UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Eligible Filipinos: Rules, Fees & Eligibility (2026)
Learn about the UAE's new visa-on-arrival policy for eligible Filipino travelers, including eligibility requirements, visa fees, duration, and everything you need to know before you travel.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new visa-on-arrival facility for eligible Filipino passport holders, making travel to the UAE easier and more convenient than ever before. Effective 25 June 2026, the new policy allows qualified travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival instead of applying for one before departure.
This development reflects the strong and growing relationship between the UAE and the Philippines while making travel more accessible for tourism, business, and family visits.
Who Is Eligible?
The visa-on-arrival facility is not available to all Filipino travelers. To qualify, travelers must hold a valid Philippine passport and possess one of the following issued by an approved country:
- A valid visa
- A residence permit
- A Green Card (where applicable)
These documents must be issued by one of the following:
- United States
- European Union member states
- Australia
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Canada
- New Zealand
Eligible travelers must present these documents upon arrival in the UAE for immigration verification. Final approval remains subject to UAE immigration procedures.
Visa Options Available
Qualified travelers can choose between two visa-on-arrival options:
14-Day Visa
- Fee: AED 100
- Can be extended once for an additional 14 days
- Extension fee: AED 250
60-Day Visa
- Fee: AED 250
- Non-extendable
These options provide greater flexibility depending on the purpose and duration of your visit.
Why This Matters
The UAE is home to one of the world's largest Filipino expatriate communities. This new policy is expected to:
- Simplify travel planning
- Reduce visa processing time
- Support tourism and business travel
- Make family visits more convenient
- Strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UAE and the Philippines
The initiative also highlights the UAE's continued efforts to improve travel accessibility while maintaining secure immigration procedures.
Read This Before You Travel
Before booking your flight, make sure:
- Your Philippine passport is valid.
- Your qualifying visa, residence permit, or Green Card is still valid.
- You carry supporting travel documents.
- You meet all UAE immigration requirements.
Remember that meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee entry. Admission is always subject to the decision of UAE immigration authorities at the port of entry.
According to the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs, the new policy will apply to short stays of up to 60 days for those who meet a certain set of criteria. The introduction of visa-on-arrival for eligible Filipino travelers is a significant step toward making travel to the UAE faster and more convenient. Whether you're visiting family, exploring business opportunities, or planning a holiday, this new policy removes one of the biggest barriers to travel for qualifying visitors.
If you're eligible, you can now enjoy a smoother arrival experience and begin your UAE journey with fewer pre-travel requirements.