United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
UAE Tourist Entry Permit · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to Dubai or the UAE as a Filipino citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the UAE tourist visa application: required documents, fees starting from AED 350 (approximately ₱5,300), processing times of 2-4 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. With a 96% approval rate for Filipino applicants and over 700,000 Filipinos already living in the UAE, proper documentation is key to a successful application.
UAE Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE
Recent colored photograph with white background
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from UAE
Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Completed visa application form from your chosen application channel
Recommended (Optional)
Valid health insurance covering UAE for the duration of stay
Application Process
UAE tourist visas for Filipino citizens can be obtained through multiple channels.1 Unlike many countries, there is no embassy appointment or biometrics required for standard tourist visas.
1. Choose Your Application Channel
You can apply through:5
- Airlines: Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, or Air Arabia (if flying with them)
- VFS Global: Dubai Visa Processing Center in the Philippines
- Travel Agencies: Authorized agencies in the Philippines
- Hotels: Some UAE hotels process visas for confirmed guests
- Online Portals: GDRFA Dubai or ICP smart services (requires UAE-based sponsor)
2. Gather Required Documents
- Colored passport scan (front cover and bio page)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Confirmed flight booking
- Hotel reservation or host details
- Bank statement (last 3-6 months)
3. Submit Application and Pay Fees
Submit your documents through your chosen channel and pay the applicable fees.3 Fees vary by visa duration and provider.
4. Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you will receive an electronic visa (e-visa) via email.1 Print a copy to show at immigration. Standard processing takes 2-4 working days.
Fees
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (AED) | Fee (PHP approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 days | 350 | ₱5,300 |
| Single Entry | 60 days | 500 | ₱7,600 |
| Single Entry | 90 days | 600 | ₱9,100 |
| Multiple Entry | 30 days | 690 | ₱10,500 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 days | 1,740 | ₱26,400 |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | 90 days per visit | 650+ | ₱9,900+ |
| VFS Global (90-day via Emirates) | 90 days | - | ₱11,635 |
Fees exclude 5% VAT and may vary by service provider.3 Airlines and travel agencies may charge additional service fees.
What You Need to Prove
The UAE immigration authorities assess tourist visa applications based on:1
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover your stay without working
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing you will leave before visa expires
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting technical specifications
- Clean immigration history: No outstanding bans or unresolved issues from previous UAE visits
Processing Times
Standard tourist visa processing times:23
| Channel | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Airlines (Emirates, Etihad) | 24-48 hours |
| VFS Global | 3-5 working days |
| Travel Agencies | 2-4 working days |
| GDRFA/ICP Portal | 48 hours |
| Express Service | Same day to 24 hours |
Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in UAE) and public holidays.3 Apply at least one week before travel to allow for any delays.
Special Considerations for Former UAE Residents
Many Filipinos have previously worked in the UAE. If you were a former UAE resident, check the following before applying:4
- Visa cancellation status: Ensure your previous residence visa was properly cancelled
- Labour bans: Check for any MOHRE labour bans from previous employment
- Immigration bans: Verify no immigration bans exist from absconding cases or violations
- Outstanding debts: Resolve any unpaid debts or bounced cheques
You can check your immigration status using the UAEICP mobile app or website by entering your passport details.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your e-visa will be emailed to you. At UAE immigration:
- Present your printed e-visa and passport
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Overstaying incurs fines of AED 50 per day1
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is rejected:
- Review the reason: Identify what documentation was missing or unclear
- Correct the issues: Improve photo quality, add missing documents, or show higher bank balance
- Check for bans: If you previously worked in UAE, verify no immigration issues exist
- Reapply: There is no waiting period for reapplication
- Consider a different channel: Try applying through an airline if you used an agency, or vice versa
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be easily fixed.2 A rejection does not prevent future applications unless there is an immigration ban.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, or documents that do not meet specifications. This is the leading cause of rejection for Filipino applicants.
