UAE Visa on Arrival Now Available for Eligible Filipino Passport Holders

Last updated: Jun 25, 2026

The UAE now offers visa on arrival to eligible Filipino passport holders, effective June 25, 2026.

If you qualify, you can skip the pre-arranged visa process and get your entry permit stamped at the airport.

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Who qualifies for the new UAE visa on arrival

You qualify only if you hold a Philippine passport and a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from one of the approved countries.

The rule does not cover Filipinos travelling on a Philippine passport alone.

According to the DFA advisory, the approved documents must be issued by one of the following:

United States (including a US Green Card)
European Union member states
Australia
Japan
Singapore
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Canada
New Zealand

Note that only EU member states are covered. A UK visa or residence permit is not on the published list.

The document must be valid at the time you enter the UAE. The DFA advises travellers to ensure their supporting visa, residence permit, or Green Card remains valid before departure — an expired US visa or a lapsed residence permit will not get you the visa on arrival.

This change is aimed largely at Filipinos living and working abroad who already hold residency in one of these countries, as well as frequent travellers connecting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

How the visa on arrival works at the airport

You will be issued the visa on arrival at the UAE port of entry after immigration checks — there is no online application to file beforehand. Gulf News reports that approval still depends on standard border checks.

At the counter, you need to present two things:

Your Philippine passport: valid for at least six months is the standard UAE requirement.
Your qualifying document: the valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from one of the eight approved countries.

Carry the physical or printed proof of your foreign residency or visa with you. Immigration officers need to see it before they can issue the entry permit.

This applies at all UAE ports of entry, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. You can check live arrival and departure status on the Wego flight tracker.

Visa options and fees

Eligible travellers choose between a 14-day and a 60-day visa on arrival, with different fees and extension rules for each.

The 14-day visa costs AED 100 and can be extended once for a further 14 days at a cost of AED 250.

The 60-day visa costs AED 250 and cannot be extended under any circumstances.

Visa option	Fee	Extension
14-day visa on arrival	AED 100	Once, +14 days for AED 250
60-day visa on arrival	AED 250	Not extendable

Fees are current as of the June 25, 2026 launch. Pay at the immigration counter when your visa is issued.

What to do if you do not qualify

If you hold only a Philippine passport without one of the eight approved documents, the visa on arrival does not apply to you — you still need a pre-arranged UAE visa. This is the same route Filipino travellers have always used.

You can arrange a tourist visa before you fly through one of these channels:

Your airline: carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways process visas when you book a ticket with them.
A UAE sponsor: a hotel, a resident relative, or an employer can sponsor your visit.
An authorised travel agency: licensed agencies file the application on your behalf.

The official UAE government portal confirms tourist visas are arranged in advance through these sponsors. Emirates processes UAE visas for passengers flying on its routes.

Processing usually takes three to five working days, so apply well before your trip. Filipinos travelling for work should also confirm any exit clearance requirements with the relevant Philippine authorities.

Once your visa is sorted, compare fares on flights to Dubai and browse hotels in Dubai on Wego. Direct flights from Manila are operated by carriers including Philippine Airlines and Emirates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any Filipino now enter the UAE without a visa?

No. The visa on arrival applies only to Filipinos who also hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from the US, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand. Everyone else still needs a pre-arranged visa.

Does a US Green Card count?

Yes. A valid US Green Card is one of the accepted documents, alongside valid visas and residence permits from the eight approved countries. It must be valid at the time you enter the UAE.

How much does the visa on arrival cost?

The 14-day visa costs AED 100 and can be extended once for AED 250. The 60-day visa costs AED 250 and cannot be extended.

When did the new rule take effect?

June 25, 2026. The DFA announced it on June 24, 2026, citing strong UAE–Philippines relations.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.