United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Philippines passport holders
Filipino citizens require a UK Standard Visitor Visa before travel to the United Kingdom, with fees of approximately USD 115, applied online through UKVI and with biometrics submitted at a VFS Global center in Manila.
Philippines passport holders require a visa to enter United Kingdom.
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. Pay the GBP 115 (approximately USD 145) fee online. After submitting the online form, book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global Manila. Bring: passport, biometrics appointment confirmation, printed application form, bank statements (last six months), employment letter, payslips, return flight reservation, hotel bookings, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of visit. Processing typically takes three weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Philippines to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK has its own immigration system, separate from the Schengen Area. The Filipino community in the UK is significant, with tens of thousands working as nurses and healthcare professionals in the NHS, as well as in domestic and care roles. Tourist and family visitor visas are handled by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UK visa also does not grant Schengen access and vice versa.
Practical Tips
London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and Oxford are top destinations. The pound sterling (GBP) is the currency. English is the official language. The Filipino community in the UK is centered in London and the South East. The Philippine Embassy in London provides consular services. Note: Ireland (Republic of) requires a separate Irish visa despite being adjacent to the UK (Northern Ireland).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Filipinos apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. Pay the GBP 115 fee. After submitting the online application, book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global Manila. Bring your passport, application confirmation, bank statements (six months), employment letter, payslips, return flight reservation, hotel bookings, and a cover letter.
Does a UK visa cover Ireland or Schengen countries?
No. The UK has its own immigration system, separate from both the Schengen Area and Ireland. A UK visa does not grant entry to Schengen countries or Ireland (Republic of). You must apply for each separately. Similarly, a Schengen visa does not cover the UK.
Is there a large Filipino community in the UK that can support visiting Filipinos?
Yes. The UK has a significant Filipino community, concentrated in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and across the South East. Many Filipinos work in the NHS (National Health Service) as nurses, midwives, and care workers. The Philippine Embassy in London provides consular services and community support.
What documents are most important for a Filipino UK visa application?
Six months of bank statements showing consistent income and savings are crucial. Employment documentation (letter, payslips, contract) demonstrating your job security in the Philippines is essential to show ties. A detailed cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your visit, along with a clear travel itinerary, significantly strengthens the application.