Dubai Visa for Filipinos 2027: Visa on Arrival, Tourist Visa Fees and Requirements
Quick answer: Yes, Filipinos need a visa for Dubai. Most Philippine passport holders apply online for a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa before travelling. Since 25 June 2026, Filipinos who hold a valid US, UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand, can get a visa on arrival instead. It costs AED 100 for 14 days or AED 250 for 60 days.
This guide explains both routes, current fees in dirhams and pesos, the documents you need, and how to clear Philippine immigration without being offloaded.
Is Dubai Visa-Free for Filipinos?
No. The Philippines isn't on the UAE's visa-free or free visa-on-arrival list. Every Filipino traveller needs one of these:
- A pre-approved UAE visa (tourist, visit, transit or employment visa) issued before departure, or
- A conditional visa on arrival, if you hold a qualifying visa or residence permit from another country.
A UAE visa issued for Dubai is valid in all seven emirates, so you can also visit Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For how other nationalities compare, see our guide do I need a visa for Dubai.
UAE Visa on Arrival for Filipinos: Who Qualifies?
The UAE introduced a visa on arrival for eligible Filipinos on 25 June 2026. Updated guidelines from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) say you qualify if you hold a regular Philippine passport and one of these:
- A valid visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom or an EU member state
- A valid residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand. A visit visa from these six countries doesn't count.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Your qualifying visa or permit must still be valid when you land; an expired US visa won't get you a visa on arrival.
You can choose between two options:
- 14-day visa: AED 100 (about ₱1,650). It can be extended once for 14 more days at AED 250.
- 60-day visa: AED 250 (about ₱4,000). It can't be extended.
You can get the visa at the UAE airport or apply in advance through the ICP Smart Services website. Online applications carry an extra AED 150 fee. Entry is always subject to approval by UAE immigration officers.
Dubai Tourist Visa for Filipinos
If you don't hold a qualifying visa or residence permit, you need a pre-approved tourist visa. These are the main options:
- 30-day single-entry tourist visa: The most popular choice for holidays and short family visits. The government fee is AED 252 plus 5% VAT.
- 60-day single-entry tourist visa: For longer stays with relatives. The government fee is AED 352 plus 5% VAT. See the details of the 60-day Dubai tourist visa.
- 30-day or 60-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 300 or AED 500 plus VAT. Useful if you plan side trips to Oman or other nearby countries.
- 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: For frequent visitors. It allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, and you need a six-month bank statement showing a balance of at least USD 4,000.
Unsure which to pick? Compare a single-entry vs multiple-entry Dubai visa.
How much is a Dubai visa from the Philippines? The government fee for a 30-day visa works out to roughly ₱4,400 including VAT, and about ₱6,100 for 60 days. Agents add a service fee and sometimes travel insurance, so the final price is higher. Always confirm the full amount before you pay.
Documents Required for a Dubai Visa from the Philippines
For the visa application, prepare:
- A clear colour scan of your Philippine passport, valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- A hotel booking or your host's UAE address. If you haven't booked yet, see our guide to accommodation in Dubai.
- For a visa on arrival: a copy of your qualifying US, UK, EU or other visa or residence permit
Children need their own visa. If a minor is travelling without a parent, extra documents are required; see how to get a UAE visa for a minor travelling without a parent.
Philippine Immigration Requirements: How to Avoid Offloading
A UAE visa gets you into Dubai, but you still have to clear the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at NAIA, Clark, Cebu or any other Philippine airport. BI officers can stop travellers they believe are leaving as tourists to look for work. Carry these at the immigration counter:
- A printed copy of your UAE visa
- Your confirmed round-trip ticket
- Your hotel booking or an invitation from your host in the UAE
- Proof that you can pay for the trip, such as recent bank statements
- Proof that you'll return, such as a certificate of employment, an approved leave, a business permit or a school ID
Answer questions briefly and truthfully. Never say you plan to look for work. If you're going to Dubai for a job, you need an employment visa sponsored by your employer and DMW clearance, including the OEC, before you fly. Learn how the Dubai work visa process works. Using a tourist visa to job-hunt is a common reason for offloading, and UAE law doesn't allow you to work on a visit visa.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from the Philippines
- Choose your visa type based on how long you'll stay and whether you'll leave and re-enter.
- Upload your documents online: passport scan, photo and any supporting papers.
- Pay the fee online.
- Receive your e-visa by email, and print a copy for check-in and Philippine immigration.
The whole process is online, with no embassy visit. See the full walkthrough on how to apply for a Dubai visa online, or go straight to the Dubai visa application for Philippine citizens. Once submitted, you can track your UAE visa application anytime.
Processing Time
Dubai tourist visas are usually approved within about 48 hours of a complete application. Holiday peaks such as Christmas, Holy Week and summer can add a day or two, so apply at least a week before your flight. Express processing is available for urgent trips. For timelines by visa type, see Dubai visa processing times.
Only transiting? If you're connecting in Dubai to another country, you don't need a visa unless you leave the airport. For a layover in the city, read about the Dubai transit visa for layovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipinos need a visa for Dubai?
Yes. Filipinos need a pre-approved UAE tourist visa, unless they qualify for a visa on arrival with a valid US, UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand.
Can Filipinos with a US visa get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Yes. Since 25 June 2026, Filipinos with a valid US visa can get a 14-day visa for AED 100 or a 60-day visa for AED 250 on arrival in the UAE.
How much is a Dubai tourist visa for Filipinos?
The government fee is AED 252 plus VAT for a 30-day visa and AED 352 plus VAT for a 60-day visa. Agents add service charges on top.
Is there a show money requirement for a Dubai tourist visa?
The UAE doesn't set a fixed minimum for 30-day or 60-day tourist visas. The 5-year multiple-entry visa requires a bank balance of at least USD 4,000. Philippine immigration may still ask for proof of funds at departure.
Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE. You need an employment visa sponsored by your employer and DMW clearance before departure.
Visa rules and fees can change. Confirm the latest requirements with the UAE's ICP, the GDRFA Dubai, the DFA or your airline before you travel.
Planning your Dubai trip? Express Visa Dubai processes 30-day, 60-day and multiple-entry visas for Philippine passport holders, with express options for urgent travel. Apply for your Dubai visa online.