The British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Alistair White, officially inaugurated the new and improved UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Manila on March 8, 2024. Located in the heart of the city at the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two, this upgraded facility aims to provide a more comfortable and efficient visa application process for Filipino travellers.
Enhanced Facilities and Services:
- Spacious and Modern: Spanning over 3,300 square feet, the centre boasts 10 submission counters, allowing for a higher daily application processing capacity.
- Premium Services: Applicants can choose from various optional services, including a state-of-the-art Premium Lounge offering personalized assistance, after-hours appointments (Prime Time), and passport retention (Keep My Passport).
- Convenience: The centre is easily accessible by public transportation and offers additional services like courier delivery (Courier Return) and SMS application status updates.
- Mobile Application Option: For added convenience, Filipinos can utilize the On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service to submit their applications from anywhere.
Stronger Partnership and Growing Demand:
This new centre reflects the enduring partnership between VFS Global, the official partner for UK visa and citizenship services, and the UK government. It caters to the increasing demand for travel to the UK from the Philippines, with UKVI issuing approximately 77,500 visas to Filipinos in 2023, a 24% rise compared to 2022.
Wider Service Network:
VFS Global operates UK VACs in two Philippine cities – Manila and Cebu. This new Manila centre caters to diverse visa applications, including those for studying, travelling, and business purposes.
Global Expansion:
VFS Global was awarded the global contract for UK visa and citizenship services in 2023. As part of this agreement, they aim to establish 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres across 142 countries by the end of 2024. These centres will handle all visa categories and, in some locations, even UK passport applications. This global network is projected to serve an estimated 3.8 million applicants annually.
Further Information:
For more details about the UK Visa Application Centre and its services, visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/gbr/.
