Philippines launches e-visa service in Dubai to draw more UAE tourists
By Business & Property Desk1 min read
Philippine authorities have introduced an electronic visa (e-visa) system at their consulate in Dubai, a senior diplomat said on Monday, expressing confidence that the move will attract more visitors from the United Arab Emirates.
Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III announced during a press briefing that the Dubai mission is now among 95 Philippine consulates worldwide processing e-visas. “This is part of the strategy to boost tourism in the Philippines,” he told Khaleej Times. “UAE residents are used to convenience when they’re traveling and now it will be easier for them to go to the Philippines.”
E-visa details and restrictions
The e-visa is valid for tourism purposes only, cannot be used for employment, and is neither extendable nor convertible to another visa type, including student or work permits. Approved holders may present their visa digitally or in printed form upon arrival in the Philippines; physical stickers will no longer be affixed to passports.
The system operates alongside Machine Readable Visa (MRV) stickers for Category 9(a) temporary visitor visas and other applicable categories. The e-visa portal is available at evisa.gov.ph.
Many travellers already enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, including Emiratis, Europeans, Canadians, US citizens, and nationals of South Asian countries. Enciso said the new system will benefit nationals of at least 37 countries currently required to apply for a physical visa: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Moldova, Palestine, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, among others.
Fees, validity and processing times
E-visas are available as single-entry (processing time 7–12 working days) or multiple-entry (15–40 working days). Fees are set at Dh260 for a single entry, Dh420 for a multiple-entry visa valid six months, and Dh580 for a multiple-entry visa valid one year. The permitted stay in the Philippines ranges from seven to 59 days, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
