Requirements and How-To Apply For A Philippines Visa For UK Citizens

Entering The Philippines With A British Passport

Can UK citizens travel to the Philippines?

Yes. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration announced it would lift travel restrictions for all citizens of the UK, regardless of they are unvaccinated. All UK citizens can once again enter the Philippines 30-days visa-free, regardless of vaccination status.

After 30-days, UK citizens can extend their Philippine visa for 1, 2, or 6-months for up to 3-years.

After nearly two years of restrictions, the Philippines is back with a bang!

Other Guides On Expat Life In The Philippines

Requirements to go to the Philippines for UK citizens

1. Be a citizen of a visa-free country (*Hint: The United Kingdom is a visa-free country);
2. As of August 2023, COVID restrictions have been lifted. Fully vaccinated with two approved shots (one shot, if it's the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine) and present valid proof of vaccination status; OR
3. Show a negative antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours old; OR
4. Take a antigen test at the airport on arrival into the Philippines; AND
5. Present a onward ticket dated no more than 30 days from arrival (you can get an onward ticket here for $14);
6. Hold a valid passport with at least 6-months validity until expiration; ; AND
7. eARRIVAL CARD- The One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip  to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website
8. Purchasing health insurance covering medical treatment of at least $35,000 USD is no longer required, but highly recommended. 

You can read the complete Philippines visa-free entry requirements for UK citizens here.

As of August 2023, COVID restrictions have been lifted. Exemptions for COVID insurance (#7) and Onward Ticket Requirements (#5):

• Foreign spouses and unmarried minor children of Filipino citizens;
• Former Philippine citizens with Balikbayan privileges (Republic Act No. 9174) and their foreign spouse
  and unmarried minor children when traveling together; 
• Foreign citizens with valid immigrant visa, non-immigrant visa (9A visa holders are not included), or special
  visa issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration; or 
• Minor child under 12 years old is exempt from the vaccination requirement if traveling with a vaccinated British parent

Where can I buy medical insurance that covers me in the Philippine insurance?

You can get a FREE quote using any of the links below. I pay roughly $50 per month for roughly $500,000 of no deductible coverage, including medical evacuation.

Travel Health Insurance- This insurance covers unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you to maintain insurance in the UK. 

Expat Medical Insurance- If you living abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete solution. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with in the UK. Coverage is built for expats versus tourists.

Will my UK health insurance cover me in the Philippines?

Most likely no. Health insurance will not cover you for any minor injuries sustained outside the United Kingdom. You will either need to get travel medical insurance or Expat Medical Insurance.

Philippines' Travel Restrictions Visitors Leaving From The United Kingdom

Foreigners cannot enter the Philippines from the UK unless they:

1. Have a UK passport or are a citizen from a country under Philippines EO 408; OR
2. Hold a valid visa ; OR
3. Be a former Filipino citizen entering the country under Balikbayan Privilege; OR
4. Be a foreign spouse or child of a Philippine national traveling with you.
5. As of April 1, 2020, an Entry Exemption Document (EED) from the Department of Foreign Affairs is no longer required.

Philippines Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

UK citizens staying in the country for business or tourism can enter the Philippines visa on arrival for up to 59 days. UK citizens who wish another type of Philippine visa will need to present documents supporting the purpose of their stay. UK citizens can check the different requirements here for different Philippines Visa Types.

Long-term Philippine visa minimum requirements are:

1. Duly completed visa application forms
2. Two passport-style photos with plain white background, no eyeglass, nor sleeveless attire
3. A valid passport and photocopies of the passport data page
4. Proof of financial capability supporting their authorized stay in the Philippines
5. Police background check
6. Medical examination by a qualified physician
7. Additional documents requested by the Philippine Immigration Authorities

How can a UK citizen extend a Philippines Visa?

UK citizens extend a temporary visa at an eligible BI regional, district, or main office. UK citizens on a visa-on-arrival (VOA) have an initial for 30 days before extending their visa. Those who secured a visa from the Philippine consulate in the UK have 59 days, before requiring a visa extension.

