UAE Visa On Arrival For Filipinos: Eligible Travellers Can Now Enjoy Easier Entry To Dubai And Abu Dhabi

Travelling to the United Arab Emirates is now easier for eligible Filipino travellers.

Filipino passport holders who possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from selected countries can now obtain a UAE visa on arrival, making it more convenient to visit popular destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The programme took effect on 25 June 2026.

Eligible travellers must hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.

For Filipinos who frequently travel abroad, this development could make planning trips to the UAE much more convenient. The country remains one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, known for its world famous landmarks, luxury shopping, desert adventures, and vibrant city experiences.

Who is eligible for the UAE visa on arrival?

The visa on arrival programme is available to Philippine passport holders who possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from one of the qualifying countries.

Travellers who meet the requirements can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated UAE entry points, removing the need to apply for a separate UAE tourist visa before departure.

What visa options are available?

Eligible Filipino travellers may choose between two visa on arrival options:

• 14 day visa on arrival for a fee of AED 100

• 60 day visa on arrival for a fee of AED 250

The 14 day visa can be extended once for an additional 14 days for a fee of AED 250, while the 60 day visa is not extendable.

Why this matters for Filipino travellers

The UAE has long been a favourite destination among Filipinos, whether for holidays, family visits, shopping trips, or stopovers on the way to Europe and other international destinations.

With direct flights connecting the Philippines to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the visa on arrival programme could make travel planning more flexible for eligible travellers. Those who already hold visas from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Canada, or the United States may find it easier to arrange spontaneous trips without going through a separate UAE visa application process.

The new policy could also encourage more Filipinos to visit iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

What travellers should know before booking

Before travelling, passengers should ensure that their passport remains valid and that their qualifying visa, residence permit, or Green Card meets the UAE's entry requirements.

As travel regulations can change, travellers are encouraged to verify the latest entry requirements before departure and prepare any supporting documents that may be required upon arrival.

A welcome travel update for Filipinos

The introduction of a UAE visa on arrival programme for eligible Filipinos marks a significant step towards making travel to the Emirates more accessible. For travellers who already hold qualifying visas from selected countries, visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE destinations has now become more convenient than ever.