Many UAE residents visit the Philippines with Filipino friends, partners or colleagues. Filipino citizens need no visa, of course — but other nationalities often do. Since 2025, UAE residents who need a Philippine visa apply through the Philippine e-visa system, handled by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai depending on which emirate issued your residence visa.
Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Sources at the end.
Philippines at a glance
| Filipino passport | No visa |
| Indian passport | Up to 14 days visa-free if you meet the conditions, extendable by 7 days |
| Other visa-required passports | Philippine e-visa through the Embassy or Consulate |
| Residence visa from Dubai or Northern Emirates | Philippine Consulate General, Dubai |
| Residence visa from Abu Dhabi or Al Ain | Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi |
| Portal | evisa.gov.ph |
| Processing (single entry) | About 3–8 working days; at least 8 for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nigerian passports |
Indian passport holders: the 14-day visa-free rule
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs allows Indian nationals visa-free entry for tourism for an initial stay of up to 14 days. It can be extended once by 7 days, for a maximum of 21 days. The DFA lists these conditions:
- A valid, current visa or permanent residence permit from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, a Schengen country, Singapore or the UK.
- A passport valid at least six months beyond your stay.
- A return or onward ticket.
- No derogatory record with Philippine immigration.
A UAE residence visa is not on that list. If you have none of those visas, or want to stay longer than 14 days, apply for an e-visa.
Applying for a Philippine e-visa from the UAE
The Philippines rolled out its e-visa across the Middle East on 24 March 2025, and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced it on 7 April 2025 for foreign nationals living in the UAE. The steps:
- Find your post. Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah residence: Consulate General in Dubai. Abu Dhabi or Al Ain residence: Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
- Create an account at evisa.gov.ph.
- Upload your documents (list below).
- Pay online. The Embassy’s announcement says payment uses a PayIT account (First Abu Dhabi Bank).
- Wait for the decision and follow any instruction to appear in person.
Documents
The Consulate in Dubai lists these for a tourist visa:
- Completed application form.
- Passport bio page.
- Copy of your UAE residence visa.
- Flight itinerary.
- No-objection letter from your employer. See our NOC templates.
- Bank statements for the last three months. See our bank statement guide.
Processing time
| Visa | Processing (Consulate Dubai) |
|---|---|
| Single entry, most nationalities | At least 3 working days |
| Single entry, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nigerian and some other passports | At least 8 working days |
| Multiple entry | About 1–2 months |
The Consulate advises applying at least one month before travel, and says a confirmed flight does not make your application faster.
Questions people ask
Can I apply for a Philippine visa in Dubai if my residence visa is from Abu Dhabi?
No. Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residence visas are handled by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Dubai and the Northern Emirates go to the Consulate in Dubai.
I’m Indian with a US visa. Do I need a Philippine visa?
For a tourist trip of up to 14 days, usually not, if you also meet the other conditions. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa.
How long does a Philippine visa take from Dubai?
About 3 to 8 working days for a single-entry visa, and longer for some nationalities and for multiple-entry visas. Apply a month ahead.
Related guides
Sources
- Philippine DFA — PH Embassy in Abu Dhabi pilots Philippine e-visa issuance (7 April 2025): dfa.gov.ph
- Philippine Consulate General Dubai — Visa procedures: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph
- Philippine Consulate General Dubai — No-visa entry countries: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com — it gets fixed and logged.