United Arab Emirates Now Offers Visa-on-Arrival to Eligible Filipino Travelers

Filipino travelers planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates may now have one less requirement to arrange before departure.

Beginning June 25, Philippine passport holders who hold valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from select countries can avail themselves of a visa-on-arrival when entering the UAE, according to an announcement from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The new policy is expected to make travel to the Gulf nation more convenient for eligible Filipinos, whether they're visiting for leisure, business, or simply passing through one of the region's busiest aviation hubs.

According to the DFA, Filipino passport holders are now eligible for a UAE visa-on-arrival if they possess 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.

Eligible travelers may choose between a 14-day visa that costs AED 100 (approx. P1,600) and may be extended once for an additional 14 days, or a non-extendable 60-day visa that costs AED 250 (approx. P4,100).

The DFA said the privilege was extended to Filipino citizens “in view of the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE.”

The announcement came shortly after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with UAE Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi. According to the Philippine News Agency, the two officials discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties, with a focus on economic diplomacy and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The UAE is home to some of the Middle East's most visited destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It also serves as a major gateway between Asia and destinations farther west, making it a popular stopover point for travelers continuing on to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Travelers flying from Manila have direct options to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai, the UAE’s largest city and busiest aviation hub, is served by approximately 42 direct flights per week from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to data compiled by Skyscanner and FlightsFrom.com. Emirates operates up to three to four daily flights on the route, while Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines each offer daily non-stop services between Manila and Dubai.

Flight times typically range from 8.5 to 9.5 hours, depending on schedules and weather conditions.

For travelers heading to the UAE capital, Etihad Airways currently operates two daily direct flights between Manila and Abu Dhabi, providing another convenient entry point into the country.