Dubai Tourist Visa From Philippines: Cost, Process, Duration, and Approval Tips
Filipino travellers are among the most frequent visitors to Dubai, whether for leisure, family visits, shopping, or short-stay trips before or after residency changes. Getting a Dubai tourist visa from the Philippines is straightforward, but the requirements, costs, and approval factors vary depending on how you apply and which visa type suits your trip.
This guide covers everything you need to know before applying.
Do Filipinos Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?
Yes. Philippine passport holders require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Filipino citizens at UAE airports. You must obtain a tourist visa before travelling.
The good news is that the application process is accessible, relatively affordable, and can be completed online without visiting an embassy.
Types of Dubai Tourist Visas Available for Filipinos
The UAE offers several tourist visa options depending on how long you plan to stay and how many times you intend to enter the country.
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Validity | Entry |
|—|—|—|—|
| 30-Day Tourist Visa | 30 days | 60 days from issue | Single entry |
| 60-Day Tourist Visa | 60 days | 120 days from issue | Single entry |
| 90-Day Tourist Visa | 90 days | 180 days from issue | Single or multiple |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa | Up to 90 days per visit | 5 years | Multiple entry |
Important: Duration of stay refers to how long you can remain inside the UAE after entry. Validity refers to how long the visa remains usable from the date it is issued. These are two different things.
The 30-day and 60-day options are the most commonly used by Filipino tourists. The 5-year multiple entry visa suits frequent travellers or those with family already living in the UAE.
How Much Does a Dubai Tourist Visa Cost for Filipinos?
Visa fees vary depending on where you apply. The UAE does not set a single fixed price for tourist visas through all channels, so costs differ between airlines, travel agencies, and online portals.
Approximate Cost Ranges (as of current estimates)
| Visa Type | Approximate Cost (AED) | Approximate Cost (PHP) |
|—|—|—|
| 30-Day Single Entry | AED 250–350 | PHP 3,800–5,300 |
| 60-Day Single Entry | AED 450–550 | PHP 6,800–8,300 |
| 90-Day Single Entry | AED 650–800 | PHP 9,800–12,100 |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | AED 650–1,050 | PHP 9,800–15,900 |
These are estimates. Additional service fees, insurance charges, or agency processing fees may apply. Always check the final cost breakdown before paying.
If you are flying with Emirates or Air Arabia, both airlines offer tourist visa services directly during the booking process, which can sometimes be more cost-effective than third-party agencies.
Who Can Sponsor a Dubai Tourist Visa for a Filipino?
There are several ways to obtain a UAE tourist visa. The right route depends on your situation.
1. UAE Airlines (Emirates, Air Arabia, Flydubai)
UAE-based airlines can sponsor tourist visas for passengers flying into the UAE. This is one of the most popular and straightforward routes for Filipinos. You apply through the airline's website alongside or after booking your ticket.
2. UAE-Based Sponsor (Family or Employer)
If you have a close family member or employer in the UAE holding a valid UAE residence visa, they can sponsor your tourist visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the relevant emirate's authority. This is common for family visit visas.
3. UAE Hotels and Tour Operators
Some licensed hotels and registered tour operators in Dubai can sponsor tourist visas. If you have a confirmed hotel booking with a participating property, they may facilitate the application for you.
4. Licensed Travel Agencies in the Philippines
Many accredited travel agencies in the Philippines process UAE tourist visas. They act as intermediaries and submit your documents through licensed UAE-based sponsors. Costs are typically slightly higher due to service fees, but the process is convenient if you prefer handling everything locally.