority has been change.
i need your help.
regards,
I have no idea. You have to consult a lawyer on that. And then if u don’t mind, you can share your experience here for other people’s sake. cheers.
Hi. I’d like to ask in printing the visa application, kailangan bang long? or it’s okey na short bondpaper? Am scheduled to lodge my application this feb 15.
Hi!
do you need to have a confirmed flight booking when you apply for uk visa?
thank you!
hello po…i wanna know kung aproximately how many days po ako maghihintay after my visit visa application at ano po ung dapat kong hantayin, well i know visa pero how many days po all in all..bale husband ko po and asa england..i think i have complete documents naman po.. please i need reply po.. salamat…
then how much the ticket???
Hi how long were your documents returned as soon as u were granted visa? And can I be able to get my passport ahead of the result of my application? thanks
hello,i am asking if its ok that my bf is paying my visa pay using his credit card and then he send it to me the reciept copy through email,then i will print it..,it is possible….he’s leaving in england..please i need answer..i am applying nextmonth..thanks i am always reading this site..
rose
hes from england i mean..
Yes you can do that.
Hi there , just asking where can I get Accomodation Certificate ?
Thank you
looking forward to your answer
have nice day
Hi there! I have a friend in Uk, sponsoring me and I have invitation letter stated he will support all my expenses while staying in Uk. I have accomodation Certificate from the office of their country , I have two kids here in the country, but I just opened my bank account this month, do you think I could have chance to enter in UK? Thanks…
Sure
Thank you for having a very informative blog. I was able to book a visa appointment for 3 persons without going through our Travel Agent.
hi there!
Just wondering on how to pay my visa application fee online through the use of credit card or debit card bearing the master card or visa card logo? Because I have read on the UK border agency website that “From 17 December 2012 if you apply for a UK visa in the Philippines you must pay for your visa online as part of the online application process. You must pay in US dollars using a Visa card or MasterCard. We will not accept other methods of payment from this date”
Thank you very much and looking forward for your most favorable response regarding this query. :)
You have to complete the application procedure and at the end of the process, you will be directed to world pay where you can pay with either visa or master.
hi! i’m planning to have a 2 weeks vacation in UK to visit my boyfriend..he will be the one sponsoring the whole trip..i don’t have much in my account as of now, do you think i’m gonna have problem when applying the visa? thank you..
if your bf will be the one sponsoring your trip and while in the u.k ,, then you dont have to worry about your account.. or visa..
hello need urgent rply from u,i want to visit ENGLAND, is it have a possible to get tourist visa that i have enough money to support myself?
hi im planning to visit in uk canvey island i have sponsor who will support me while im in england. how long can i stay there?
Hey this is cool. Visa aplication seems straightforward.
One question:
In here it says you need a confirmed hotel booking as compared to the Shengen visa where it is just hotel reservation. For purposes of submission, is it also just possible to just give a reservation for the hotels in London instead of a confirmed and paid hotel booking?
Thanks
- Ray
for
Lynne-Enroute.com
How much do you need on your savings bank account for you to be approved? Does anyone know?
nobody knows. it only say you should have enough to get by without having to take employment. let’s say you need at least GBP100 per day multiply by # of days of stay, and airfare.
I received a mail telling me that a decision has been made and it has been couriered back to me but its been 8 days and i havent received it yet.does anyone know who’s their their courier?
Mimi – how long did it take and which courier please?
Which country is this application for? UK tourist?
Hi there,
I just applied for a tourist visa (UK) and is a little worried about my chances of being approved. I have submitted 2 business certificates (salon/clothing store), a copy of a deed of sale (cocoland property), 6 months bank statements, an invitation letter for Christmas from a friend in UK. Do u think those, would be enough for them to give me a UK tourist Visa? Thanks in advance.
hi are you married or do you have kids? i think if you have it would be a good proof of family ties that you will be coming back here in the philippines :) have u ever been issued of other visas before like US or australian visa in the last 5 years? because they usually ask for that and ur bank statement should have an average daily balance (ADB) for the last 6 months :) as long as u cn prove that u cn support urself while u are in UK u have a high chance of approval.
is the supporting document checklist, the same as the supporting document guidance – visitors and direst airside transit shown at the right upper side of the uk border agency website? If not where can i get the said cheklist? and one more thing, do my friends emailed supporting documents re passport, p60, employment cert shall be stamp “certified true copy”? please let me know, my appointment will be this week. thank u
hello good morning.. i just want to ask if my passport, i was single but i’m still married w? my ex husband and i have one child.. what i’m going to put on my status in schengen application form.. and do i have to provide the marraige cert and the child b.cert? i was seperated w/ my ex for 4years.. I have french bf that he wants me to visit in france .. he visit me here in phil f0r 5x,, and he is willing to shoulder all my expenses,etc… i don’t have much money in my account … Can you give me some advice, what is the best thing to do? thank you and i hope you can give me advice…
i simply find your website so helpful. So, thank you so much!
Hi there
just want to know after you able to received your Visa
does Embassy require you submit medical records? mean General check up records ?
thanks ,,
no for tourist visa :)