Visitor visa
Filipinos need a visitor visa — not an ETA
Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa
The Philippines is not on Appendix ETA. Filipino visitors to London need a Standard Visitor visa. Care workers and other visa holders already in the UK travel on that visa, not an ETA. Relatives flying from Manila for a wedding still need visitor visas even if the couple lives in the UK. The £20 ETA product you see in US/Gulf ads is not your route. Apply on GOV.UK and complete biometrics. Gulf stopovers (DXB, DOH) do not change the UK’s view of a Philippine passport.
Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK →
Filipino travel facts
| Passport | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa |
| What you need | Standard Visitor visa |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | Usually a visa or transit visa — check GOV.UK |
Mistakes filipinos make
- Buying an ETA because a Facebook ad showed a Union Jack and £20.
- Working extra shifts on a visit — that is not allowed.
London notes for Filipino arrivals
Often you connect via the Gulf into Heathrow. With a visa in the passport, TfL contactless is fine. If you already live here on a Health and Care Worker visa, this page is not your inbound route.
FAQs
- Are Filipinos eligible for UK ETA?
- No. Use a visitor visa unless you already have another UK permission.
- Can my UK-based sister sponsor an ETA?
- There is no ETA to sponsor. She cannot change your nationality. You apply for a visitor visa.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.