Want to travel to London? Tourist Visa to UK- How to?

Since I was 9, London was really on my bucket list. I am really fascinated in all the iconic landmarks in London, actually they may be replicas all over the world but nothing can beat the original. I am a self proclaimed history and culture vulture who is always mesmerised with real life princes and princesses. who would not dream of fairytales? but come on! this is real life, the people living in these castles are real monarchy. Anyway,  now age 27, finally I will be able to see London. But the question is how? Being a Philippine Passport holder, there were only few countries we can visit, visa free and sadly, England is not one of them. So to make this dream a reality, we decided to take 1 step forward and that is to get a UK visa. here's how...

What is really troublesome here is gathering all the necessary documents, after that, well everything is just relatively easy. In comparison to other western countries, UK visa is much more easier. I had applied a US Visa and Schengen Visa through Italian Embassy and UK is a lot bearable.

First you have to visit their website: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk , you have to register for an account. Of course you need an existing email address. It is pretty easy as you will only follow instructions and fill up the application with all honesty. Make sure you have the necessary documents with you (eg. Passport, hotel reservation etc) so you will not have a hard time filling up data. You have to pay online, the price varies, when I applied I paid USD 106, but only a week after, when my mom applied the cost already increased to USD110. It changes pretty quickly and it depends on the USD exchange rate. Then you have to book for an appointment, print the application and checklist and you’re good to go.

On the day of the appointment, make sure you never leave necessary documents at home.
  1.  filled up visa application form
2.  no need for passport size pics (your present photo will be taken at the biometrics area)
3.  certificate of employment and leave of absence
4.  DTI/ SEC papers
5.  ITR
6. Copy of credit card statement
7.  Bank certificate and/or bank book
8.  Birth certificate
9. Marriage certificate
10. Flight booking (you don’t really need to present a paid flight booking. Because of uncertainty of visa approval, we presented a “reserved” flight booking. We haven’t paid for anything yet)
11. Tour booking certificate, hotel confirmation ( I booked rooms through agoda, still on the option of “pay later” or “pay at the hotel” choosing the one with “free cancellation”. Its really hard to assume an approved visa, though the rejection rate is low, but still its better to keep $$$ than a wasted $$$$)
12.  Photocopy of all pages of the recent passport with ALL valid visas and non-valid visa with departure and arrival stamps
13. Photocopies of pages of old passport with valid visas only.

The experience was really quick. Our appointment was actually 11:30 am we arrived around 11:00 rested for a while, around 11:15 we  were already accommodated and after we have given all necessary documents, our photos were taken and biometrics fingerprints were done and that’s it, we’re done!

They  told us that processing time will take around 15 working days. We were enjoying ourselves in Boracay when the vfsglobal texted us and told us our passport is on the way. The text only says “a decision has been made on your UK visa application”. When we got home, I am happy to see I was granted a multiple entry visa. God is really good. Now I can really touch and see with my own eyes the “real” big ben and red telephone booth.

here are some photos of our London Trip
up next for my blog: DIY trip to London, without costing too much $$$

VISA MANILA VISA APPLICATION CENTRE

Mezzanine Floor, Unit MO1 Eco Plaza Bldg, 2305 Chino Roces Ave., Extension, Makati city