How to apply for a UK tourist visa in the Philippines? It was my first time applying for a UK standard visitor visa, and I got approved successfully.
In this article, I will share with you how to apply for a UK tourist visa and the requirements and procedures (with screenshots) of how I filled out my application form, an
Every Filipino and Philippine passport holder is required to have a travel visa before visiting the United Kingdom.
Don’t worry so much because applying for a tourist visa for the UK is quite simple and straightforward. There is even no interview needed in the process unless the embassy requests the applicant for further requirements or questioning.
What is a UK Tourist Visa?
A UK Tourist Visa is also called UK Standard Visitor Visa. You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you want to visit the UK for the following purposes:
- for leisure, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
- for business, or to take part in sports or creative events
- for another reason, for example to receive private medical treatment
When is the Best Time to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa in the Philippines?
According to the UK embassy, the earliest you can apply for a UK tourist visa in the Philippines is three months before you travel. For example, if you plan to visit the UK on July 30, you can apply for your tourist visa as early as April 30.
How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa in the Philippines (Complete Guide with Pictures)
Step 1: Create your Visa4UK Application Account online
Register an account at visa4uk, where you will fill out your application form that you need to print out and bring to the UK Visa Centre (VFS Global). You will also schedule your appointment using that website. You may find a sample screenshot below. Type all the correct details. Double-check everything, especially your name and passport details.
Step 2: Select your Type of Visa
Choose “Tourism” if you are applying for a Standard Visitor Visa. The basic visa sub type is valid up to six months.
Step 3: Answer Each Question on your Application Profile
Provide a truthful answer to each question. Then follow the steps to complete your application. You can go back again to edit your details. Do not CONFIRM your application until you have completed, finished, and checked everything and all information needed on the application. Once you have confirmed your application, you cannot go back, edit, or change anything.
Take note of every detail you will provide, such as this section below:
Do you have savings, properties or other income, for example from stocks and shares?
This will be about other means of income like passive income. In the example given, I put Yes for Stocks and Shares. I put N/A for the Total Monthly Income from stocks and shares because my income from stocks varies every month. To support this, I attached my Stock Certification from my broker.
What is the cost to you personally of your trip in GBP?
This will be the total expense for your trip in GBP.
The total amount of money you have for this trip.
This will be your total budget for the entire trip so it must exceed the total expense of your trip.
The cost of aeroplane, boat or train tickets.
This will be the cost of your roundtrip flights so the data on your flight reservation must be the same with this amount (in GBP).
The cost of your accommodation.
This will be the total cost of your hotel accommodations. Again, the amount must be similar to the amount from your hotel reservations.
Additional Information part
In this section, you can write everything you want to say that you think are important. Tell the consul valuable information they need to know regarding you and your application that was not provided in the previous parts of the application. You can also use this part to explain matters you think are worth mentioning.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment and Pay the Visa Application Fee
Select a date for your appointment. Then, pay your visa application fee. The current Standard Visa fee is 100 GBP. Print your appointment confirmation and application form. You need to bring these documents to the UK Visa Centre (VFS Global).
Step 5: Gather the Documents Required
You can print out the checklist of UK Tourist visa requirements for Filipinos. In my case, I submitted the following (for self-employed applicants):
- PSA Birth Certificate (I submitted a latest copy)
- Philippine Passport
- Old Passport with visa and travel stamps
- Bank Statement (latest 6 months)
- Bank Certificate
- ITR (I submitted BIR Form 1701A since I’m self-employed with business)
- DTI Permit (with my name and date the business started trading)
- Mayor’s Permit (latest one)
- Certificate of Stocks Investment
- Travel Itinerary
- Hotel Reservations
- Roundtrip Flight Reservation
Step 6: Attend your Appointment at the UK Visa Centre (VFS Global)
Be there 15 minutes before your appointment time. The VFS Global handles visa applications for the United Kingdom and other countries like Australia, Canada, France, and many more. VFS Global is the middleman for visa applications. They forward the applications and documents to the embassies.
