Conditions for UAE visa upon arrival for Filipinos

Filipinos planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reminded that issuance of visa upon entry is contingent on certain conditions. Only those holding valid visas, residence permits, or green cards issued by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand are eligible for the privilege.

Filipinos who have no valid visas or residence permits from these countries must still apply for a UAE visa before travel.

UAE extended the same visa-upon-arrival arrangement to nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and South Africa, according to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the policy reflects UAE’s recognition of its “excellent bilateral relations” with the Philippines, which is home to about one million Filipinos working and living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Filipinos must ensure the following before traveling:

•           Passport valid for at least six months

•           A personal photo

•           Copy of visa or residence permit

•           Duration of stay limited to 14 days from entry, extendable once for the same period

•           Visa validity capped at 30 days

Overstaying beyond the permitted period or failing to renew an expired entry visa will result in fines of AED 50 per day (₱836).

Eligible travelers may choose between two visa types:

•           14-day visa: AED 100 (₱1,672), extendable once for another 14 days at AED 250 (₱4,180)

•           60-day visa: AED 250 (₱4,180), not extendable

Officials said the visa-on-arrival scheme is expected to ease travel for Filipino tourists, professionals and families. This manifests the broader cooperation between Manila and Abu Dhabi in labor, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Earlier this year, both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), granting Philippine exports such as bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics and machinery reduced or zero tariffs.

UAE previously granted visa-on-arrival privileges to Indian passport holders in 2024, while among ASEAN members, Malaysia and Singapore enjoy full visa-free entry.