United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to the UK as a Filipino citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Standard Visitor Visa application: required documents, current fees of £127, processing times of 3 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With proper preparation and strong documentation, Filipino applicants can successfully navigate the visa process.
UK Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current Philippine passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application form on the gov.uk website
A recent passport-style photograph meeting UK visa specifications
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and daily expenses
Latest Income Tax Return filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the UK
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to the Philippines after your visit
Fingerprints and photograph taken at VFS Global visa application centre
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from your host in the UK inviting you to stay with them
Financial documents from the person sponsoring your visit
Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic
Certified translations of any non-English documents
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the UK government portal.12 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form at gov.uk, providing information about your travel plans, finances, employment, and background. Pay the £127 fee online using a credit or debit card.23
2. Book Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre in the Philippines.6 Centres operate in Manila and Cebu. The Manila centre is located at Unit 905, 9th Floor Kepwealth Center, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.6
3. Attend Appointment
At your appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.2 Bring your passport and any supporting documents. VFS Global offers additional services like Document Scanning to upload your documents at the centre.6
4. Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment.5 You will receive an email when a decision has been made. Your passport will either be available for collection at the VFS centre or delivered via courier if you selected that option.6
Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | 3 weeks |
| Priority Service | +£500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 | Next working day |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visa | £475 | 3 weeks |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visa | £848 | 3 weeks |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visa | £1,059 | 3 weeks |
VFS Global charges an additional service fee of approximately £76.50.6 Optional services like SMS updates, courier delivery, premium lounge access, and document scanning cost extra.
What You Need to Prove
According to UK Immigration Rules, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.14 This means showing:
- Genuine intention to visit for a permitted purpose (tourism, visiting family, etc.) and leave at the end of your stay1
- Sufficient funds to cover all costs without working or accessing public funds1
- Ability to pay for your return journey and any other costs relating to your visit4
- Valid travel document with at least one blank page for the visa2
- Strong ties to the Philippines demonstrating you will return home4
Processing Times
The current processing time for Standard Visitor Visa applications from the Philippines is 3 weeks.5 This is measured from the date of your biometrics appointment, not from when you submit your online application.
Processing may take longer if:5
- Information in your application requires further consideration
- You need to provide additional evidence
- Supporting documents need verification
- You need to attend an interview
If you need a faster decision, Priority service (5 working days) costs £500 and Super Priority service (next working day) costs £1,000.3 Super Priority is only available in Manila.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the validity dates carefully. You can enter the UK any time during the validity period and stay for up to 6 months per visit.
At the UK border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- Details of your travel plans
- Contact information for anyone you’re visiting
Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions or circumstances.
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons. You can:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
- Request administrative review within 28 days if you believe there was a caseworker error
- Seek legal advice for complex cases
There is generally no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals. However, a refusal does not automatically prevent future applications. Address the specific concerns raised in the refusal letter before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns such as large unexplained deposits close to the application date.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular salary credits. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before applying. Ensure bank balance comfortably covers all trip costs plus buffer. Include ITR to verify income.
Weak Ties to the Philippines
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to the Philippines after the visit, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure of 1+ years, property documents (TCT) if you own any, PSA certificates showing family dependents, or ongoing business commitments. OFWs should show overseas contract renewal.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Application contains missing documents, contradictory information, or unexplained gaps. Information does not match across different documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits and ITR.
Immigration Intent Concerns
Case officer suspects the applicant may intend to stay in the UK beyond the visa period, particularly if they have close relatives in the UK or limited ties to the Philippines.
How to avoid: Be clear about your return plans. If visiting family in the UK, explain why you will return. Show strong ties to the Philippines and provide a realistic, detailed itinerary.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the UK or other countries raises concerns about compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved since the refusal. Address the previous refusal reasons directly.
Unconvincing Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit seems implausible, or the itinerary does not match the visa duration or applicant's profile and financial capacity.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, detailed, and realistic itinerary. Your trip should make sense given your income level and stated purpose. If visiting family or friends, include proper invitation letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
Yes. Philippine passport holders must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before traveling to the UK. Unlike citizens of some countries, Filipinos are not eligible for visa-free entry or the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. However, you cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Immigration officers may question you if you spend more time in the UK than your home country.
Can I work on a UK tourist visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the UK. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the UK. If you need to work, you'll need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
How long does UK visa processing take from the Philippines?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500) delivers a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000) provides a decision by the end of the next working day, available only in Manila.
What is the UK tourist visa fee for Filipinos in 2025?
The Standard Visitor Visa fee is £127 (approximately PHP 9,000) for stays up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), or 10 years (£1,059). VFS Global service charges of approximately £76.50 apply separately.
Where can I submit my UK visa application in the Philippines?
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in Manila (Kepwealth Center, Cebu Business Park) and Cebu. You must book an appointment online after submitting your application on gov.uk.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you are not required to book flights before applying. The UK government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. A travel itinerary showing intended dates is sufficient.
Can I extend my UK tourist visa?
In most cases, you cannot extend a Standard Visitor Visa. You are expected to leave the UK before your visa expires. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can either reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues, or request an administrative review within 28 days. There is generally no appeal right for visitor visas, but you can reapply at any time.
Can OFWs apply for a UK tourist visa?
Yes. Overseas Filipino Workers can apply from wherever they are legally residing. They should provide their overseas employment contract, recent payslips, and residence permit for the country they're applying from.
Do I need travel insurance for the UK visa?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the UK Standard Visitor Visa. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
What is the approval rate for UK visas from the Philippines?
The overall UK visitor visa approval rate is approximately 77%. Success depends largely on demonstrating sufficient funds, strong ties to the Philippines, and a clear travel purpose. First-time applicants should pay extra attention to documentation.