VFS Global has expanded its UK visa submission network in the Philippines with three Premium Application Centres and one Mobile Visa Application Centre, giving applicants more choices in where and how they submit their visa applications.
The Premium Application Centres are located in Metro Manila, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City, while the Mobile Visa Application Centre operates in Balanga City, Bataan. The services are aimed at applicants who value added convenience, privacy, and accessibility, including business travellers, families, senior citizens, and professionals with demanding schedules.
More flexible submission options
The Premium Application Centres are designed to provide a more personalised visa submission experience through dedicated assistance, a private setting, comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and optional added-value services.
The Mobile Visa Application Centre in Bataan, meanwhile, brings UK visa submission services closer to applicants outside the main metropolitan centres. It offers an alternative location for submitting applications while following the same processes and guidelines established by UK Visas and Immigration.
Applicants who wish to use either service need to select their preferred location when applying for a UK visa online. Both the Premium Application Centres and the Mobile Visa Application Centre are optional services and come with additional fees.
Designed around convenience and accessibility
The expansion comes as demand for travel from the Philippines to the United Kingdom continues to grow for tourism, education, and business.
“The strength of the UK-Philippines relationship is reflected by the growing number of Filipinos choosing to visit the UK for tourism, education and business,” said H.E. Sarah Hulton OBE, British Ambassador to the Philippines. “The expansion of visa application services will help make the application process more accessible and convenient for customers across the Philippines.”
Simon Peachey, chief operating officer for China, Australasia, and RCIS at VFS Global, said Filipino travellers increasingly look for convenience, comfort, and flexibility. He added that the Premium Application Centres and Mobile Visa Application Centre are intended to provide greater accessibility and choice while maintaining security, compliance, and service standards.
Premium centres in three cities
In Metro Manila, the Premium Application Centre is located at Shangri-La The Fort, 5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It operates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM.
The Davao City Premium Application Centre is located at Dusit Thani Residence Davao, Lower Ground Floor, Stella Hizon Reyes Drive, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City. It operates on alternate Tuesdays from 8:00AM to 3:00PM.
In Cagayan de Oro City, the Premium Application Centre is located at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. It operates every Thursday from 12:00PM to 3:30PM.
Mobile visa services in Bataan
The Mobile Visa Application Centre in Bataan is located at The Bunker, Capitol Building, Balanga City. It operates every Wednesday from 9:30AM to 2:00PM.
VFS Global says the mobile centre is intended to expand access to UK visa submission services and provide another convenient option for applicants who may prefer a location closer to home.
Optional services do not affect visa decisions
Applicants using the Premium Application Centres or Mobile Visa Application Centre may also choose an optional UKVI Account Creation Service for an additional fee.
VFS Global stresses that this service is entirely optional and does not affect visa processing timelines or visa decisions. The same applies to the Premium Application Centre and Mobile Visa Application Centre options themselves, which do not influence the outcome of a visa application.
Visa decisions remain solely under the authority of UK Visas and Immigration. Applicants who do not want to use the premium or mobile services can continue booking appointments at standard UK Visa Application Centres across the Philippines, subject to applicable UKVI service fees where relevant.
In Summary
VFS Global now offers three Premium Application Centres for UK visa applicants in Metro Manila, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City, plus a Mobile Visa Application Centre in Balanga City, Bataan.
These optional services provide additional convenience and accessibility but come at an extra cost and do not affect visa processing times or decisions. Applicants may still use standard UK Visa Application Centres if they prefer.