How To Apply For A UK Tourist Visa

Many are unaware that a UK tourist visa is not limited to travel and leisure purposes. As a matter of fact, the UK border Agency identifies different categories of visitors.
Visitor categories

1. General visitors – Those who are simply entering UK for tourism purposes or visits to friends and families
2. Business visitors – Generally, it pertains to those who are conducting business in the country. There are also other entities considered as “business visitors.” These are academic professionals, media practitioners, secondees of overseas establishments, film crew, religious workers, advisers, consultants and those who are going through training in UK companies
3. Special visitors – Mostly, these are travellers that are seeking for medical treatment, have plans of getting married, child and student visitors, prospective student and transit visitors

Other than serving different purposes, the requirements and documentation needs of these visitors also vary.
Step by step process in applying for a UK visitor visa
Step 1 – Before lodging the actual application, comply with the eligibility requirements. For UK tourist visa candidates, they must abide by the following guidelines:

1. The visit is not longer than six (6) months
2. Applicants will leave after their stay has ended
3. Have sufficient funds to cover everyday expenses
4. Have no plans of engaging into paid and unpaid employment

Step 2 – Compile and submit all the required documents.
For general visitors

1. Visitor Form (VAF1 OCT 2007)
2. Passport with 6-month validity
3. Visa fee
4. Colored and unframed photo (45mm x 35mm)
5. Proofs of assets and savings. Other documents such as recent bank statements, certificate and land titles would also strengthen the application
6. Employment certificate
7. For self-employed applicants, present business documents such as DTI, SEC and Registration’s permit
8. Other proofs or evidences

For those looking for medical treatment

1. Visitor Form (VAF1 OCT 2007)
2. Passport with 6-month validity
3. Colored and unframed photo (45mm x 35mm)
4. Visa fee
5. Proofs of assets and savings. Other documents such as recent bank statements, certificate and land titles would also strengthen the application
6. For self-employed applicants, present business documents such as DTI, SEC and Registration’s permit
7. Medical reports
8. Doctor’s letters showing the following information
1. Appointment date
2. Overall expenses of medical treatment
3. Medication timeframe
9. Other proofs or evidences

For business purposes

1. Visitor Form (VAF1 OCT 2007)
2. Passport with 6-month validity
3. Visa fee
4. Colored and unframed photo (45mm x 35mm)
5. Proofs of assets and savings. Other documents such as recent bank statements, certificate and land titles would also strengthen the application
6. For self-employed applicants, present business documents such as DTI, SEC and Registration’s permit
7. Invitation letter from UK company
8. Company letter stating the visit’s purpose
9. For self-employed applicants, present business documents such as DTI, SEC and Registration’s permit
10. Proofs of business contracts, sales and receipts, if applicable
11. Evidence showing the employer’s support on the trip
12. Other proofs or evidence

Step 3 – Pay the fees. Filipino applicants can track their application fees in this particular site (http://www.vfs-uk-ph.com/visafees.aspx). There are also three ways to pay the fee.

1. Through Union Bank in Vito Cruz ext. Pasong Tamo, Makati City – One needs to bring copies of their passport’s page
2. Union Bank branches – In here, a P150 charge will be asked. Likewise, copies of the passport’s data page should be provided
3. Manager’s cheque payable to the UK embassy

Step 4 – Arrange an appointment. There are two ways to set an appointment, these are the following:

1. Online application – One can lodge their application through this site (: https://www.vfs.firm.in/pl-apptsystem/appscheduling/appwelcome.aspx).
2. Through call centers
1. For PLDT/ Smart Subscriber - 1-909-885-VISA (8472)
2. Bayantel- 1-903-VISAUK or 1-903-847285
3. Walk-in submission – However, it should be noted that this is more tedious compared to the two

Step 5 - Upon setting an appointment, one can now submit the application
Step 6 - Wait for the approval