UAE Updates Visa-on-Arrival Rules for Filipinos: Non-Resident Visas No Longer Qualify
Updated: Aug 19
MANILA, August 19, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has updated its visa-on-arrival eligibility rules for Philippine passport holders, clarifying that only permanent residency permits from six countries qualify, while holders of non-resident visas from those nations are no longer eligible .
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued the clarification following inquiries from Filipino travelers who were advised by staff at Etihad, Emirates, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific that regular visa holders from certain countries were no longer eligible for entry on arrival .
Published: August 19, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What Changed?
The UAE's visa-on-arrival program for Filipino citizens was first launched on June 25, 2026, allowing eligible Philippine passport holders to obtain a visa upon arrival .The program was launched "considering the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE".
However, the UAE has now clarified the eligibility criteria, creating a distinction between permanent residency and temporary visas.
Visa Type | Countries | Eligible for Visa on Arrival? |
Permanent Residency | Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand | Yes |
Non-Resident Visas | Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand | No |
Valid Visas or Permanent Residency | United States, United Kingdom, EU member states | Yes |
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According to the DFA, Filipinos holding permanent residency permits from Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, or New Zealand are eligible for a visa on arrival . However, Filipinos with valid visas from those six countries no longer qualify and must ask their sponsors to apply for their visas beforehand via official UAE channels .
Who Still Qualifies?
Philippine passport holders with valid visas or permanent residency in the following countries retain their visa-on-arrival privileges :
United States
United Kingdom
Any of the 27 EU member countries
Filipinos with permanent residency in the following countries also remain eligible :
Japan
Australia
Canada
South Korea
Singapore
New Zealand
Important: Filipino travelers with valid temporary visas from Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, or New Zealand no longer qualify for visa on arrival .
Visa-on-Arrival Options and Fees
Eligible Filipino travelers may choose between two visa options :
Option | Fee | Extension |
14-day visa | AED 100 (~Php 1,682) | Extendable once for 14 days at AED 250 |
60-day visa | AED 250 (~Php 4,206) | Not extendable |
Application Methods
Eligible travelers can obtain their visa on arrival through either of the following methods :
At UAE airports – Direct application upon arrival
Online via ICP Smart Services portal – Applications submitted through ICP Smart Services incur an additional AED 150 processing fee per request
Key Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Passport Validity | Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of application |
Qualifying Visa/Residence Permit | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
Assessment | Issuance of visa remains subject to UAE immigration authorities' approval |
"The granting of a visa upon arrival and entry into the UAE is contingent upon evaluation and approval by the pertinent UAE immigration authorities.— DFA Statement
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Eligible (US, UK, EU) | Valid visas or permanent residency |
Eligible (Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand) | Permanent residency only |
Not Eligible | Non-resident visas from Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand |
14-day Visa Fee | AED 100 (extendable for AED 250) |
60-day Visa Fee | AED 250 (non-extendable) |
Online Application Fee | AED 150 (additional) |
Validity Requirement | Passport + qualifying visa/residence permit: 6 months |
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