Pah... From this pdf document I can see it expires after 3 months.. But does anyone know how long processing takes? Also, on the application form is it okay for me to sign my reasons of travel to be Marriage/vacation?
I always turned up in person and got the visa issued same day, just said no sorry I can't come back in three days I live in Scotland But of course it's not cheap getting down to London. I would think that would be an ok reason to give.
In 2007 we had a friend join us on our trip with a 59day visa. Like oss, she pretty much insisted and got it issued the same day. Don't know if they still do that now, the procedures seemed to have tightened up considerably since then. Her reason for travel was just vacation, although she did tell the Embassy staff it was to attend a marriage blessing. You could always give a call or e-mail. Although having said that I have never had much luck going down that road.
Not sure they are that strict even now Peter, if Sean phoned them up in advance and asked nicely and explained he had a long way to travel then they will be helpful I'm sure, of course like the Brits in Manila they now have a nice shiny new Embassy in London so maybe they are getting mayabang First time I applied for a visa I got a specific one time visa, after that I always applied for the one year multi trip visa, it's more money but less turning up in London, not much use if you are not making a lot of trips in the space of one year though, my first one year multi trip visa I think I travelled there 5 times, two of them were for more than 21 days, so it was worth it. PS I called them every time before I went down to London they were always nice and understanding.
Was thinking of going to get my visa in a week or so.. But I guess I should hold out till early January, the 3 months thing...
The validity refers to when you can enter the Philippines it does not affect the length of stay Sean, you could arrive in the Phils on the last day of the three month validity and stay for 59 days no problem. I would get it sooner rather than later if I were you.
Another quick question.. What info do you guys reckon I should take with me? I have a 3 month bank statement, will print off some pay slips today and will have my passport and birth certificate if rwquired. Is that enough?
It tells you what you need on the application form I think Sean, I'll check when I get home. By the way has your passport got at least 6 months left on it? That's 6 months from your proposed date of travel.
They like it if it is all presented in one go for example requirement 2, photocopy of the data page, handy to have that already for them. Take some bills gas or electric for the proof of address over and above your bank statements and don't forget the photograph requirement number 5, the photo should probably be a passport style photo, not something larger. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS: Your application shall not be processed in case of error or omission. 1. One (1) copy of FA Form 2-A (application form). Fill out all headings using CAPITAL LETTERS. 2. Original Passport (valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines) and photocopy of data page of passport; 3. Proof of financial capability to assure the maintenance of bonafide tourist status during the intended stay in the Philippines; (e.g. latest bank statement with address; employment certificate, or if pensioner, proof that applicant receives pension benefits); 4. In the case of businessmen, letter from sponsoring firm in the Philippines or in the UK stating purpose of visit. In the case of students, letter from the school stating that student is duly enrolled in the institution; 5. One (1) photograph signed on the bottom front taken in the last six (6) months; 6. Other documents that may be required by the Consular Officer (i.e. other proof of address if this is not indicated in the bank statement).
Thanks for that... I've booked my journey down for next week. To waste some time I might either go shopping for pasalubong on Oxford Street or Take some pictures of the scenery like a good tourist.
That's what I did when it used to be on the bottom corner of Hyde Park, I just went and took pictures of the Swans.
Applied for my visa!!!! Got to the embassy at 10.15am. I had planned to get there an hour earlier but traffic jams on the motorway put an end to that thought.. They wouldn't process it for me that day despite my "Oh, please", but I can't complain the embassy staff were good natured and seemed very helpful. So, quite happy despite having to go and get them a special delivery bag from the post office to send me the visa. On a positive I took way too much paperwork. In the end they were happy with my passport, wage slips and bank statement as proof of income and address. And there I was panicking this trip would have been a waste of time.
