UK visa application process for Philippines
UK visa application process for Philippines
Planning to travel to the UK from the Philippines? Here's what you need to know about the Philippines UK visa application process for a smooth journey. Whether it’s for work, study, or tourism, getting the right visa is essential. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything—from choosing the right visa to understanding the requirements and fees.
Your ultimate guide to applying for a UK Visa as a Filipino (2025 edition)
The UK remains a top destination for Filipinos seeking opportunities in education, employment, tourism, and family reunification. However, before boarding your flight, securing the correct visa is crucial. The Philippines UK visa application can seem complex at first, but with the right preparation, it’s very manageable.
First, learn the types of UK Visas for Filipino applicants
Choosing the right visa is essential for a successful Philippines UK visa application. Your visa type will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay.
UK Visit Visa: For tourism, short business trips, visiting family and friends. Allows stays up to 6 months.
Student Visa: For Filipinos accepted by a licensed UK educational institution. Includes full-time university or language courses.
Skilled Worker Visa: For Filipinos who have a job offer from a UK-based employer with a sponsorship license.
Family Visa: To join a spouse, fiancé(e), child, parent, or relative who is a British citizen or has permanent residency.
Short-term Study Visa: For English language courses lasting more than 6 months but less than 11 months.
Transit Visa: For passing through the UK en route to another country.
Parent of a Child Student Visa: For parents whose children are studying in the UK under a Child Student Visa.
Each visa type has its specific eligibility criteria, documents, and conditions, so it’s vital to choose the one that matches your travel intentions.
Explore your options
Requirements for a Philippines UK visa application
To successfully complete your Philippines UK visa application, you must prepare several important documents:
Valid Philippine Passport (with at least one blank page)
Completed Visa Application Form (submitted online)
Recent Passport-sized Photograph (meeting UK photo standards)
Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, payslips, sponsor letters)
Proof of Accommodation and Travel Plans (flight bookings, hotel reservations, itinerary)
Supporting documents based on your UK visa type:
Letter of acceptance (for students)
Employment offer and sponsorship certificate (for workers)
Invitation letter from family or friends (for visitors)
Proof of English Language Proficiency (for study and work visas)
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (required if staying longer than 6 months)
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
How to apply for a UK visa from the Philippines & anywhere in the world
If you're planning your Philippines UK visa application, getting it right the first time can save you a lot of time and stress. While the process is manageable, mistakes in your paperwork or missing documents can lead to delays or even rejections. That’s why many applicants from the Philippines trust Global Law for expert help to get their visa processed quickly and correctly:
Expert-driven visa applications to ensure every detail is accurate—minimizing the risk of delays, errors, or denials.
Specialized support for applicants with past visa refusals or special circumstances, ensuring full compliance with UK immigration rules.
Fast-track solutions for urgent travel needs, so you can submit your Philippines UK visa application without unnecessary stress.
Tailored advice for workers, students, families, and business travelers—supporting your unique travel goals to the UK.
Don’t let paperwork stand in your way
Global Law is an award-winning UK immigration consultancy with offices in London and Dubai, offering over 17 years of proven experience helping Filipinos and other international clients achieve smooth, successful visa outcomes.
How long does it take to get a UK visa in the Philippines?
Visa Type | Processing Time |
Standard Visitor Visa | 5 to 15 working days |
Student Visa (Tier 4) | 3 to 8 weeks |
Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2) | 8 to 12 weeks |
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner) | 8 to 12 weeks |
Marriage Visitor Visa | 6 to 8 weeks |
Short-Term Study Visa | 3 to 6 weeks |
Visitor in Transit Visa | 5 to 10 working days |
Parent of a Student Child Visa (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | 6 to 8 weeks |
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | 1 to 3 working days |
Private Medical Treatment Visa (more than 6 months) | 6 to 8 weeks |
24 hours (for urgent travel) |
UK visa application fees for Filipinos
Visa fees vary depending on the visa type and length of stay. Here’s an overview of current UK visa fees for applicants from the Philippines:
UK visit visa fees for Philippines
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 177 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 661 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 1180 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1474 |
Visiting academic - more than 6 months up to 12 months | 306 |
Marriage visitor visa | 177 |
Marriage visitor visa | 177 |
Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months | 306 |
Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (UK only) | 177 |
Short-term study visa | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | 298 |
Transit | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | 54 |
Visitor in Transit visa | 97 |
Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of crew of that ship or aircraft (fee also applicable to the Isle of Man) | 97 |
Parents of children at school | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | 949 |
child visitors | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 177 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 661 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 1180 |
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1474 |
Are you confused?