The address of VFS Global in Makati and Cebu are listed below:
VFS Global Makati Location:
Mezzanine Floor Unit M01, Ecoplaza Building,
2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension Makati City, Metro Manila 1231
VFS Global Cebu Location:
5th Floor, Kepwealth Center, Unit 503, Samar Loop
cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue,
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000
Step 7: Submit your Documents and Printed Application Form
I submitted original copies of my documents except for the ITR (Income Tax Return), DTI Business Name Registration, and Mayor’s Permit. VFS Global offers SMS and courier services for your UK tourist visa application.
Step 8: Have your Photo and Biometrics Taken
After the submission of documents, wait for your name to be called. You will then enter a room where VFS Global staff will capture your biometrics and photo. This is the last step at VFS Global. After this, you can go home and wait for your visa to arrive if you opt for the courier delivery of your passport. Otherwise, you can pick it up at VFS Global.
Step 9: Wait for your Visa Application Result
The nerve-wracking part is waiting for your visa approval. I got my passport with my visa after 15 days because I chose and paid for the regular processing. It was delivered to me via courier service. Since the pandemic occurred, it can take a longer processing time of 3-6 weeks.
Good luck! Comment below if you have any question.
Related articles about traveling the UK for Filipino Citizens:
- How I Got My UK Multiple Entry Visa in One Shot
- UK Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos
- London Travel Guide Tips on a Budget
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is based on the author’s personal experience. There are different visa types and applications. If you’re not sure how to apply for your visa, seek the help of a professional visa advisor. The requirements above may change any moment.
Hi ma’am.plano po namin ng asawa ko mag apply ulit ako ng standard visit visa sa UK by May,
Ilan beses na po ako na refuse like 5x na.????
Pwede po ba ang in-laws ko ang sponsor ko doon na din ako magstay sagot na nila everything at cost.
Wala ksi pera malaki asawa ko at ako wala savings.
Im currently employed po..wala pa po ako previous record na out of the country.
Anything you might suggest its a big help po..
Thanks and advancexxx
Hi maam, this is my 3rd comment baka po ma reply nyo na ako this time. kaka received ko lang nung passport ko with refusal letter (sad) 🙁 stated in the reason of the refusal like this “Other than a business certificate and some tax documents, you have not provided satisfactory documentation to support that you are employed and earning as you state. You have not provided any pay receipts or your personal bank documents which would show your salary going into your account” yes i am registered as self-employed i handed over all my business registration docs, ITR return, bank documents both business account and personal account. now, sa reason ng refusal I did not provide “pay receipts” OR YOUR PERSONAL BANK DOCUMENTS” which is odd kasi i provided personal bank docs-certificate and statements covered 6 months transactions and, about pay receipt i assume this means pay slips! why need ko mag provide ng pay slips self-employed ako sole prop. yung business ko. upon reading your blog halos same tayo ng docs na sinubmit kasi as self-employed individual..nag avail ako ng documents scanning no receipt from VAC kung ilang piraso ang docs na na scan. may posibility kaya na na overlooked or di na scan nung VAC staff yung personal bank docs ko?? huhuhu nakakaiyak lang kasi aside dyan sa reason nila wala naman silang ibang reason of refusal. need lang po ng konting advise or any idea lang po kung ano ang possible na naging problem..
PLEASE NOTICE MAAM!
Hi, Rizza. Your submitted bank statement must have shown proof na doon pumapasok yung earnings mo from your business. Example, yung na-rereceive mong profit from your business dapat nag-rereflect monthly sa bank statement mo (sa credit section)
Hello mam,my boyfriend,a British citizen wants to invite me for a holiday and meet his family,and he will be paying for everything,since ive read the requirements and some of them,i must admit I’m not capable to provide,is it still possible for me to get a standard visitors visa?
