> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.d-x.ae/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Updated Visa-on-Arrival Guidance Clarifies UAE Eligibility for Filipino Travellers - URL: https://www.d-x.ae/updated-visa-on-arrival-guidance-clarifies-uae-eligibility-for-filipino-travellers/ - Published: 2026-08-21T11:39:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-21T11:39:26.000Z - Author: Decode-X - Tags: Developments, Career The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued updated guidance on 18 August 2026 for Filipino passport holders using the UAE visa-on-arrival route. The update separates the supporting documents that qualify depending on which country issued them. Current service conditions published by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) reflect the same distinction. The visa-on-arrival route was extended to eligible Filipino ordinary-passport holders from 25 June 2026, alongside nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, and South Africa. The UAE’s June announcement said eligible travellers, along with accompanying family members, could obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa, subject to the required supporting documentation. The June UAE announcement described eligibility in terms of a valid residence permit from the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. The DFA’s August guidance gives a more specific breakdown for Filipino travellers, and the current ICP service conditions now use the same split. Because the earlier UAE and Philippine descriptions were not identical, the August update is better treated as a clarification of the documents travellers should currently rely on, rather than as evidence of a newly announced UAE restriction. ### Which documents currently qualify For Filipino citizens holding valid regular Philippine passports, the DFA guidance says a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, or the United Kingdom can qualify. A valid US Green Card is also recognised under the current ICP service conditions. For Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and New Zealand, the guidance specifically requires a valid residence permit. Holding only a visa issued by one of those six countries should therefore not be treated as sufficient for this visa-on-arrival route. The guidance uses the term residence permit, not permanent residency. Travellers should therefore avoid assuming that permanent-resident status is always required, or that every temporary immigration document automatically qualifies. The practical question is whether the document held is recognised as a residence permit for this UAE service. The DFA also says that the Philippine passport and the applicable visa, residence permit, or Green Card must each have at least six months of validity when the visa application is made. The current ICP service page for the 14-day visa separately states that the beneficiary’s passport must be valid for at least six months. ### How the visa options work Eligible travellers can obtain a 14-day visa for AED 100\. It may be extended once for another 14 days, with the extension carrying a fee of AED 250\. A separate 60-day option costs AED 250 and is non-extendable. The UAE’s June announcement listed the same issuance fees of AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa. Applications may be handled at UAE airports or through the ICP Smart Services website. The DFA guidance says applications filed online carry an additional ICP smart services fee of AED 150 per request, while the current ICP service page for the 14-day visa lists a smart services fee of AED 100\. Travellers should therefore check the amount displayed on the official platform before paying, because service charges can change. Meeting the document conditions does not guarantee admission. The DFA says that both issuance of the visa on arrival and admission into the UAE remain subject to assessment and approval by the relevant UAE immigration authorities. ### What travellers should check before departure Filipino travellers planning to use this route should verify the exact type and remaining validity of their supporting document rather than relying only on the country that issued it. A visa from the US, UK, or an EU member state may qualify, while the current rules specifically call for a residence permit when the supporting document comes from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or New Zealand. The passport and qualifying supporting document should also meet the applicable validity requirements. Travellers who do not meet the visa-on-arrival conditions should arrange the appropriate UAE entry permission before travel through the applicable official or authorised channel. Because immigration requirements and airline boarding checks can change, travellers should recheck the current ICP requirements and confirm any necessary documentation close to their departure date. --- **Key Takeaways** - Filipino travellers may qualify with a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, or an EU member state, while the current guidance specifically requires a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or New Zealand. - The guidance says residence permit, not permanent residency, so travellers should verify how their particular immigration document is classified rather than assuming permanent status is required. - The DFA says the Philippine passport and applicable qualifying document must each have at least six months of validity when applying, and final admission remains subject to UAE immigration approval. - The visa costs AED 100 for 14 days, with one 14-day extension available for AED 250, or AED 250 for a non-extendable 60-day stay. The DFA also notes an additional ICP smart services fee for applications filed online. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/31/5b31839b-65ca-403d-ac7b-509cf7237573/content/images/2026/08/image-18.png) **Sources:** [UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — 14-day visa service](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=68e3532c5ae59b0011738404&ref=d-x.ae), [UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — Six New Nationalities and Six Additional Countries of Residence Added to Eligibility Criteria](https://icp.gov.ae/en/media-center/icp-expands-eligibility-for-uae-entry-visa-for-nationals-of-certain-countries/?ref=d-x.ae), [GMA News — DFA issues updated UAE visa-on-arrival guidelines](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/998961/dfa-issues-updated-uae-visa-on-arrival-guidelines/story/?ref=d-x.ae), [Khaleej Times — Updated UAE visa-on-arrival guidelines for Filipinos; check who can apply](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/updated-uae-visa-on-arrival-guidelines-for-filipinos-check-who-can-apply?ref=d-x.ae). --- **Disclaimer:** This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.