United Kingdom visa requirements for Filipinos

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Filipinos visiting United Kingdom

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Briton Visa.

  • An International passport valid at least 6 months from the intended period of exit from the UK. 
  • The passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
  • A properly filled visa application form signed by the applicant.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. 
  • The photo should follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Original copy of bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application. 
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage.
  • The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.

United Kingdom Visa for Filipinos

Facts about United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consists of four countries which are: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom is a great location for tourist and it's also its largest city.

The United Kingdom is one of the largest economy based on nominal GDP and is a very popular choice destination among business people. A lot of tourists also visit the country because of the wonderful sites to visit and the rich history of the country. Tourists who visit can easily bask in the gorgeous view of many of the city’s landmarks from the Coca-cola London Eye as well as many historical sites.

London is home to a wide range of attractions: art at galleries such as the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Tate, and the Tate Modern, amongst others. There are cultural treats in the theatres and cinema of the West End and South Bank, and the recreated home of Shakespeare in the capital, the Globe. 

The Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge. The Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, York Minister, Canterbury Cathedral and Shakespeare's Birthplace are some interesting landmarks to visit in the UK.

With 36.115 million people visiting in 2015, The United Kingdom is the sixth top destination for tourists. This number has steadily been on the rise since 2015.

Types of United Kingdom Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Business visa 15 - 19 days 6 months
Student visa 3 weeks Depending on the course duration
Tourist visa 30 days 60 days
Transit visa 3 weejs 2 days
Work visa 3 months 5 years and 14 days

General Requirements for United Kingdom Visa

  • An International passport valid at least 6 months from the intended period of exit from the UK. 
  • The passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
  • A properly filled visa application form signed by the applicant.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. 
  • The photo should follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Original copy of bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application. 
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage.
  • The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.
United Kingdom Business visa United Kingdom Student visa United Kingdom Tourist visa United Kingdom Transit visa United Kingdom Work visa

United Kingdom Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This business visa is for people who wish to travel to the UK for business reasons.
  • With this visa, you can attend seminars, conferences, meetings and trade fairs.
  • You can also sign and negotiate business deals while in the UK.
  • You are to submit a cover letter from the inviting company stating your name and job position. 
  • Your salary level is to be also included in the letter.
  • The letter should also include your travel dates and travel itinerary.
  • The duration of your stay and the details of your sponsor are to be included in the letter.
  • The reason for your visit to the UK must be stated in the letter and signed by an authorized person.
  • A certificate of registration of the company that is inviting you to the UK is also to be provided.
  • Your employer in the Philippines is to provide a letter stating the awareness and allowance of your business leave.
  • You are to provide an incentive that you will be returning to Philippines at the expiration of your visa.
  • If your employer will be financing your trip, they are to also state this in the letter.
  • The proof of booked accommodation in the UK is also to be provided.

United Kingdom Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Tier 4 Student (Adult) visa is for students who intend to undertake any post-16 education at an institution in the UK for a full-time course. 
  • The Tier 4 Student (Adult) visa allows students to participate in both short and long term courses of at least 6 months in duration.
  • An admission letter from the institution of study in the UK is to be provided.
  • You are to provide valid proof of accommodation for your duration of stay in the UK.
  • All documents submitted for this visa application must be the original copies and you are to include 2 clear photocopies for the application.
  • Documentation showing that you have been accepted into an institution in the UK is required.
  • You will also need to show proof that you meet the conditions for access to studying in the UK. This could be academic results or previously obtained learning certificates.
  • As an international student, you are to apply for a national long-stay visa which will allow you to stay longer than 6 months.
  • Applicants are to provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro covering any medical emergency for the duration of their stay.
  • A medical certificate stating that you do not carry any diseases that may endanger public health (like Tuberculosis and other contagious diseases) is required.
  • Proof of financial sustenance for the applicant's entire stay in the Uk is to be provided. 
  • This proof could be a valid scholarship offer, recent bank statements, a  letter attesting sponsorship and a valid ID of your sponsor.
  • You can work part-time when school is in session and full-time when the school is on a break as long as it will not affect your studies.
  • The medical certificate which must have been issued not more than 6 months to the date of application is required for this application.
  • A certificate of good conduct not more than 6 months to the date of the application is required to show that you have not been convicted of any crimes.
  • For minors, a letter of authorization signed by both parents and the original copy of their birth certificate should be presented.