Your reply will be much appreciated. Thank you very much
Yes, you can apply for a Standard Visa. If your boyfriend will sponsor your trip, you need to submit documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependant family should be provided according to the UK Immi site
Hi ! Just want to check did you have to pay twice for the uk visa application fee? I did pay the 122USD upon submitting the visa application online.then on the vfs global site theres a charge of 3685 Pesos before you can book for biometrics,i dont know whats that for? Is that a new thing? Im pretty sure we only paid once for the visa application before..pls help..thank you
Hi, yes I paid UK visa application fee online and then during my appointment I paid VFS service fees like SMS, visa delivery, etc.
Hi mam, I am sorry to interrupt . I just have some questions regarding getting a standard visa in UK. I have a boyfriend in Manchester and he wants me to come to visit him but we decided to have it half/half savings from our income for the expenses I need to get a visa. If I have only regular work as employee , no business and other income, can I still possible apply for a visa and get approve?
Your response is much appreciated po. Thank you very much.
Hi, yes, you still have a chance if you show strong proof of close ties in the Philippines such as your regular job (submit certificate of employment with details of your job, salary, and tenure), assets like stocks or real estate property (submit a copy of your land title), savings (submit bank statement and bank certificate)
hi mam planning to apply for uk visa for Christmas, first thing is i will be travelling with my bf(eu citizen) but his son is in uk so we are going to stay there-is it called sponsorship already? and also i will be travelling with my minor daughter, separate requirements po ba for her? thanks po in advance. i hope ma notice nyo po.
hi how much needed na savings para sa pag apply ng UK visa?
Hi 🙂 There is no specified “savings” requirement by embassies. You’ll know how much you’ll need according to your answer on the application form on the “Income and Expenditure” section. See the screenshot sample from the article above. Your money from your bank certificate must be more than enough to cover your expenses. Besides that, you must prove your employment and financial status.
Hi Ma’am,
I am planning to visit my former employers of 25 yrs as per agreement before I came home for good from the UK 3 years ago.
You mentioned about presenting the latest copy /PSA birth certificate. Do they actually require the latest copy of my birth certificate,or can I use an old copy which details tallies with my biometric passport?
Your reply would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Hello maam,good day. I was planning to visit my boyfriend in London, can he send me an invitation letter and and his bank statement as a requirement needed? I dont want to produce my bank statement so i rather let my bf produce for me. Is that possible?
Hi, I hope you could help me with my concerns.
I am wife of a british citizen who’s currently working in China, we are planning to go to UK this December for Christmas with our 5months old baby who we already applied for UK passport (still waiting for it), so I will be the one who will only apply for visa. What will be the requirements I should provide? Thank youuuu. ????
Hi Mam!
I would like to ask what are the requirements to get Standard Visa if I”m employed? Your reply will be deeply appreciated. Thank you!
hello maam,
please i need you help, was planning to visit in london this coming april 2020, i already had an invitation letter from my uncle and aunt and i will stay to them the whole 6 mons before my tourist visa expire. do i have a chance that my application will be granted?
what are the requirements should i prepare?
thanks you for your assistance.
Hi 🙂 Are you employed or self-employed?
Hello;
Do I need 2 Visas for UK and Sweden(Schengen)?. My entry point is UK. Thanks
Yes, if you are visiting the UK, you’ll need UK visa. If you are also visiting Sweden and other Schengen-member countries, you’ll need Schengen visa
I went for biometric here in philippines for spouse visa and my husband is the one who will submit the supporting documents in Uk do you any have idea of how to get an appoinment for submitting my documents in UK
hi, when you applied for standard visitor visa you can stay up to 6 months or 1 month only? what if your itinerary is only for 7 days do they write the specific date of entry and exit to the printed visa? thanks in advance.
Hi, Iam about to complete my online application, however since friday(June 21,2019) the site is currently down. I need to book my appointment this week cause my intended travel is on aug 2. What should i do?
