My friend and I are working in Riyadh. We are Filipino by nationality and passport. We have Schengen visas because we will be travelling around Schengen territories. On our return to Saudi Arabia, we will leave from Berlin, Germany and fly to London Heathrow for a 16-hour layover before the flight to Riyadh.
Are we able to go outside the airport during the layover in the UK? What visa do we need to be able to tour a bit before our next flight?
According to Timatic, Filipino citizens do need visas to enter the UK. Timatic does not mention any exception for those who hold Schengen visas either. Therefore, you will need to apply for UK visas if you want to visit the UK on your layover (or at any time.)
The fact that you are residents of Saudi Arabia does not change anything either.
From official government sources:
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you’re visiting the UK for a holiday or to visit family or friends.
In order to qualify for a transit visa, you need to be:
able to show that the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit.
For the purposes of transit you could stay airside. Your purpose for going through immigration would not be transit, it would be tourism (visiting London for leisure.) I therefore don't believe a transit visa would be right for you. I recommend you get the Standard Visitor visa if you want to enter the UK under such circumstances.
To begin, Filipino nationals require a visa to leave the airport. In your case you can get a Standard Visitor Visa or if your itinerary makes sense, a 48 hour transit visa.
Your itinerary is Germany - UK - Saudi Arabia, if the need for a transit visa is substantiated, i.e., it's the fastest or most convenient route, then you have a great premise. The constraint is that the maximum time you can spend in the UK is 48 hours. Note that they don't like it if, at prima facei, you have contrived an itinerary in order to create a premise.
If your itinerary appears to demonstrate an intentional visit to the UK, i.e., a destinational intent, they will refuse a transit visa application because you would need a Standard Visitor Visa instead. You did not provide enough background in your question for us to suggest the right alternative.
For your questions...
Are we able to go outside the airport during the layover in the UK?
Yes, provided you have a visa in all the passports. People spend time in the UK on transit visas to the extent that it's common.
What visa do we need to be able to tour a bit before our next flight?
The answer here is indeterminate because we do not have all of the information needed to suggest the best choice. You have two options: Standard Visitor Visa and Transit Visa.
To apply for either of these you can use the gateway at Visa4UK. Once you have entered your choice of visa, the software will guide you through the application process.
You and your family will also have to report to an Application Centre to enrol your biometrics.
Visa applications posted in the Schengen zone are processed through Croydon and take 5 - 7 days in most cases.
Your question also contains a question in its title...
How to enter the UK during a layover as a Filipino citizen?
Entering the UK is virtually automatic once the Immigration Officer has examined your visas. He will ask some questions and stamp your passports. Once that happens you proceed to the next room and you will have entered the UK. To flag a taxi or take the tube into central London, follow the "Way Out" signs into the main gallery and look for the appropriate signs.
You will be able to visit London during the layover if you have a Visitor in Transit visa, which costs 59 pounds. This visa is issued on the basis of your flight confirmation and Saudi re-entry permit, which proves your right to enter your destination.
Create an account HERE, then apply online and follow the given instructions
