UAE Announces Visa on Arrival for Filipino Travellers
Finally, a relief because of the UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos, and it is not a rumour. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a formal advisory on 24th June, 2026, confirming that Filipino passport holders who previously needed to arrange a pre-approved UAE tourist visa before departure, this change removes a significant logistical barrier, and for many, it opens Dubai and Abu Dhabi as genuinely spontaneous travel options for the first time.Â
What Changed and Why It Matters
Check out the points below for a detailed overview of the recent policy update.
A Policy Rooted in Strong Bilateral Relations
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the UAE was granting the visa-on-arrival privilege to Filipino citizens because of excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE. With more than 700,000 Filipino nationals there, the Philippines has one of the biggest expatriate communities in the UAE, and this policy is a testament to the close ties between UAE and the Philippines. More Filipinos are likely to plan trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates, which is expected to help drive tourism, retail and hospitality sales. So, now there is no need to apply for the Dubai visa beforehand.Â
Enquire - Dubai visit visa servicesÂ
Can Filipinos Get a Visa on Arrival in UAE?
Yes, But Only Under Specific Conditions
Can Filipinos get a visa on arrival in UAE without any prior qualifying documents? No, eligibility is conditional. Not every traveller qualifies for this new visa on arrival programme. Specific rules are in place for safety and efficiency. To be eligible, a Filipino citizen must hold a valid, official Philippine passport and must possess a valid residence permit, a visa, or a Green Card. In addition, expired documents will not be accepted by immigration officers.
Which Countries’ Visas Qualify
Filipino citizens who have a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival:Â
- United States,
- EU member states
- Australia
- JapanÂ
- SingaporeÂ
- Republic of Korea
- Canada
- New Zealand
Note: The document of qualification must be valid at the time of arrival, not expired, and not revoked.
UAE Visa on Arrival for Filipinos: Fees and Duration
Under the new policy, eligible travellers may choose between a 14-day visa-on-arrival for a fee of AED 100, which may be extended once for an additional 14 days for AED 250, or a 60-day visa-on-arrival for AED 250, which is non-extendable.
| Visa Type | Fee | Extension | Best For |
| 14-Day Visa on Arrival | AED 100 | Once, for 14 more days at AED 250 | Short holidays, family visits |
| 60-Day Visa on Arrival | AED 250 | Not extendable | Extended stays, longer trips |
The UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos fees are payable in AED at the immigration counter. Carry cash in UAE Dirhams or an international card as your payment method.Â
Documents Required for UAE Visa on Arrival for Filipinos
The documents required for UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos are straightforward, but must all be physically present at the immigration counter. In addition, digital copies are not sufficient for the qualifying foreign visa or residence permit. After gathering all the documents, you can also check Dubai tour packages.Â
- Valid Philippine passport: The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months from the entry date
- Valid qualifying foreign visa, residence permit, or Green Card: Issued by the US, EU member state, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand; must be current and not expired
- Return or onward flight ticket: Confirming your departure from the UAE within the visa period selected
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation: For the full duration of your intended stay
- Sufficient funds: UAE immigration may ask for evidence of financial means to support your visit
- AED cash or international card: For payment of the visa on arrival fee at the immigration counter
Who Does Not Qualify for This Visa on Arrival
Can Filipinos get a visa on arrival in UAE without any of the qualifying documents? If you do not have these specific permits, you must follow the standard travel visa application process before your flight. Filipino travellers who hold only a Philippine passport without a valid US, EU, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean, South Korean, Canadian, or New Zealand visa or residence permit must still apply for a pre-arranged UAE tourist visa before departure. The visa on arrival route is not open to all Filipino passport holders, only to those holding the specific qualifying documents listed above.
Documents Required for UAE Visa on Arrival for Filipinos: The Process at the Airport
On June 25, eligible travellers should have their documents ready to go. A Philippine passport valid for at least 6 months and proof of a valid foreign visa, residence or Green Card with required documents at UAE’s immigration counters on arrival. The procedure involves passing through the usual arrivals immigration lane and presenting your passport and documents of qualification, explaining how long you will stay, paying an immigration fee, and obtaining your visa at the desk.
What This Means for Filipino Travellers in Practice
For Filipino travellers currently living in the United States, Australia, Canada, or EU countries, or those holding valid visas from these nations, the UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos effectively opens Dubai and Abu Dhabi as spontaneous travel decisions rather than planned applications. Moreover, a Filipino holding a valid US Green Card or an Australian residence visa can now book a Dubai flight and handle the entire entry process at the airport counter on arrival.
For Filipino workers in the UAE itself who hold valid UAE residence visas, the UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos policy is a separate arrangement. UAE residents who are Filipino nationals were already able to travel internationally and re-enter on their UAE residence visa, a different category from this new visa-on-arrival system.
Dubai: What Filipino Travellers Should Not Miss
- Burj Khalifa observation deck: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, with a 124th-floor view over the entire city, desert, and Arabian Gulf
- Desert Evening Safari: Dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars, consistently rated as the most memorable single experience in Dubai by Filipino visitors
- Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain: The world’s largest mall alongside the world’s largest fountain show, running nightly with no entry fee from the promenade
- Gold Souq, Deira: Gold jewellery priced well below Philippine retail, in one of the world’s largest and most competitive gold markets
- Abu Dhabi day trip: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is one of the most architecturally extraordinary buildings in the world, accessible as a single-day excursion from Dubai
For official UAE entry requirements and current immigration guidelines verified by the Philippine government, always refer to the Philippine News Agency’s official announcement before travel.
Final Thoughts
The UAE visa on arrival for Filipinos announcement, effective June 25, 2026, is one of the most significant travel policy changes for Filipino travellers in recent years, and for those holding qualifying foreign visas or residence permits from the listed countries. The UAE made travel for Filipinos easy and smooth with a visa-on-arrival facility. Finally, for more such updates, visit travelsaga.com.Â