How to avoid: Double-check every document before submission. Ensure passport photos are high-quality with white background, all scans are clear and colored, and no required documents are missing.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds or suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits close to the application date.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least AED 5,000 (₱75,000) for several months before applying. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before application. Show regular income.
Previous Visa Issues or Bans
Uncancelled previous residency visa, immigration bans, absconding cases, or unpaid debts from previous UAE stays. Common issue for former OFWs in UAE.
How to avoid: Check your immigration status before applying using the UAEICP app or website. Resolve any outstanding issues, bans, or debts from previous UAE employment.
Unclear or Poor Quality Photos
Passport photos that are blurry, have incorrect background color, or do not meet UAE specifications.
How to avoid: Use a recent, high-resolution photo with pure white background. Face must be clearly visible, no glasses, no shadows. Professional photos recommended.
Missing or Unconfirmed Bookings
Flight tickets or hotel reservations that are not confirmed, have inconsistent dates, or do not match the requested visa duration.
How to avoid: Ensure all bookings are confirmed (not pending) and dates align with your visa request. Include booking confirmation numbers.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport expiring within 6 months of travel date, damaged passport, handwritten passport, or insufficient blank pages.
How to avoid: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel. Ensure at least two blank pages are available. Handwritten passports are automatically rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?
Depending on the visa type, you can stay 30, 60, or 90 days. The standard tourist visa allows 30 days, with options to extend. The 5-year multiple entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, extendable for an additional 90 days.
Can Filipinos get visa on arrival in UAE?
No, Filipino citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply for a tourist visa before traveling. Applications can be made through airlines, travel agencies, hotels, or VFS Global.
How long does UAE visa processing take for Filipinos?
Standard processing takes 2-4 working days. Express processing through airlines can deliver results in 24-48 hours. Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in UAE) and public holidays.
What is the UAE tourist visa fee for Filipinos in 2025?
Fees vary by duration: 30-day single entry costs AED 350 (₱5,300), 60-day visa costs AED 500 (₱7,600), and 90-day visa costs AED 600 (₱9,100). The VFS Global 90-day visa through Emirates costs ₱11,635. Multi-entry and 5-year visas cost more.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Yes, most tourist visas can be extended within the UAE. Extensions cost approximately AED 850 for an additional 30 days. You must apply before your current visa expires. Overstaying without extension incurs fines of AED 50 per day.
Do I need a sponsor for UAE tourist visa?
Yes, all UAE tourist visas require a sponsor. Airlines (Emirates, Etihad), travel agencies, and hotels act as your sponsor when you apply through them. For visit visas to stay with relatives, your UAE-resident family member must sponsor your application.
What is the approval rate for UAE visas from Philippines?
The approval rate is approximately 96% for Filipino applicants. The UAE is a popular destination for Filipinos, with over 700,000 Filipinos living and working in the UAE. Proper documentation significantly improves your chances.
What happens if my UAE visa is rejected?
You will receive notification of rejection. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues. Common fixes include better quality photos, higher bank balance, and confirmed bookings. There is typically no appeal process for tourist visa rejections.
Can I work on a UAE tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit any form of employment. Working on a tourist visa can result in fines, imprisonment, and deportation with a ban. If you need to work, you must obtain a proper employment visa through a UAE employer.
Is travel insurance mandatory for UAE tourist visa?
Travel insurance is mandatory only for the 5-year multiple entry visa, which requires 180 days of health insurance coverage. For shorter tourist visas, it is recommended but not required. Some airline visa packages include basic coverage.
How far in advance should I apply for a UAE tourist visa?
Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your travel date. Tourist visas can be submitted up to 58 days before travel. This allows time for any corrections if issues arise with your application.
Can OFWs apply for UAE tourist visa?
Yes, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in other countries can apply for a UAE tourist visa. You will need to provide proof of your current residence status in that country. Former UAE residents should ensure any previous visa bans or issues are resolved before applying.