uk-visa-for-thai

How To Get A UK Tourist Visa From The Philippines

Before I start, I just want to say that seriously, I think getting the UK visa is the most nerve wracking visa experience I’ve ever had just because I never got the chance to speak to a person in the British embassy in the duration of the whole application process because it goes through a separate agency called VFS Global Services. So yep, they’re not hands on and frankly their process was the longest compared to other countries for me. I got my visa 13 business days after showing up in their office but in reality it’s 15 budiness days if you count the online application process. FYI, I already have Schengen, Japan, Korea, and China visas when I applied for UK visa so my situation could be different from yours. Here I’ll try to give a simple and comprehensive guide on how to get a UK visa.

How To Get a UK Tourist Visa From The Philippines (With a Philippine passport)

How To Apply for a UK Tourist Visa (2)

1. Make Sure You That a SHORT TERM Tourist Visa is the proper visa for you

Are you going to London, Edinburgh, Dublin to roam around the cities and have fun or are you seriously looking for a job? You have to keep your needs in check and make sure to apply the correct visa. Do not lie on the application and for that matter, never put false information on an application form. The web of lies that you will weave is not worth it.

Here are the reasons that qualify for a tourist visa or as they call it, a Standard Visitor Visa

  • apply at the earliest 3 months before intended travel date
  • for leisure, eg on holiday or to see your family and friends
  • for business, or to take part in sports or creative events
  • show that you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
  • show that  you’re able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip
  • show that  you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit
  • show that  you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules

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For Your Consideration: To Airbnb Or Not Airbnb

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My favorite part about planning trips is looking for accommodation. Triggered by my longing desire to have my own home, I am positively ecstatic when I see the beautiful homes and interior designs of other people’s homes in Airbnb and hotels. Since I can’t have my own pad yet, might as well stay somewhere nice and be inspired.

For those who don’t know what Airbnb is, it’s a whole new way to travel. You know about Uber right? Well this is kind of like that where Airbnb as a website and app is the mediator between hosts can rent out their rooms/houses to anybody in the world. You don’t need to stay in a traditional hotel anymore and can just stay in someone’s home. Airbnb makes sure to verify listings so it is a bit safe since guests can also review the place. Now a traveler has TONS of choices to choose from which is unthinkable before.

Okay baack to choosing accommodations.

Some though may think it’s the least priority in their list. I can understand that because basically when you’re on a trip, you just sleep in the accommodation. Probably all you need is a good bed and working toilet, then you’re good to go! So if you’re that kind of traveler, maybe this post isn’t for you.

I’m talking to you guys who love the daunting task of choosing a temporary home (there are so many choices!) and the first question we ask is, do I stay in an Airbnb or hotel/hostel? I won’t delve in to hotels or hostels now (in a later post) but I will talk about the pros and cons of Airbnb.

Airbnb is awesome because we have more choices and we get a different kind of experience when going to different places. We all don’t want to be “just a tourist” so Airbnb is yes, great. I’m sure you’re hesitant if you’ve never tried it but let me break it down for you.

Also, if you do plan to sign up, use this link or click the photo to get INSTANT 34usd credit! 😀

 

PROS of Airbnb:

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