If you're dreaming of visiting Big Ben, sipping tea in London, or maybe attending a short course or business meeting in the UK, great news! It’s all possible with a Standard Visitor visa. But before you pack your bags, there’s a process to follow — and yes, you’ll need a visa if you’re a Filipino citizen.

Here’s everything you need to know to apply for a UK visa from the Philippines.

What is a Standard Visitor visa?

The Standard Visitor visa is the most common type for those visiting the UK. It covers tourism, business, family visits, short studies (up to 6 months), and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

You can:

• Travel for leisure or vacation

• Visit friends or family

• Attend business meetings or interviews

• Study short courses or take exams

• Get medical treatment

• Perform at paid events (if you’re invited as a professional)

• Take part in school exchange programs or volunteer (up to 30 days)

You cannot:

• Work or do business as a self-employed individual

• Claim government benefits

• Marry or register a civil partnership (you’ll need a separate Marriage Visitor visa)

• Stay long-term through frequent visits

Step 1: Check if you need a visa

Short answer: Yes. Filipinos usually need a visa to enter the UK. If you have family ties with EU citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you might be eligible for a free family permit instead. But in most cases, you'll need to apply for the Standard Visitor visa.

Step 2: Apply online

You must apply online before you travel to the UK. Here’s how:

• Go to the official UK visa website.

• Click “Apply Now” and create an account.

• Fill out the application form with details such as:

  • Your intended travel dates

  • Address where you’ll stay in the UK

  • Estimated trip cost

  • Your employment and income details

  • Travel history over the last 10 years (if applicable)

  • Info on any UK family, and who’s paying for your trip

Once you submit the form, pay the application fee of £115 (around ₱7,000+, depending on exchange rates).

Reminder: You must apply 3 months before your travel date.

Step 3: Book and attend your visa appointment

After applying online, you'll need to book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in the Philippines. The main centers are in:

• Manila (VFS Global – Makati)

• Cebu

• Davao

At the appointment, you’ll:

• Submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photo)

• Submit your passport (make sure it has at least one blank page)

• Provide supporting documents

Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents

Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• Valid passport (covering your entire stay)

• Proof of accommodation in the UK

• Travel itinerary or planned activities

• Bank statements or proof of income (to show you can fund the trip)

• Employment letter or school certificate

• Certificate of TB test if you're staying more than 6 months

If someone else is sponsoring your trip (like a family member in the UK), include:

• Their invitation letter

• Proof of relationship

• Their financial documents

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Standard processing time is usually 3 weeks from your appointment date, but it can vary depending on the season. You’ll get an email once a decision is made, and you can collect your passport from the visa center or opt for delivery.

If your visa is approved, you’ll see a sticker (called a vignette) in your passport indicating the length of your allowed stay.

Optional: Apply for a long-term visitor visa

If you travel to the UK regularly, consider applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. You can stay up to 6 months per visit. Just be careful — if UKVI suspects you’re using it to live in the UK long-term, your visa might be shortened or even cancelled.

Getting a UK visa might seem intimidating at first, but it’s very doable with the right preparation. Make sure to apply early, provide honest and complete documents, and attend your appointment on time.