Okay, just to give an update. (I've put this in Recommendations & Reviews)
We went to London yesterday, traveled 5 hours (including stop overs) from our home to London and arrived at around 12:15 pm. We went via M1 and there was no trafffic. We also managed to avoid the rush hour (we left at 7am and by the time we reached M6, it was quite clear). Keith was actually surprised. M25 is where the traffic was and good thing we didn't plan going via there. We went to have lunch first and then proceeded to Philippine Embassy.
Arrived there at 2pm and got a number for the queue (inside the waiting area). It was really quick when they opened again after lunch (they opened at around 2:10pm - Filipino time). I only waited around 10 mins for my number to be called. Finished barely an hour. We just spent 1 hour in total in the Philippine Embassy (got out at 3pm).
I called Philippine Embassy last week to inquire when is the best time to go there. They told me Monday is the busiest day and morning is the best time. But on my experience, it wasn't that busy yesterday and afternoon is the quickest time (Lots of people in the waiting area but it's because most of them were the applicants' companions).
The only problem I saw that's causing anyone a lot of time in the embassy is not having all the requirements prepared. One Filipina even asked me if I know any bank near the embassy because her money wasn't enough.Lots of Filipina were having a stressful time inside because their documents were not complete. Photocopy inside the embassy is 10p per copy. So make sure you have everything complete. Also, there were only 2 people in the embassy checking the documents, so if your documents are complete, their job would be easier and faster (that's to our benefit). There's also only one cashier.
For the ones renewing their passport, I advise you to fill up the form before you go to the embassy. Yes, printed forms are readily available in the embassy but filling it up in there would just cause you a longer stay. Photocopy every requirement (i.e. passport, marriage cert, supporting docs, etc.). The mistake I did was I didn't photocopy my report of marriage and marriage cert thinking that since I already got the report of marriage and that they have a copy of it, they wouldn't need it. WRONG. So photocopy everything. And don't forget to include a special delivery return envelope. They need that for returning your passport or Report of Marriage if you want it delivered to your doorstep.
Another problem I saw there, Filipinas who were going to submit documents for Report of Marriage (which is also a requirement for passport renewal) didn't have the correct number of copies of their document and forms. Make sure that every document and the form for report of marriage is copied 4 times. This was the one taking them so long in the embassy.
When it comes to getting your biometrics (digital photo and fingerprints), everything was smooth (2 ladies were doing the biometrics). After you paid the amount for passport renewal, go upstairs for the biometrics. Your name would be called when it's your turn. Take note that for your photo, there is only one shot (unless they say that there's something wrong with your photo, i.e. eyes closed, head tilting, etc.). They will show you the photo and your details to confirm if everything was correct. The only disapproval I had was my photo. I told the lady I didn't like my photo and asked for another shot. But she said there's nothing wrong with it and it's fine (although I still didn't like my photo).
So there it is. After all that, Keith and I just roam around the tourists places in Central London. Too bad we can't get in No. 10, I would've complained a lot to Cameron! Hahahahaha.
Quote Reply
Originally Posted by melovesengland
the staff COULDN'T have been nicer! Both the Philippine Ambassador to the UK (male) and the Philippine Consul (female) were in attendance ... and each shook hands with us both. Amazing!
Pity the British Embassy staff don't take a "leaf out of THEIR book"!!
