United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Philippine passport holders need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. As of 2026, the easiest option is an eVisa, which you apply for online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an approved UAE eVisa before boarding your flight. Apply through the UAE ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae — processing usually takes 2–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the immigration counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Philippine passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket when you arrive. UAE immigration asks for it at the counter, and your airline will check it before issuing a boarding pass. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you turned around. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host address | Immigration may ask where you are staying — have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. If you are staying with family or friends, carry their Emirates ID copy and tenancy contract. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. UAE does not publish a minimum amount, but having at least 3,000 AED (roughly 40,000 PHP) in accessible funds avoids any questions. Immigration rarely asks, but airlines sometimes do. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before you board. If it's close, renew before booking.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Philippine passport holders. Apply online before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services portal and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a photo, and your travel dates. Pay the fee and wait for approval — usually 3-5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport and eVisa ready. The officer will scan your passport and may ask a few questions.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once cleared, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Collect your luggage and head to customs. You're in.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa; must apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Good for multiple short trips within validity.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds (AED 4,000/month) and health insurance.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + health insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + health insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment, minimum salary of $3,500/month, and valid health insurance. Allows living in UAE while working for foreign employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,000 (~$545 USD) + property value of AED 1 million+
For property investors who purchase real estate worth at least AED 1 million. Includes residency for family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored, typically AED 5,000–10,000)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles visa process; includes residency and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Philippines passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30-day validity. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa expiry; pay before departure to avoid bans. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) |
| Visa extension (30 days)Available once per visit via immigration or sponsor. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Philippines passport holders transiting through UAE airports for less than 48 hours do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C) can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food or improperly stored food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate allergies or cause colds; carry antihistamines if needed.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions, overstay fines, and re-entry permits.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services and residency.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
No, the standard eVisa is not extendable. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
No, you can apply directly through the ICA portal without a sponsor.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Renew your passport first.
Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high.
No, Philippine passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an eVisa before you fly.
Rejections are rare but can happen. You'll get a refund of the visa fee. Check your application for errors and reapply.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.