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Travelling to the UAE from the Philippines has become easier for some Filipino passport holders under the UAE’s updated 2026 visa rules. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced in June 2026 that citizens of the Philippines were added to the eligible nationalities for a specific UAE entry visa category.
However, this does not mean that every Filipino passport holder can simply arrive in Dubai and receive a visa. The updated rule applies to ordinary Philippines passport holders and their accompanying family members who meet the required conditions, including holding a qualifying valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card from specified countries.
The UAE updated its eligibility criteria on 25 June 2026.
Under the announcement, the Philippines was added along with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa to the list of nationalities eligible for the specific entry visa category. India had previously been the only nationality covered by this category.
For Filipino travelers, eligibility is linked to both nationality and qualifying immigration status in another country.
The current ICP service information states that Filipino ordinary passport holders and their Family members can qualify if they hold a valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card issued by the United States, a European Union Member State or the United Kingdom, or a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union Member State or the United Kingdom, or a valid residence permit issued by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand.
The updated programme provides two stay options:
| VIsa Category | Stay in UAE | Extension |
| 14-day visa | 14 days
|
Can be extended once for the same period |
| 60-day visa | 60 days | Non-extendable |
Yes, eligible Filipino citizens can get the applicable UAE entry visa, but Philippine nationality alone is not enough for this particular facility.
The ICP’s current service page specifically includes nationals of the Philippines among the eligible nationalities. It also states that the service is limited to ordinary passport holders and their family members who have the required qualifying visa or residence document.
In simple terms, a Filipino traveller should check both of these points:
The qualifying countries are:
For a valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card:
For a valid residence permit:
If you are using the special entry visa facility, the current ICP requirements include several basic document conditions.
The ICP specified that this service is for ordinary passport holders and their accompanying family members.
You must meet the applicable condition for a valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card from one of the countries listed by ICP.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
The six-month requirement is also stated in the UAE Government’s general visa guidance, which notes that passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
The ICP service lists the following documents:
Eligible Filipino travellers have two duration options under the updated programme.
The 14-day visa allows a stay of 14 days from the date of entry into the UAE.
The visa has a pre-entry validity period of 30 days, according to the ICP service information. It can also be extended once for the same duration.
The 60-day option allows a stay of 60 days from the date of entry.
The ICP states that this visa is non-extendable and is issued as a single-entry visa.
| Option | Stay | Extension | ICP Issuance Fee |
| 14-day | 14 days | Once for same period | Check through official channels |
| 60-day | 60 days | Not extendable | Check through official channels |
If you are a Filipino citizen but do not meet the conditions for this special entry visa, you should not assume that you can receive the visa simply because Philippine nationals were added to the eligible list.
The UAE Government states that a tourist visa is available for travellers who are not eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Tourist visas can be arranged through UAE-based airlines, licensed travel agents or hotels, depending on the applicable process.
For Dubai, travellers can also use the relevant visa application channels provided by the UAE authorities. The UAE Government lists ICP and GDRFA Dubai among the official online channels for entry permit.
If you are not eligible for the special visa-on-arrival facility, the practical approach is to arrange the appropriate UAE visa before travelling rather than relying on arrival processing.
Not every Filipino traveller will meet the conditions for the special UAE visa facility. That is why checking your documents before making travel arrangements is important.
onlinedubaivisa.com can help Filipino travellers understand the applicable Dubai visa option and review the basic documents required for a visa application.
If you are not eligible for the special visa-on-arrival category, you can enquire about a pre-arranged Dubai Visa instead.
The important point is that visa approval remains subject to the applicable UAE immigration requirements and approval process.
Read Also: UAE visa status check by passport number online
Before travelling, Filipino passport holders should check their documents carefully.
Check your passport validity: Your passport should meet the applicable six-month validity requirement. For more details read our blog Dubai visa passport Requirements.
Check your qualifying visa or residence document: If you are relying on the special UAE entry visa, residence permit or Green Card you are using matches the eligibility conditions published by ICP.
Check your passport type: The ICP specifically refers to ordinary passport holders for this service.
Carry the required documents: Keep your passport, personal photo and a copy of the qualifying visa or residence permit available as required for the service.
The UAE Government advises travellers to check visa requirements before travelling because visa-on-arrival eligibility lists can change. It also recommends checking passport validity before making travel plans.
If you are flying with a specific airline, it is also sensible to check the carrier’s latest document requirements before departure.
Travelling from the Philippines to Dubai? Check your eligibility for a Dubai visa for Philippines citizens and apply online
Under the UAE’s updated rules announced in June 2026, Filipino ordinary passport holders may qualify for a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or eligible residence status from countries such as the US, UK, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or New Zealand.
Yes. Filipino ordinary passport holders may qualify for the UAE’s 14-day or 60-day entry visa if they hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by Japan. The UAE’s ICP specifically lists Japan among the qualifying countries of residence for Filipino nationals.
Yes, a valid Japan residence permit can meet the qualifying condition, subject to other requirements.
Yes, a valid US visa can qualify Filipino travellers under the updated rules.
Eligible Filipino travellers may be granted a 14-day or 60-day UAE visa on arrival, depending on their eligibility and the type of entry permission issued.
The 14-day option can be extended once. The 60-day option is non-extendable.
You should arrange an appropriate UAE visa before travelling.
Accompanying family members can qualify if they meet the applicable requirements.
Travellers should meet the required visa and travel-document conditions before flying.
www.onlinedubaivisa.com is a site operated by Travejar Tourism LLC, a travel agency registered in Dubai under number 1835447. Commercial License Number: 1115447 issued on Nov 9th 2022.
