Philippines Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
The Philippines grants Emirati nationals visa-free entry for up to 30 days. The large Filipino community in the UAE (one of the largest expat groups) reflects the deep ties between the two countries.
Great news! United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter Philippines without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa required. Present your UAE passport at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or other international gateways. Immigration may ask for onward ticket and proof of funds. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. A Bureau of Immigration arrival form is completed on arrival.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
UAE Passport
Valid UAE passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward ticket from the Philippines. Philippine Bureau of Immigration strictly enforces this requirement.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking confirmation for at least the first night.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
USD 200 or equivalent per week of stay; PHP 50,000 equivalent for longer stays.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to Philippines: What You Need to Know
Over a million Filipinos live and work in the UAE, making Philippines-UAE ties among the closest bilateral relationships in the Gulf. For Emiratis, the Philippines offers pristine beaches in Boracay, Palawan, and the Visayas, as well as urban experiences in Manila. Emirates and Philippine Airlines both operate Dubai-Manila (MNL) routes.
How to Get There
For longer stays, a Tourist Visa (9A) can be extended multiple times at BI offices. Some UAE nationals with Philippine heritage may qualify for Balikbayan privileges (one year entry) through Filipino family members.
Money & Banking
The Philippines uses the Philippine peso (PHP). USD widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs available at major airports and malls. Carry cash for beach resorts and island destinations where ATMs may be scarce.
Practical Tips
The 30-day visa-free stay can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila for an additional 29 days (fee applies). Boracay requires a separate island entry fee (PHP 150). Palawan's El Nido has its own environmental tourism fee. Inter-island travel is by domestic flight (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines) or fast ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for the Philippines?
No. Emirati nationals visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. The 30-day period can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila for an additional 29 days.
What documents do I need at Philippine immigration?
Your valid UAE passport (valid at least 6 months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The Bureau of Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds.
What are the top destinations in the Philippines for UAE travellers?
Palawan (El Nido, Coron for world-class island hopping and diving), Boracay (White Beach, water sports), Siargao (surfing, laid-back island life), Cebu (beaches and historical sites), and Manila (urban experience, Intramuros) are the most popular.
Is the Philippines a good destination for UAE families?
Yes. The Philippines is welcoming, English-speaking, and family-friendly. Beach resorts in Boracay and Cebu offer excellent facilities for children. Inter-island travel by domestic airline (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines) is straightforward and affordable.
How do I get from Manila to Palawan?
Fly from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Clark International Airport to Puerto Princesa (PPS) or El Nido (ENI) Airport. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific serve these routes. Flight time to Puerto Princesa is about 80 minutes.
What is the currency in the Philippines?
The Philippine peso (PHP). USD is accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in Manila and major resorts but scarce on remote islands; carry cash for island destinations.
Are there direct flights from UAE to the Philippines?
Yes. Emirates operates direct Dubai (DXB)-Manila (MNL) flights. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and flydubai also serve UAE-Philippines routes. Cebu and Clark receive some direct services.