Philippines Visa-Free Entry
Visa-Free Entry under Executive Order 408 · For UAE citizens
Planning a trip to the Philippines as a UAE citizen? Great news: you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. This guide covers everything you need for smooth entry at immigration, including passport requirements, proof of funds, return ticket, and how to extend your stay if needed. With over 70,000 UAE visitors in 2024 alone, the Philippines has become a top destination for Emirati travelers.
Philippines Tourist Entry for UAE Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For UAE citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the Philippines
Confirmed ticket showing departure from the Philippines within 30 days
Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay
Mandatory online registration at least 72 hours before arrival
Recommended (Optional)
Hotel booking or address where you will be staying
How Visa-Free Entry Works
UAE citizens enjoy visa-free access to the Philippines under Executive Order 408.1 This means you don’t need to apply for a visa before traveling. Simply arrive at any Philippine airport with the required documents, and immigration will stamp your passport for a 30-day stay.
The Philippines has seen a massive surge in UAE visitors, growing from 10,500 in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2024.3 This 666% increase reflects the growing popularity of Philippine destinations among Emirati travelers, particularly for beach holidays and diving.
What to Prepare Before Your Flight
1. Check Your Passport
Verify your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Philippines.1 Philippine immigration only accepts machine-readable or electronic passports.1
2. Book Return or Onward Travel
You must have a confirmed ticket leaving the Philippines within 30 days of arrival.1 Airlines may deny boarding if you cannot show proof of onward travel.
3. Complete eTravel Registration
All travelers must register at etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours before arrival.5 This free registration generates a QR code you’ll need at check-in and immigration.
4. Prepare Financial Documentation
Have evidence of sufficient funds ready. This can include cash, credit cards, or bank statements on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to verify your financial capacity.4
At Philippine Immigration
Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration counters for foreign nationals. Present:
- Your passport
- eTravel QR code
- Return or onward ticket (on phone or printed)
The immigration officer may ask standard questions about your trip: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you’re staying, and whether you have sufficient funds. Answer clearly and honestly.
If everything is in order, you’ll receive an entry stamp allowing 30 days in the Philippines. The entire process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on queue length.
Extending Your Stay
If 30 days isn’t enough, you can extend your visa-free stay at the Bureau of Immigration.2
First Extension: 29 Days
Apply before your initial 30 days expire. Visit any Bureau of Immigration office with:
- Completed application form (CGAF)
- Your passport
- ₱3,030 total fee
Processing is typically same-day.2
Further Extensions
After the initial extension, you can apply for additional 1-month or 2-month extensions. UAE citizens (as visa-free nationals) can stay up to a maximum of 36 months through successive extensions.2
| Extension Type | Fee | Cumulative Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Initial 29-day waiver | ₱3,030 | 59 days |
| 1-month extension | ₱5,930 | ~3 months |
| 2-month extension | ₱7,230 | ~4 months |
| 6-month extension | ₱17,400 | ~10 months |
Note: Stays beyond 6 months require an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) at an additional cost of approximately ₱2,700.2
Important Rules to Follow
No Working Allowed
Visa-free entry does not permit any form of employment.4 This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the Philippines. Working illegally can result in arrest, deportation, and permanent blacklisting.
Don’t Overstay
Always extend before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying results in fines of ₱500 per month plus additional fees.2 Serious overstays can lead to deportation and being blacklisted from future entry.
Keep Your Passport Safe
Your passport is your most important document. Make copies and store them separately. Report any loss immediately to both the UAE Embassy and the Bureau of Immigration.
If Entry is Denied
While rare for UAE citizens, entry can be denied if you lack proper documentation or have previous immigration issues. If denied entry:
- You’ll receive an Exclusion Order explaining the reason
- You’ll be held at the airport immigration area
- Your airline is responsible for your return flight
- You can request to speak with a supervisor if you believe the decision is in error
To avoid issues, ensure you have all required documents, answer questions honestly, and don’t carry items inconsistent with tourism purposes.
Practical Information
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 AED ≈ 15 PHP approximately. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted in hotels, malls, and major restaurants.
Language: Filipino and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8). Same as UAE during winter; 4 hours ahead during UAE summer.
Flights from UAE: Emirates operates 28 weekly flights to the Philippines.3 Direct flights from Dubai to Manila take approximately 9 hours.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Missing Return or Onward Ticket
Arriving without proof of departure from the Philippines within the allowed stay period. Immigration requires evidence that you plan to leave.
How to avoid: Always book your return or onward flight before arrival. Have the confirmation easily accessible on your phone or printed.
Insufficient Proof of Funds
Unable to demonstrate adequate financial means to support yourself during your stay. Immigration wants assurance you won't become a burden.
How to avoid: Carry cash, credit cards, and have recent bank statements accessible. Budget approximately $100 USD per day as a guideline.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport expires within 6 months of departure date, is damaged, or is not machine-readable. Non-compliant passports result in immediate denial.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before booking. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned return from the Philippines.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying, deportation, or being on the immigration blacklist. Past violations can result in entry denial even for visa-free nationals.
How to avoid: If you have previous issues, consider contacting the Philippine embassy before traveling to clarify your status.
Vague or Suspicious Travel Purpose
Unable to clearly explain the purpose of visit, carrying work equipment while claiming tourism, or answers that raise immigration concerns.
How to avoid: Be prepared to explain your trip clearly and concisely. Carry documentation supporting your stated purpose, such as hotel bookings or tour itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE citizens need a visa to visit the Philippines?
No. UAE citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for an initial stay of up to 30 days under Executive Order 408. You simply need a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of funds.
How long can I stay in the Philippines as a UAE citizen?
Your initial visa-free entry allows 30 days. You can extend your stay at the Bureau of Immigration for an additional 29 days, then apply for further extensions up to a maximum total stay of 36 months.
What documents do I need at Philippine immigration?
At immigration, you need your passport (valid for 6+ months), return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and your eTravel QR code. Hotel booking confirmation is helpful but not mandatory.
What is the eTravel registration and is it mandatory?
Yes, eTravel registration is mandatory. All travelers must register at etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours before arrival. It's free and generates a QR code you must present at boarding and immigration.
How much money do I need to show at Philippine immigration?
There's no fixed amount, but immigration may verify you have sufficient funds. As a guideline, budget approximately $100 USD per day of your stay. Carry cash, credit cards, or have bank statements accessible.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
Yes. Apply for a 29-day visa waiver extension at any Bureau of Immigration office before your initial 30 days expire. The fee is approximately ₱3,030. Further extensions are available up to 36 months total stay.
What happens if I overstay in the Philippines?
Overstaying results in fines of ₱500 per month of overstay, plus additional processing fees. Extended overstays can lead to deportation and being blacklisted from future entry.
Can I work in the Philippines on visa-free entry?
No. Visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business meetings. Any paid employment requires a proper work visa. Working illegally can result in deportation and blacklisting.
Do I need travel insurance for the Philippines?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, but it's highly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events during your stay.
What are the best months to visit the Philippines?
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather. December to February is peak tourist season with ideal conditions. June to October is typhoon season, though many travelers still visit.