By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted visa-on-arrival privileges to eligible Filipino travelers, a move seen as a significant boost to tourism, business travel, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday that beginning June 25, Philippine passport holders who possess valid visas, residence permits, or green cards issued by the United States, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand may enter the UAE through a simplified visa-on-arrival process.
According to the DFA, the UAE government extended the privilege in recognition of the strong and expanding bilateral relations between Manila and Abu Dhabi.
Under the new arrangement, qualified Filipino travelers may avail themselves of a 14-day visa-on-arrival for a fee of AED 100. The permit may be extended once for an additional 14 days upon payment of a corresponding fee.
Travelers may also choose a non-extendable 60-day visa-on-arrival option for AED 250.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed the development, which came shortly after she met with UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.
The two officials discussed measures to deepen cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE, particularly in the areas of economic diplomacy, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
The UAE hosts one of the largest overseas Filipino communities in the Middle East and remains a major destination for Filipino workers, tourists, and business travelers.
The DFA said the visa-on-arrival privilege is expected to make travel more convenient for qualified Filipinos while further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
The latest policy also reflects the growing confidence and goodwill between the Philippines and the UAE as both countries continue to pursue closer economic and diplomatic engagement.
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