British citizens must extend their visa before their authorized period expires or risk an overstay fine of 500 PHP per month, plus retroactive visa extension fees. All visa fees and overstay fines are payable at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) office.

Click here to download the Philippines visa extension forms for UK citizens.

Application Process Philippines Visa For British Citizens

The visa application process changes for British citizens applying for a Philippine visa from the UK versus applying after arriving in the Philippines.

How To Apply For A Philippine Visa In The United Kingdom

9a Temporary Visitor Visa- Applying for a 9a visa allows UK citizens to stay in the Philippines for up to 59 days before requiring an extension. Applying for a 9a in the UK requires you to provide documentary proof of identity (UK passport). Depending on your stated reason to enter the Philippines, additional documentation will be provided.

Check the Philippine Embassy or Consulate-General in your jurisdiction for specific application forms and requirements, as the process can change at each consular office.

Basic requirements for 9a applications include:

1. UK residents must complete the visa application form online
2. Recent passport photograph with a plain white background
3. Original UK passport valid for at least six months beyond exit date in the Philippines with at least one blank visa page
4. Photocopy of the valid passport data and amendment pages
5. Proof of sufficient financial capability (income tax return, investment certificate, current account bank statement, pay stub, etc.).
6. An onward travel ticket returning to the UK or your next country of destination dated no more than 30-days after you arrive in the Philippines.
7. Immigration authorities reserve the right to request additional documentary requirements pending the visa application evaluation.
8. Visa fee- £28.00  for a single entry 9a visa valid for 3-months; Visa-required nationals pay a visa processing fee is £37.00
9. Only Postal Money Order or Bank Draft (for those residing in Ireland) are accepted payments methods

13a Permanent Marriage Visa- UK citizens married to Philippine citizens can apply for a 13a Permanent marriage visa in the United Kingdom. While the 13a process is faster and cheaper in the UK versus applying in the Philippines, the married couple must currently be in the United Kingdom for a visa application interview by the UK Consulate General.

If one spouse is still in the Philippines, then they will need to wait and apply for the 13a Probationary visa when they are both in the Philippines. 

Each consular office may have its own version of the 13a visa application forms. Contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate-General in your jurisdiction for specific requirements.

Documentation requirements for UK citizens submitting a 13a application include:

1. 13a Visa application form FA Form No. 3- Three copies duly accomplished and signed
2. Six passport photograph (size: 2" x2" inches) with plain white background
3. Applicant's valid passport (must be more than 6 months valid) and photocopies of the passport data page
4. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) or other proof of dissolution of the prior marriage (death certificate, annulment order, divorce papers) authenticated and duly annotated by the local civil registrar; original and three photocopies
5. Proof of marriage to the Filipino national: PSA authenticated Marriage Contract or Philippine Embassy or Consulate authenticated Marriage Certificate; Original and three photocopies
6. A PSA authenticated Birth Certificate or a Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate for any minor children.
7. Proof of Philippine Citizenship- Birth certificate of the Philippine spouse authenticated by the PSA
8. Original passport and copy of the spouse's Philippine passport bio-page.
9. Notarized Proof of Sufficient Funds and Affidavit of financial capacity by visa applicant, with supporting documents (monthly bank statement, investment certificate, pension benefit statements, etc.)
10. Joint Letter of Request signed by the Filipino spouse, confirming Philippine citizenship and endorsing the visa application of their foreign spouse. 
11. “Certificate of Good Moral Character” from an current or previous employer, person of high standing in the community, or your parish priest; original and three photocopies
12. Apostilled Clean Police Certificate from Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS); Original and three photocopies 
13. Three original medical report forms (FA Form No. 11) with:
    - original and 2 photocopies of laboratory report
    - standard-sized chest x-ray in digital image (CD) format and result interpretation
14. General Medical Council (GMC) certification endorsing that the physician who
    signed the medical report is duly registered and qualified to practice medicine in the United
    Kingdom. 
15. Additional Documents as necessary
16. Application fee of £137.00
17. Visa application fee is payable in cash or postal money

Can UK citizens on a valid visa buy a house in the Philippines?

