Philippines Temporary Visit Visa for UAE Residents

What is a Philippines Temporary Visit Visa?

This is a visa category through which foreign nationals can enter the Philippines for a short period. As the term ‘temporary’ suggests, those who apply for a Philippine temporary visit visa cannot stay permanently in the country.

If you’re an Emirati, you don’t need a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. However, for longer stays, you can get a temporary visit visa that is valid for up to 59 days from the arrival date. If required, you can extend it for 29 more days, which means a total of up to 88 days. After this tenure, you may still be eligible for an extension on applying for a Long-stay Temporary Visit visa.

Disclaimer: Visa and immigration rules can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements with the Philippine Consulate General Dubai or the Philippine Embassy before applying.

What are the Types of the Philippines Temporary Visit Visa?

The Philippines allow UAE passport holders to visit the country for a short period, provided they have a valid reason to enter the country. Foreign nationals for the following temporary purpose visits must not receive any payment or compensation from any entity in the Philippines for their activities during the visit.

The following are the top categories of foreign individuals who generally visit the Philippines for a specific tenure:

• Business persons
• Tourists
• Patients and their accompanying members seeking medical treatment
• Family or friends visit
• Educational and training programmes
• Conferences, meetings, and seminars
• Entertainment, cultural, sports, and leisure events

What Documents Does Each 9(a) Category Require?

The Philippine authorities require applicants to submit supporting documents based on the purpose of their visit. Make sure all documents are valid and up to date to avoid delays in visa processing. The following documents are applicable to both the Philippine e-Visa and physical visas:

Business Visitors Visa

Tourism or Leisure Visitors Visa

Requirements for Tourism Visa

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Documents showing ties to the country of residence (present any one of the following)
  • Employment certificate
  • Travel Itinerary
  • Proof of lodging or hotel accommodation
  • Property documents
• Valid proof of finances (show any one of the following)
  • Proof of business income
  • Latest 6 months’ bank statement or tax payments
  • A letter of guarantee from the sponsor mentioning financial capability
  • Employment certificate mentioning remuneration
• Letter of permission from a parent (applicable to a minor travelling alone)

Filmmaking Visitors

Requirements for Filmmaking Visitors

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Request letter addressed to the International Press Center
• CV of the filmmaker; must include a shortlist of work credits
• Film outfit background
• Valid proof of lodging or hotel accommodation
• Equipment list with certificate from the film outfit; equipment must be re-exported at the end of the trip
• Certificate of employment or contract from the film outfit
• List of crew members with designations (if applicable)
• Itinerary of activities
• Film synopsis or storyline

Medical Treatment Visitors

Requirements for Medical Treatment Visitors

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Valid proof of medical condition
• Confirmation of treatment or appointment from a Philippine medical institution
• Valid proof of finances (any one of the following):
  • Previous 6 months’ bank account statements
  • Latest 6 months’ pay slips or employment certificate showing compensation
  • Receipt of advance payment made for the treatment
  • Latest 6 months’ pension statements (applicable to retirees)
• A guarantee letter from the sponsor with financial proof
  • Valid proof of hotel accommodation or lodging
  • Health insurance policy (if any)
• Letter of permission from a guardian (applicable to minors)
• Letter from the sending medical institution issuing the foreign national to accompany the patient (for escort)

Athletic and Performing Art Visitors

Requirements for Visitors

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Endorsement letter issued by the Local Government Unit where the event venue is located
• Itinerary of events
• Letter of request from the applicant’s group
• Contract with the organiser that includes promotional materials
• Valid financial proof or a guarantee letter issued by the sponsor
• An invitation letter issued by the Philippine Sports Commission, Games and Amusement Board, Olympic Committee, or a national sporting association recognised by the GAB/ POC PSC
• List of crew members with their designations (if applicable)
• Crew members’ employment certificate
• Equipment list with certificate from the team; equipment must be re-exported at the end of the trip (if applicable)
• Letter of permission issued by a guardian (applicable to minors)

Journalism Visitors

Requirements for Journalists

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Valid proof of hotel accommodation or lodging
• Media company’s contract or employment certificate
• List of crew members with designations (if any)
• Itinerary of activities
• Storyline or synopsis of the news
• CV/ resume of the journalist; must include a shortlist of work credits
• Letter of request to the International Press Center
• Equipment list with certificate from the media house; equipment must be re-exported at the end of the trip
• Background information about the media company or the contracting media house (for freelancers)

