Thousands of Filipino travelers now have an easier way to enter the UAE.Starting June 25, eligible Philippine passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival without having to apply for a visa before traveling. The move, announced by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is expected to make travel easier for tourists, business travelers and families, while reflecting the growing ties between the UAE and the Philippines.The news comes as the UAE continues to have one of the largest Filipino communities in the world, with approximately one million Filipinos living and working in the country. Officials said the new arrangement was launched in recognition of the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
UAE offers visa on arrival for Filipinos
The new policy does not automatically apply to all Filipino travelers.To be eligible, travelers must hold a Philippine passport and hold a valid visa, residence permit or green card Issued by one of the following countries:
- USA
- EU member states
- Australia
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Canada
- New Zealand
Travelers must present these documents along with their Philippine passport upon arrival in the UAE. Immigration authorities will then assess eligibility and issue a visa on arrival based on standard entry requirements.
UAE visa rules explained
Eligible travelers will have two visa options upon arrival in the UAE.The first is a 14-day visa on arrival, which costs AED 100. This visa can be extended once for a further 14 days by paying an extension fee of AED 250.The second option is a 60-day visa on arrival, which costs AED 250. However, under current regulations, this longer visa cannot be extended. The new arrangements offer travelers greater flexibility depending on whether they are on a short break, a family trip or a longer stay.
Why are the new UAE entry rules important?
The visa on arrival facility eliminates one of the biggest hurdles faced by many Filipino travelers: obtaining a UAE visa before departure.Eligible passengers can now complete immigration procedures upon arrival in the UAE without having to complete a separate visa application process in advance. Officials believe the change will encourage more tourism, business travel and family visits between the two countries.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision reflected the “excellent bilateral relations” between the Philippines and the UAE, highlighting the growing people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries.
What should you do?
While the new system simplifies the entry process, travelers are still advised to have all necessary documents ready before boarding their flight.Passengers should ensure:
- Their Philippine passports are valid.
- Their foreign visa, residence permit or green card remains valid.
- Support travel documents are available for inspection.
- They know whether they want a 14-day or 60-day stay option.
Immigration officials reserve the right to conduct standard checks before granting entry, meaning travelers should verify that all documents comply with current requirements before departure.
what’s next
The introduction of visa on arrival marks one of the most significant travel policy changes for Filipinos visiting the UAE in recent years.The measure is expected to benefit tourists, business travelers and the large Filipino community that already calls the UAE home due to easier entry procedures, flexible accommodation options and strong demand for travel between the two countries. As the policy comes into effect, both governments hope it will further strengthen close ties built on decades of economic and cultural ties.