UK study visa fees for Philippines
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | 298 |
Parents of children at school | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | 949 |
Points-based system, Tier 4 - Isle of Man | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Tier 4 (General) student visa - Isle of Man - Main applicant and dependants | 729 |
Temporary Seasonal Worker - Isle of Man | 444 |
Student | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Student - main applicant and dependants | 729 |
Child Student | 729 |
EC as a student Gurnsey and Jersey | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Application for entry clearance as a student enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or Baliwick of Jersey | 729 |
UK join family visa fees for Philippines
Parents of children at school | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) | 949 |
Family of settled people (settlement) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Family visas - Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man, Baliwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Gurnsey) | 2697 |
Family visas – Adult dependant relative (also applicable for EC to the Isle of Man) | 4750 |
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules | 4215 |
Route to Settlement - refugee dependant relative | 590 |
Dependent children under the age of 21 only applying under “Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay” to the immigration rules. | Free of charge |
Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependants | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Pre 1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules) | 2697 |
Overage dependant children of pre 1997 Gurkhas | 2697 |
HM Forces dependants applying under part 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces | 2697 |
Exempt | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant) | Free of charge |
Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces | 949 |
Family members of European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Apply if you're joining a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has status under the EU Settlement Scheme | Free of charge |
Apply if you are living in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a British citizen | Free of charge |
Apply if you’re joining a person of Northern Ireland who was resident in the UK by 31 December 2021 | Free of charge |
Apply if you used to be a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and you have ‘retained the right of residence’ | Free of charge |
UK work visa fees for Philippines
Points-based system, Tier 1 (also applicable to the Isle of Man) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Tier 1 (Investor) - main applicant and dependants | 2783 |
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) - dependants only | 1773 |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) - dependants only | 1066 |
Work - applications made outside the UK (also applicable in the Isle of Man) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker - up to 3 years - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
T2 Minister of Religion - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years - main applicant and dependants | 2114 |
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years - main applicant and dependants | 2114 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | 821 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponor a Worker has been given for over three years - main applicant and dependants | 1614 |
Skilled Worker - Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less - main applicant and dependants | 423 |
Skilled Worker - Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years - main applicant and dependants | 821 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List - Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less - main applicant and dependants. | 423 |
Skilled Worker - a job on the Immigration Salary List - Health and Care Visa - where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years - main applicant and dependants. | 821 |
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
High Potential Individual - main applicant and dependants | 1225 |
Scale-up - main applicants and dependants | 1225 |
Temporary Work (also applicable to Isle of Man) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Temporary Work - Charity Work - main applicant and any dependents | 444 |
Temporary Work - Creative Worker - main applicant and any dependents | 444 |
Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange visa - main applicant and any dependants | 444 |
Temporary Work - Religious Worker - main applicant and any dependents | 444 |
Temporary Work - Youth Mobility Scheme - main applicant only | 444 |
Temporary Worker - Seasonal Work - main applicant only | 444 |
Temporary Work - International Agreement - main applicant and dependant | 444 |
Other work categories | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Offshore worker | 949 |
Overseas domestic worker in a private household | 949 |
Representative of an overseas business - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
An employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation | 1070 |
Sheep Shearer | 949 |
UK ancestry | 949 |
Innovator Founder - main applicant and dependants | 1773 |
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | 1392 |
Contact point meeting with endorsing body under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT | 696 |
Start-up - main applicant and dependants | 647 |
Global Talent - main applicant - where Approval Letter is required | 285 |
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent | 781 |
Global Talent - main applicant - where Approval Letter is not required | 1066 |
Global Talent - dependants only | 1066 |
Other work categories – Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Work permit holder - Baliwick of Jersey and Baliwick of Guernsey - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Application for entry clearance to enter the Baliwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey for the purposes of work permit employment for a period of 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
