The Philippine passport. EXPAT MEDIA

Filipino passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from the US, EU, UK and 6 other countries will now be eligible for a visa-on-arrival in the UAE starting Thursday (June 25). Visa on arrival is also available to Filipinos with valid visas or resident permits from Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand. The new arrangement was announced by the UAE, with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirming the update on Wednesday (June 24), citing strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the new visa rule, and announced that it also applies to eligible nationals of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and South Africa. The UAE hosts around one million Filipinos, making it one of the largest overseas Filipino communities globally, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Who is eligible

Under the updated policy, Filipino passport holders may qualify for visa-on-arrival if they hold any valid visa or residence permit issued by these countries: • US • European Union member states • United Kingdom • Australia • Japan • Singapore • South Korea • Canada • New Zealand

Visa options and fees

Eligible travellers may choose from the following visa-on-arrival options: • 14-day visa: Dh100, extendable once for an additional 14 days for Dh250 • 60-day visa: Dh250, non-extendable Travellers must present their Philippine passport along with the valid visa, residence permit or Green Card issued by any of the eligible countries upon arrival at any UAE airport. The UAE remains one of the most visited destinations for Filipinos, both for tourism and family visits, with the new visa-on-arrival policy expected to make travel significantly easier for thousands of eligible travellers. Officials said the change reflects continued efforts to strengthen mobility and connectivity between the two countries, particularly for the large Filipino community based in the Gulf state. CAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: UAE extends visa on arrival to Philippines, 5 other countries
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