Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for a UAE visa for a Dubai vacation from the Philippines.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is a destination every travel enthusiast would love to visit once in their lifetime. Asian travellers, in particular, are drawn to the idea of spending a few days in this magnificent emirate. A growing number of Filipinos have chosen the UAE as a favourite vacation destination in recent years. They are also intrigued by the neighbouring emirates of Dubai, making the United Arab Emirates an ideal Middle Eastern destination for fun and adventure. If you intend to visit Dubai from the Philippines, you should be aware of the UAE visa processing and requirements. Here’s a quick guide on how to apply for a UAE visa for a Dubai vacation from the Philippines.
UAE visa: an overview
Often, people refer to UAE visas as Dubai visas, simply because Dubai tends to be the most popularly frequented place in the UAE among people who travel to other countries via the Dubai airport, as well as tourists who prefer to stop and explore Dubai more than visiting other emirates. When you have a valid Dubai visa, you can explore the entire UAE.
Dubai visa for Philippine citizens
The first question you should ask yourself before planning your Dubai vacation is whether you need a pre-approved Dubai visa to visit the UAE. Before arriving in Dubai, Philippines citizens should apply for and obtain a Dubai tourist visa. A Dubai tourist visa allows Philippines citizens to stay in Dubai for 30 days for tourism purposes. It is possible to obtain a multiple entry visa or a single entry visa. The visa extension UAE option allows for a 30-day extension on a valid Dubai visa. Applying for a Dubai tourist visa online is simple. All you need to do is get acquainted with all the requirements of a Dubai visa. Here’s how to apply for a Dubai tourist visa.
Steps to follow to apply for a Dubai tourist visa online for the Philippines citizens.
- Check your passport. Philippine citizens visiting Dubai should carry a passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in Dubai. Visas will not be issued if the period of validity is less than 6 months. Handwritten passports are also not accepted.
- Your Dubai tourist visa would need to be applied for on your behalf by a sponsor. The sponsor should also be present at the airport when you arrive in Dubai. If you do not have a friend or family member that resides in the UAE, you can obtain your Dubai visa from the airline you will be travelling on, the hotel you will be staying at, or a travel agency or visa consultant based in the UAE.
- The language of all documents must be English. It would be necessary to translate the documents if they are not, and then submit them for visa processing.
- Fill out the Dubai visa application online. Double-check the information that you put for any errors. Make sure the form is filled out completely. As needed, provide details of all supporting documents you will submit with your visa application.
- Ensure that all documents are maintained so that they can be submitted to your sponsor for visa processing. You will need:
- Passport colour photocopies
- Passport size colour photographs taken against a plain background The photograph must meet the specifications outlined in the Dubai visa guidelines.
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket indicating that you will depart the UAE at the end of your visit.
- Your financial documents that prove you can support yourself in the UAE. This includes bank statements, bank passbooks, and salary slips.
- A letter of invitation from the family member or acquaintance sponsoring your visa. The details should include Passport details, residence permit, and proof of relationship/acquaintance with the visa applicant.
- Details of travel itinerary and hotel reservation confirmation and address.
- Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
- Travel and medical insurance.
6. Pay the visa fee and submit the documents to your sponsor who will forward them to the embassy on your behalf. The single entry Dubai Tourist Visa fee cost will be around AED 340 per visa. The visa fee once paid is non-refundable in any circumstances.
Taking the guidance of a Dubai visa expert will ease your doubts, manage your documentation and visa process and is a convenient way to escape from any hassles during the visa application.
Processing time for Dubai visas
It takes about 5 to 7 working days for a Dubai visa to be processed and for you to receive it. However, there may be delays if you do not provide the complete set of documents as required for Dubai tourist visa processing and if you need to provide further supporting documents to process your Dubai visa. Express visas are also available at an additional cost, so you can get your visa earlier than expected. However, it is recommended that you apply for a Dubai visa at least one month in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Things to consider when applying for a Dubai tourist visa
It is very important that you leave the UAE before the validity of your visa expires. A tourist visa can be extended twice for a period of 30 days at an additional charge each time. However, once your visa expires and you overstay your stay in Dubai, then you will be charged a penalty of about 100 AED per day you stay longer than the permitted period.
A Dubai visa application is a fairly straightforward process, as long as all the details included in your application and paperwork demonstrate clarity in every aspect. Errors, discrepancies, and incomplete forms are the most common reasons for visas being rejected. The chances of Dubai visa rejection are reduced if the purpose of your visit, as well as all the documents, indicate that you will visit Dubai and return to your country after your visit.
Applicants are also subject to rejection of a Dubai visa if it appears that they have any delinquency or criminal record against them, or if it appears that they may pose a threat to the residents of the UAE. Anyone who is a good citizen with a clean ledger and a good reputation do not have anything to worry about in terms of Dubai visa application.
Last but not least, it is necessary to keep in mind that getting a valid Dubai visa does not guarantee you 100% entry into the country. It is important to understand that the visa is just an indication that you have been approved for entry into the UAE, but it is the immigration officer at Dubai airport who determines whether or not you are allowed to step foot into the country and makes the final decision.
Photo by Christoph Schulz on Unsplash
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
