24/06/2026
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24/06/2026
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DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates will begin offering a visa-on-arrival facility to eligible Filipino passport holders from June 25, a move expected to make travel to the Gulf nation easier for thousands of Filipinos visiting family, conducting business, or exploring tourism opportunities.
The announcement was confirmed by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which said the new policy reflects the strong and growing relationship between the Philippines and the UAE, home to one of the largest overseas Filipino communities in the Middle East.
Who Can Avail the Visa-on-Arrival?Under the new arrangement, Filipino citizens travelling on a valid Philippine passport will be eligible for a visa-on-arrival if they hold any of the following valid documents issued by approved countries:
- A valid visa
- A residence permit
- A Green Card
The documents must be issued by any of the following countries or regions:
- United States
- Member states of the European Union
- Australia
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Canada
- New Zealand
Only travellers who already possess one of these valid visas or residency documents at the time of arrival in the UAE will qualify for the facility.
How the New Entry Process Will WorknEligible passengers arriving at UAE airports and other ports of entry will be required to present:
- A valid Philippine passport
- A valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by one of the approved countries
Upon verification, UAE immigration authorities may grant a visa-on-arrival, subject to normal immigration procedures, security checks, and final approval at the border.
Officials emphasized that eligibility does not guarantee entry, as all arrivals remain subject to UAE immigration regulations.
Visa Duration and Fees
The visa-on-arrival scheme offers two entry options:
14-Day Visa
- Fee: Dh100
- Can be extended once for an additional 14 days
- Extension fee: Dh250
60-Day Visa
- Fee: Dh250
- Non-extendable
- Holders must leave the country before the visa expires
The introduction of the longer 60-day option is expected to benefit tourists, family visitors, and business travellers seeking an extended stay in the Emirates.
Boost for Tourism and Business TravelnThe new facility is likely to provide a significant boost to tourism and business travel between the two countries by reducing pre-travel visa procedures for eligible Filipinos.
Travel industry experts believe the measure will particularly benefit frequent travellers who already possess visas or residency rights in major economies such as the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and other approved destinations.
The streamlined process could also encourage more short-notice travel to the UAE, which remains a major hub for international business, trade, and tourism.
Strong UAE–Philippines RelationsnThe Philippine DFA said the decision reflects the close diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
"The visa-on-arrival privilege extended to Filipino citizens by the UAE was in view of the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE," the department said.
The UAE hosts a large Filipino expatriate population working across sectors, including healthcare, aviation, hospitality, construction, retail, and professional services. Remittances from Filipino workers in the UAE also play an important role in the Philippine economy.
The new visa-on-arrival arrangement is expected to further strengthen people-to-people connections, facilitate easier travel, and deepen economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