It depends. UK citizens can own a condominium easily, but if you want to own a house and land lot, things become more complex. Land ownership is restricted to Filipinos.

Foreigners have very limited options to purchase land in the Philippines.

How much is the Philippines visa application fee For UK Citizens

How To Apply For A Visa In The Philippines

Philippines Visa On Arrival- The Visa On Arrival passport stamp in your UK passport works the same as a tourist visa. UK citizens get favorable visa treatment and can enter the Philippines visa-free without obtaining for a tourist visa in advance.

UK citizens can follow the Entry Requirements section above to receive a visa on arrival.

13a Spousal Visa- The process for a British national married to a Philippine national to apply for a 13a Marriage Visa in the Philippines is summarised in 3-steps.

Basic Requirements For 13a visa

1. e married to a Filipino citizen
2. Have a valid marriage recognized and licensed in the Philippines
3. Applicable proof you have sufficient financial support for yourself and your family
4. Be a citizen from a country on this list of 82 countries with reciprocal permanent residency and immigration privileges for Filipino citizens

Summary of Process To Covert To A 13a

1. Complete the visa application form (BI FORM CGAF CO-001-Rev 2 available here)
2. Submit the application form and required documents for pre-screening to the BOI Main Office or eligible regional or district office
3. Pay the visa application processing fees with cash. The BI office will not accept person checks or credit card payments.
4. Wait for an Official Receipt that contains the schedule and location of the hearing and instructions for image and fingerprint capturing.
5. Attend your scheduled hearing
6. Proceed to the ARD Image and Fingerprint Counter and submit requirements for the ACR I-Card application
7. Check the BI website for your instructions and requirements for the entire 13a process here .
8. If your 13a visa application is approved, submit your original passport for visa implementation.
9. Pick up your ACR I-Card, when Alien Registration Division (ARD) completes the process.

You can find the complete instructions and requirements for the entire 13a process here.

Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV)- UK citizens over 50 with a monthly pension can retire to the Philippines using 1 of 4 different types of SRR visas. UK military veterans applying for the SRRV in the Philippines are eligible for special financial incentives.

Basic requirements for the SRRV are

1. Financial Deposit- the amount varies from $1,500 to $20,000 depending on SRR visa type 
2. Valid UK Passport- with valid entry visa
3. PRA SRR visa application form (available here)
4. Medical Clearance- A clear medical report no more than six months old. 
5. Proof of retirement funds (pension statement)
6. Clean Police Certificate- Apostilled certificate from ACRO if coming directly the United Kingom and a Philippine NBI clearance if you have lived in the Philippines for more than 6-months

You can read my detailed  how to apply for the SRRV instructions here.

The Cost Of A Visa in the Philippines for UK citizens

UK Citizens can enter the Philippines visa on arrival for FREE. However, there is a Bureau of Immigration visa fee to extend or convert a tourist visa to a permanent visa. The total payment of fees depends on the length of the extension and the type of visa.

Visa Extension After 30 days (Visa Waiver for 29 days)= Php 3, 030. 00

Visa Extension After 59 days (1-month)= PHP 4, 400.00

Click here for a complete schedule of 9a visa extension fees and How-to apply.

Convert To A 13a Marriage Visa = PHP 8,620.00

Convert To A 9f Student Visa= PHP 9, 720.

Required Annual Reporting for all foreign residents = PHP 810

Can someone help me with my Philippine Visa?

Yes. I can help you with a marriage visa, retirement visa, or work visa? I've partnered with a Philippines Visa Specialist with experience relocating embassy personnel and corporate expats since 2011. If you don't want to deal with the hassle and complexity of the visa process, they can help. 

My partners are visa specialists certified by the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Retirement Association to handle your visa application, document submission, local appointments, and much more. They will simply your immigration process and make getting your visa easier. 

Philippine Embassy And Consulate General Offices In The UK