UK entry requirements for travellers from the Philippines
Visa requirement summary
Philippine passport holders need a visa to visit the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Filipino nationals — you must apply and receive approval before you travel.
For tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips, the right visa is the Standard Visitor visa. It covers stays of up to 6 months across the whole of the UK.
The Standard Visitor visa costs £115 and is applied for online through the UK government’s visa service. Once approved, it is issued as an eVisa — a digital record linked to your passport — rather than a physical sticker.
How long you can stay
A Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit.
Long-term visitor visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years are available if you travel to the UK regularly. Each individual stay remains capped at 6 months, and you cannot use repeated visits to effectively live in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. There is no requirement for additional validity beyond your departure date, but maintaining several months of validity beyond your planned return is recommended.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your visit. There is no published minimum amount, but funds should cover accommodation, daily expenses, and your return journey — or evidence that a sponsor is covering these on your behalf.
Bank statements are the most commonly requested supporting documents during the application and at the UK border.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward booking clearly demonstrates that you intend to leave within your permitted period. Have your itinerary ready when arriving at the UK border.
Applying for the visa
Applications must be submitted online through the UK government’s visa application service before you travel. You will need to attend a visa application centre in the Philippines to provide your biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph.
Once approved, your visa is issued as an eVisa linked to your UKVI account. Ensure the eVisa is linked to the passport you will travel with, and carry that passport when you fly.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination requirements for routine travel from the Philippines to the UK. You do not need to show proof of any specific vaccination to enter.
Transit through the UK
Philippine passport holders require a visa even when transiting through a UK airport. A Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available for airside transit without passing through border control. A Standard Visitor visa is required if you will pass through border control.
FAQs
Do Philippine passport holders need a visa for the UK?
Yes. Filipino nationals must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement.
How much does a UK visitor visa cost?
The Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) costs £115. Long-term visitor visas for 2, 5, or 10 years are available at higher fees.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit. You cannot extend a Standard Visitor visa or use repeated trips to effectively live in the UK.
Is there a physical visa sticker?
No. UK visas are issued as eVisas — digital records linked to your UKVI account. You will not receive a physical sticker.
Can I transit through the UK without a visa?
No. Philippine passport holders require a visa for airside transit. A Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available for those only changing flights without passing through immigration.