For the flight reservation, do they need to see the cost of the airfare or can i just submit the ticket itinerary (without the payment details). Thank you
Hi, Elle. The site is up and ok now 🙂 Yes, the cost of ticket is helpful to support your answer on the question about airfare
Hi! base on VFS Online System we are required to submit TB TEST Certificate but we only travel for 10 days. at the same time, in their website there is no less than 6 months to choose from. I hope someone can help me answer my query.
Hi. Did you avail of the document scanning in VFS service or you uploaded it yourself? I am in that stage wherein I need to upload the documents however I am not sure if I have the complete documents. Another thing, do I need to upload the document checklist as well – filled up or not? Thank you!
Hi EM 🙂 I did not avail the scanning since I personally submitted the documents at the VFS Global myself. I had the checklist and marked every item on the checklist that I was attaching to the application. Then the documents were arranged according to my checklist. The checklist is very important.
Aside from submitting the documents to VFS, it is required to upload the files in the VFS global website right? Additional question, for example someone will partly pay for the cost of my trip, would you know if I need to submit that someone’s bank certificate and statement as well? Thank you. Appreciate your response. 🙂
Hello Fehl. I want to do what you did by going personally to VFS and submitting all the docs, however I cannot book my appointment without going through their services? please help.
Yes, you have to schedule an appointment online first at VFS Global.
Good day..My name is Suzana a Filipino.I’m planning to visit UK again on October 2019. I visited London last April 2018..my son invited me to visit them. He is already a British national coz he work as a nurse for 12 yrs now in London.
I’m worried about what my friend told me. She was not allowed to enter in New Castle border just this June 2019 even though she has a visa for 6 month as a standard tourist visa..because she must wait after 2 yrs before going back to UK. I got scared and worried .
Is this the new regulation now..
Pls give me some advise.
God Bless..Thank you
Suzana
Hi Didith. I booked my appointment online here https://myappointment.vfsglobal.co.uk/MyAppointment/ and I did not avail any of their services. My account was automatically created after completing the application form in https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/. If you will not avail any of the VFS services, you will need to upload scanned copies of your documents in the website. They will no longer check your docs (except for the appointment confirmation letter and application form) during your appointment unless you availed of the scanning services. Physical copies of the docs will not be submitted as well. But to be sure, you should still bring your supporting documents. Hope this helps.
Hi Em! May I ask how your application went? I created an account on the same site you provided but I’m not sure if the beta version is the correct one to use >> > https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
Thank you.
Hi Jeni. My application went well. I was actually granted with a multiple entry visa and I just came back from UK. Which is the beta version, the link I provided or yours? I think you can use either of the two. When I applied, I was in the visa4uk site at first but I saw this “You may be able to apply using our new service for visit visa applications…” and clicked the link of “new service” and I was redirected to the visas-immigration site.
Hello! I’m trying to book an appt at VFS global Makati since May 14, 2019 but all slots are for payment!!! Their website says they have standard slots/free but so far I could not find any. How do I get that standard slot? I’m applying for a standard tourist visa to London. No friends there, so if I could not get a standard slot, I will cancel /refund my USD 129. I refused to be ripped off by VFS!
I have the same problem. All of the slots given by VFS are attached to premium package which costs additional Php3300 on top of the visa fee. Although, a “free slot” is part of the legend but it does not show any time slot with no fee. How did you manage to get a “free slot” (the one with no additional cost) for the appointment?
Hello po how about po kapag visit my boyfriend in UK? Then sa mismo bahay nya ako mag stay? Is it possible na reason po?
Hi. I want my fiancé to visit me in the uk. She has no job or bank account and it’s only for a week holiday. What will she need to prove? Thanks
There are different requirements for fiance visa such as proof of your relationship, your status in the UK and yours and hers Legal Capacity to Marry
Maam Fehl what kind of documents a fiancée visa needs? please kindly reply and thank you maam.