Application for entry clearance to enter the Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey for the purposes of low-skilled work permit employment for a period of 12 months or less - main applicant and dependants | 444 |
Worker - Isle of Man - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Representitive of overseas business - Isle of Man - main applicant and dependants | 1070 |
Exempt | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Diplomatic Posting to the UK | Free of charge |
Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant) | Free of charge |
Members of International Organisations on Official Visits | Free of charge |
Official Transit through the UK | Free of charge |
Official Visit to the UK | Free of charge |
Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
HM Forces personnel or Member of foreign armed force - exempt from immigration control | Free of charge |
Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces | 949 |
UK settlement fees for Philippines
Family of settled people (settlement) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Family visas - Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man, Baliwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Gurnsey) | 2697 |
Family visas – Adult dependant relative (also applicable for EC to the Isle of Man) | 4750 |
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules | 4215 |
Route to Settlement - refugee dependant relative | 590 |
Dependent children under the age of 21 only applying under “Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay” to the immigration rules. | Free of charge |
Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependants | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Former UK Armed Forces | 2697 |
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules | 4215 |
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules | 4215 |
Pre 1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules) | 2697 |
Overage dependant children of pre 1997 Gurkhas | 2697 |
HM Forces dependants applying under part 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces | 2697 |
Returning residents | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Returning resident | 949 |
Family reunion to join asylum seekers | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Family reunion, under Part 11 of Asylum, Immigration Rules (pre-flight dependants) | Free of charge |
Post-flight dependants | 1946 |
Family reunion - other dependent relatives | 590 |
Other UK visa fees for Philippines
Exempt | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Diplomatic Posting to the UK | Free of charge |
Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant) | Free of charge |
Members of International Organisations on Official Visits | Free of charge |
Official Transit through the UK | Free of charge |
Official Visit to the UK | Free of charge |
Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
HM Forces personnel or Member of foreign armed force - exempt from immigration control | Free of charge |
Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces | 949 |
Other visas | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
FCO Strategic performance fund and bilateral projects | Free of charge |
Single entry visa to replace a biometric residence permit | 214 |
Commonwealth / Overseas Territories | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Receiving/handling/ forwarding applications on behalf of Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories | 196 |
Other fees | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 30 months - main and dependants | 269 |
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) for 5 years - main and dependants | 373 |
Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode (outside the UK) | 820 |
Transfer of Conditions (Vignette Transfer) application made overseas | 214 |
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | 22 |
Priority service Fees (also applicable to the isle of Man, Jersey and Gurnsey unless specifies as UK only) | |
Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
Priority service for settlement applications | 696 |
Priority service for non-settlement | 696 |
Super Priority Service | 1392 |
International contact centre - via telephone (per minute) | 1 |
International contact centre - via email (per query) | 4 |
Registered Traveller (UK only) - adult | 70 |
Registered Traveller (UK only) - child | 33 |
Registered Traveller (UK only) - registration of new documents | 28 |
Assessment of an Overseas Qualification | 0 |
For a recognised appropriate level of English language | 195 |
For a recognised appropriate level of English language with a downloadable digital statement of the outcome | 205 |
For a recognised standard of overseas qualification including, if requested, a recognised appropriate level of English language | 292 |
For a recognised standard of overseas qualification including, if requested, a recognised appropriate level of English language, with a downloadable digital statement of the outcome | 303 |
Priority service for a recognised appropriate level of English language | 173 |
Super priority service for a recognised appropriate level of English language | 242 |
FAQs
What are the Philippines passport visa-free countries?
As of 2025, the Philippines passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, including:
Most Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia)
Hong Kong
South Korea
Japan
Some European countries (for short stays within the Schengen Area)
It's important to check the specific entry requirements for each country before traveling, as visa policies can change.
What is the exchange rate from GBP to PHP?
The exchange rate from GBP (British Pound) to PHP (Philippine Peso) fluctuates regularly due to market conditions. As of now, the exchange rate is approximately 1 GBP = 68-72 PHP. For the most accurate and up-to-date conversion, check a reliable currency exchange website or service before making transactions.
- Posted on: 24.04.2025
- By: Eray Eliacik
- uk
- Philippines
About the author
Eray Eliacik
Eray is a seasoned writer and passionate traveler who has explored over 20 countries. With firsthand experience navigating visas and international travel, and a proven track record with reputable platforms like Dataconomy and Softonic, Eray now makes it easier for travelers to achieve their travel goals.
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