Private Sailors or Yachtsmen

Requirements for Private Sailors and Yachtsmen

• A letter issued by the captain, which must contain the following details:
  • Area of entry/ Port
  • List of passengers and crew members
  • Entry date and tenure of the stay
• Vessel specification:
  • Name
  • Type
  • Call sign
  • Registration
• Character reference/ shipping agent in the Philippines (if any)
• Cargo manifest
• Boat insurance policy
• Permission letter issued by a parent (applicable to minors)

Visitors for Other Purposes

Requirements for Other Visitors

• Confirmed flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Valid proof of finances
• Valid proof of accommodation or lodging
• Documents stating the purpose of the visit
• Permission letter issued by a guardian (applicable to minors)

Important Note

You may need a passport-size photograph if applying offline. It must be a coloured photograph taken within the last 6 months. Always verify the list of required documents from the officials before initiating your application.

How to Apply for a Temporary Visit Visa for the Philippines in the UAE?

To apply for a Temporary Visit Visa at your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate, here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Arrange Documents - Keep all your documents ready, such as passport, flight tickets (both entry and exit), accommodation proof, financial documents, and others required specifically for your purpose of visit.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment - Plan and schedule your visa interview at the Philippine embassy or consulate.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee - During the application process, you have to pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate. Note that the fee varies as per your duration and purpose of the stay.

Step 4: Submit Your Application - Once you reach the embassy or consulate for the interview, submit the application and the required documents.

Step 5: Wait for Application Processing - As per the visa officials, application processing takes 5–10 working days. In case of any discrepancy or further clarification, you may have to submit additional documents, if requested.

Step 6: Collect the Visa - Upon visa approval, collect your visa from the embassy or consulate, wherever you had applied from.

How to Apply for a Temporary Visit Visa Extension?

If you wish to extend your stay or your work requires you to do so, apply for a visa extension before your present visa expires. Apply at the Bureau of Immigration office. Just remember that you can extend your visa for up to 29 days from the date of your visa expiration.

Make sure to submit the documents mentioned here:

• Original passport
• Photocopy of the passport bio page
• Document proving your recent admission with a valid authorised stay
• Recent arrival or departure card (TM 6)
• Duly filled and signed visa application form
• Latest visa extension (if applicable)
• Applicable visa extension fees

Can I Apply for a Visa Extension Beyond My First Extension?

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension beyond your regular extension. The long-stay visitor extension allows you to extend your total duration up to 6 months from the date of your visa expiry. This can be renewed again, allowing UAE nationals to stay in the Philippines for up to 36 months in total.

If you wish to extend your extension, know further about the long-stay visa extension.

What is the Philippines eTravel Declaration?

Also known as the Philippines eTravel, it is a digital system for registration for visitors arriving or departing from the Philippines. It is basically the online version of the paper-based arrival and departure cards, as well as the customs, immigration, and quarantine requirements you need to register.

Individuals visiting the country for family and friend visits, tourism, or transit through the Philippines (except for stays in the airside transit area) must declare their eTravel online within 72 hours of arrival or departure. This applies to all visitors, whether they are visa-free or require a visa.

Register for eTravel before you fly, as it speeds up your line at immigration and customs on arrival.

Know how to register yourself through the official government portal of eTravel Hub:

1. Visit eTravel Hub
2. Select UAE under the “Select Country Your Passport Issued By” drop-down
3. Set up your arrival date
4. Click “Start Now”
5. Start your application once you’re taken to the next page
6. Provide relevant details and continue
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the registration

Points to Remember Before Applying for the 9(a) Visa

Before you travel to the Philippines, do thorough research on the country and its rules to avoid any serious hassles during your visit. You can also get in touch with a visa expert if needed. Moreover, once you are there, be mindful of your visa dates. Overstaying in the Philippines triggers fines and can get you blocked from re-entry.

Find below some points to take into account when in the Philippines for a hassle-free stay:

Adhere to the Philippine Laws and Rules

During your stay in the country, ensure to comply with all the rules, regulations, and laws of the country. Avoid getting involved in any unauthorised activities that are prohibited, especially for other nationalities.

Clearly Mention Your Purpose of Visit

It is very important to mention the reason for your visit to the Philippines in the application process. Moreover, stay true to the purpose. In case you need to change the purpose of your visit during your stay, take permission from the Bureau of Immigration.

Respect the Philippine Traditions and Culture

While you are in the country, be respectful to the culture, traditions, and people of the Philippines.

Note: Not adhering to such duties and responsibilities may lead to fines, penalties, deportation, or detention.

Frequently Asked Questions