Hi Guys, anyone here na same day sa akin ng apply and or submit ng docs last March 11 any updates sa inyo? Or sa mga recently ng apply gives an idea sa mga time line niyo please thank you
Hi ma’am. I am applying for a visit visa to the UK. I am now on my final step of my application and that is to provide documents and biometrics to the embassies middle man, the VFS Global Center. My problem is I cannot get thru the site and I already have an account there. Is it always that hard to login to the site? Please advice me on what to do. Thank u.
hi hun I have a daughter with my filipino wife and i want them to visit me in England. Can my daughter apply a normal visit visa? She has a filipino passport. Ive been told i have to apply right to abode but i dont want that i just want them to visit before i apply her british passport
Hi guys, how to set an appointment and which link please? Is it after you submit and pay your online application?
Also, anyone who recently set appointment, how soon was the available slot? TIA
HI Fhel,
Thank you for the information on this.
I just would like to know if I need to book a plane ticket first before applying for a visa? And as for the accommodation, do you think it’s okay to put to stay at my friend’s place?
Best regards,
MG
Hi! Do i have to mention i need a multiple entry visa on my application to the standard visitor visa? Or do they issue multiple entry visas by default? i need a multiple entry visa.
Hi, I requested Multiple Entry by mentioning it on the part where you can type any info you need to tell. They don’t issue Multiple Entry visa by default
Do I need another visa other than uk visitor visa if I will make a trip to Paris or other European countries from london?
Hi, UK visa is only for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you want to visit Paris, France, you must get a Schengen visa (it covers other European countries like Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland)
I am a student and my nephews invited me to spend Christmas with them, what documents do i need to provide?
Hi Madame If ever my friends want to visit their family like for example her sister and her son. And their age is like 59 and 60 do they need to provide anything like business permits if ever they don’t have business. THanks
hello maam.if ever i pay my visa for a quick processing ,is it possible i get it early as 1 month?
Hi, you don’t need a month. I got mine in 15 days
hi fehl did you get email from the embassy or vfs regarding the status of your application before, mine is 12th working day today. did you get yours exact 15 days?
I got a text and an email that my docs have been sent to UK embassy. I did not receive an update about the status of my visa. I only knew my visa was approved when I received my passport back after 15 days 🙂 Good luck!
Hello, I would like to ask if you submit your online application form with the payment on it will you automatically get the response from them with the appointment form?
I submitted two days ago and haven’t get any response yet. I’m actually worried if I need to sign up again or not.
Your response to my message is very much appreciated. 🙂 Thank you!
Hi, yes I paid on their website and I received a confirmation of payment with reference number on my email. I also received another email that confirmed my appointment with instructions what to bring at the VFS Global. I got them the same day
hi i plan to visit uk and my fiance will be the one to sponsor my travel, what document he needed to submit or required for my visit in uk?
Hi, according to the UK embassy, “where a third party (who is either in the UK or who will be legally in the UK at the time of your visit) is providing financial support to you e.g. a business, a friend or a relative, documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependant family should be provided”
Hello ma’am, my passport is valid until march 2019 and I’m planning to travel to london by Jan 2019.. do i have to renew my passport now? Tnx
Hi ma’am,where did you get your reservation tickets,im in Singapore and i want to reserve asap,can you recommend a website or place in Philippine where i can get one?thank you so much ?
Hi,
I’ve confirmed the form already but found out I need to change a detail in the form. Would you know how I can change it?
Thanks,
Grace
Unfortunately, once you hit the confirmation, you cannot change or edit the form. That’s why there is a reminder there. If you have important detail to change in this situation, I suggest contacting the embassy
Hello, my daughter want me to meet in London and she paid all my the expenses hotel, food, tickets.
Do I have to submit my business permit,DTI,income tax, bank saving. To get a VISA.
My daughter is from US we meet in London. What documents should I submit.
Hi, if you are financially stable, have business, decent bank account, I recommend submitting copy of your DTI, Mayor’s permit, ITR, bank cert, SOA and the other docs mentioned in the article above. In your case, I don’t recommend you mention your sponsor as it could complicate your application and documents
How about if anyone sponsored my travel?
