Philippines entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism or business visits in 2026. Just make sure your passport meets the validity requirements and you have a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from the Philippines | Philippines immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule for visa-free entry. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a printed copy of your passport bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Philippines within 30 days | Immigration officers at NAIA and other Philippine airports routinely ask for your onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing departure within 30 days. If you're flying out to a third country, that ticket works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation for your entire stay | Philippines immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host (with their address and contact number) covers this. Have it ready in your hand luggage. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers occasionally ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or credit card showing at least PHP 50,000 (around $900 USD) available. Cash in USD or EUR also works if you're carrying it. This is rarely checked for short stays but better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the Philippines. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport.
eTravel registration no longer required
The Philippines previously required an eTravel declaration for all arrivals. As of 2026, this has been discontinued. You only need to fill out the paper arrival card given on the plane.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Download a local eSIM or buy a SIM at the airport.
2
Arrive at a Philippine airport
You'll land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or another entry point. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration counters.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before leaving the counter. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 29-day extension at a Bureau of Immigration office.
5
Collect baggage and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel, then proceed through customs (green lane if nothing to declare). You're now in the Philippines.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 1,000 (~$18 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy abroad; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months or 1 year
CostPHP 2,000 (~$36 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (e.g., 9a visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostPHP 5,000+ (~$90+ USD)
For work, study, or retirement; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit (refundable) + annual fee ~$360 USD
For retirees aged 50+ with pension. Requires deposit in a Philippine bank. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For foreigners with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship and Alien Employment Permit.
student visa
9(f) Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (processing fees)
For those enrolled in a recognized Philippine educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$75,000 USD investment + fees
For investors with a minimum investment in the Philippines. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 30 days or if visa is required; apply at Philippine embassy. | PHP 1,000 (~$18 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period; conditions apply. | PHP 2,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | PHP 500 per day (~$9 USD), max PHP 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Philippines
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through the Philippines do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa-free entry or visa is required.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles City
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.
RabiesModerate risk
Present in dogs and other animals; avoid animal contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions (e.g., Palawan, Mindanao). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and payment.
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Gaisano Country Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists in Cebu; same services as Manila.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.45 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Philippines
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can apply for a 29-day extension at any Bureau of Immigration office. The cost is around PHP 3,000 (about AED 200) plus processing fees. You can extend up to a maximum of 36 months total stay. Apply before your current visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need the visa-free entry or a visa. Check with your airline.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Working or studying requires the appropriate visa or permit. Overstaying or working illegally can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban.
You'll be fined PHP 500 (about AED 35) per month of overstay, plus a processing fee. If you overstay by more than 6 months, you may need to pay a visa extension fee and possibly face deportation. Always extend or leave before your 30 days are up.
Not officially required for UAE passport holders, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.
Yes, you can enter as many times as you like, as long as each stay is 30 days or less. There's no minimum gap required between visits. But if you're spending more time in the Philippines than outside, immigration may question your intentions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.