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for visa applicants who wish to travel to the UK for tourism purposes.
  • This visa is also for persons who are entering into the UK for the purpose of visiting family and friends.
  • Generally, visitor visas are valid for 6 months. 
  • In some cases, they can be issued for longer periods such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. 
  • Those with longer-term visas can only stay in the UK for a period of six months at a time.
  • A valid proof of accommodation for your entire stay is to be provided.
  • This could be either hotel bookings or the home address of your host.
  • If you will be staying with a family or friend, they are to write a letter stating the relationship with you.
  • In the letter, they are to also state their contacts and their home address.
  • If they are not citizens of the UK, they are to make available their residence permit.
  • They are also to provide proof of steady employment in the UK and their job position and salary level.
  • You are not allowed to work with this visa.
  • You are not allowed to use this visa for educational purposes.
  • Students are to provide a No-Objection certificate from their school in Philippines.

United Kingdom Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type is for applicants who wish to transit through the UK to their destination country.
  • There are two types of transit visa: Direct Airside Transit Visa and Visitor in Transit Visa.
  • A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is valid for 24 hours and does not allow you to pass through the UK Border Control (i.e. you must remain ‘airside’).
  • With this visa, you are not allowed to leave the airport transit area.
  • This transit visa allows you to pass through the transit channels and requires that you depart from the same airport on the same day. 
  • The DATV is perfect if you are travelling to Europe and need to catch a connecting flight in the UK.
  • Your onward flight must be within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK.
  • You are to be in possession of your visa and travel documents for your final destination country when travelling through the UK.
  • A Visitor in Transit visa is valid for 48 hours and allows you to change terminals and pass through the UK Border Control. 
  • The Visitor in Transit visa is designed for travellers who need to re-check their luggage or catch a connecting flight at a different airport (e.g. If you land at Gatwick Airport and your onward flight departs from Heathrow Airport). 
  • You will only be allowed to stay in the UK for 48 hours.
  • If you are going to Ireland, you are eligible for this visa.
  • You are not allowed to visit family and friends with this visa or go touring with it.
  • This visa is also not meant for you to take up employment or attend courses or seminars.

United Kingdom Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to the Philippines traveling to work in an organization in the United Kingdom.
  • A valid passport or travel ID.
  • Evidence that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay (e.g. bank statements or sponsor confirmation).
  • Proof of English language ability.
  • Proof of payment of the healthcare surcharge.
  • Letter of acceptance from the organization in the United Kingdom.
  • Copy of the previous year’s tax documents.
  • Company registration documents signed by both the employer and the employee.
  • Educational qualifications and certificate of experience.
  • All documents must be filled in English Language.
  • A completed and signed work visa application form (Tier 1).
  • Proof of sufficient funds during your stay in the United Kingdom.
  • Proof of criminal record check.

United Kingdom Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Business visa

704.00 (GBP)

Student visa

636.00 (GBP)

Tourist visa

93.00 (GBP)

Transit visa

64.00 (GBP)

Work visa

Tier 1

363.00 (GBP)

United Kingdom Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Philippines

Location

Address

Manila

120 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Hill, Taguig City 1634

www.gov.uk/government/world/philippines

ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk

(+63) (2) 8858 2200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language in the UK?

The official language of the UK is the English language. There are still 4 ancient Celtic languages still surviving in the UK but not widely spoken and there are 14 indigenous languages across the British Isles.

What is the official currency in the United Kingdom?

The official currency used in the UK is the Pound Sterling written as GBP. It is commonly thought by people that the UK uses the Euro but on the contrary, the Uk never adopted the Euro as an official currency. Some shops will sometimes accept Euros but only out of courtesy for tourists.

Are foreign students allowed to work in the UK?

Foreign students are allowed to do part-time jobs for as long as 20  hours a week during the semester and for as long as they want during holidays.

Can I take pictures with the Queen'size guards?

Yes. Tourists are allowed to take pictures with the guard in Buckingham Palace. However, you are not to touch them or you will be dealt with severely.