It would require more documents from the sponsor and you
Hi, because I am travelling with my husband and daughter do they need to register separately though it was asked who will i be travelling with and have also provide their information including the passport details? Thanks dear
HELLO, do i have to sumbmit the barcode separator with the requirements?
Hi, I did not submit bar code separator. The staff from the visa center was the one who arranged my documents. I think that is already included in the service I paid.
Hi, so I have a friend from the UK who will shoulder most of my expenses when I go there.. Should I ask for his bank statement and credit card statements too?
Also, do I need to provide a cover letter?
Hi, the requirements for applicants wanting to visit UK relatives and friends have another set of requirements that will be provided to you as you go along the steps at the gov.uk website
Hi, hope you could help me regarding UK Visitor Visa:
There’s a question in the application form, “Do you have savings, properties or other income, for example from stocks and shares?” If you answer yes, there’s a box below where you can add details like “Please Enter Details Total Monthly Income From Amount in GBP(£)”
So if for example I have a savings from my payroll account from work, is that consider as savings? Im confused if Im going to answer YES to this, then if i say yes there is a box to put the monthly income, so I’m gonna going to put my taxable monthly income there? THANK YOU.
Regards
Yes, in your case the savings on your payroll account is still a “savings account.” If you will submit that account as your Bank Certificate and Statement of Account, they will see the values anyway. Yes, monthly income that reflects on your Payslip. Payslip is required for employed individuals. Requirements for UK tourist visa are listed here: https://philpad.com/uk-tourist-visa-requirements-for-filipinos/
I suggest, you gather and complete your documents first so you know what value to put on the application form. Do not CONFIRM your application form until your answers are final.
Hi, Did you submit original copies of your stock investment certificates? or submitted photocopies with originals attached for reference? say I want to apply for both Korean and Japanese visa… I’m wondering if I could submit photocopies and present the originals if needed without turning them over?
Yes, I submitted original copies of my documents except for the ITR, DTI and Mayor’s Permit. I brought the original copies for verification though since the UK embassy requires original copies. Ask 3 copies of your Stock certification and also for bank cert and SOA if you will be applying visa for other countries.
Hello maam will a 1month old business permit or mayors permit is ok as the business is still new…?
And my bank account is just 3months matured and the cost po is as one na nsa 400k ang naideposit sa isang buwan. Kasi po inilabas ko cash ideposit ko sa bank acct ko lang…
Hi, Divine 🙂 I hope someone with the same situation like you can answer that question here. I wonder bout that, too. I can only say embassies always look for strong ties that could convince them you’re going back to the Philippines. Since your business is new, in my own opinion, you need more strong proof like previous travels, first-world country visas, previous jobs/business with ITR, other source of income like investments/stocks. But then, that’s only my opinion. Embassies are unpredictable, only them know the answer with your situation 🙂
Thanks for posting this great information, this will be a quite useful for anyone who wishes to visit the UK. I’ve been in this application process last year and I’m so stressed about what I’m going to do first so I decided to let travel visa uk do it for me. I’m so grateful they make it easier for me.
My pleasure 🙂
Hello, does anyone knows if the VFS global system is down? I can’t book an appointment:( please help
Hi, is it necessary to have a hotel and flight reservation for UK tourist visa?
Hi, Fritz 🙂 Consistency always helps visas to get approved. Yes, I included hotel and flight reservations. The cost on my flight reservation is the amount I have put on the “The cost of aeroplane, boat or train tickets.” on the application form. They need to see that 🙂
You can make hotel reservations using booking.com even for free without paying. I paid $25 for my flight reservation though.
What should i write in Income and expenditure for child under 18 years unemployed?
like
what is cost to you personally on your trip?
Hi, I put 2500 for my cost non-including airfare and train tickets. See the screenshot and the explanations in the article above.