No more UAE visa hassle: Filipinos holding Singapore passes now qualify for visa-on-arrival

PHILIPPINES: Philippine passport holders who hold a valid visa, residence permit, or green card from a select list of countries can now enter the United Arab Emirates without a pre-arranged visa, starting June 25, 2026.

According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Wednesday that the UAE has extended visa-on-arrival privileges to Filipino citizens, citing the “excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE” as the basis for the move.

Who qualifies

To be eligible, Filipino travellers must hold a valid visa, residence permit, or green card issued by any of the following countries: the United States, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.

For Filipinos based in Singapore, whether on an Employment Pass, S Pass, or other valid residence permit, this means UAE entry is now significantly more accessible, without the need to apply for a separate UAE visa in advance.

Two visa options available on arrival

Eligible travellers arriving at a UAE port of entry have two options:

A 14-day visa at AED 100 (S$35), which may be extended once for an additional 14 days at a fee of AED 25, giving a maximum stay of 28 days under this option. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a non-extendable 60-day stay at a fee of AED 250, which is a more suitable option for those planning a longer visit.

The diplomatic context

According to the PNA, the announcement came shortly after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi, to discuss strategic avenues for deepening the Philippine-UAE relationship. Their discussions centred on advancing economic diplomacy and expanding people-to-people exchanges, of which eased visa access is a direct and immediate outcome.

What this means for Filipinos in Singapore

For the large Filipino community based in Singapore, this development opens up the UAE as a more spontaneous travel destination. Previously, a UAE visa required an advance application, adding time, paperwork, and cost to what might otherwise be a straightforward trip. With visa-on-arrival now available to those holding valid Singapore residency documents, a weekend or short holiday to Dubai or Abu Dhabi becomes considerably more accessible.

Travellers are advised to ensure their Singapore-issued visa or permit is valid at the time of travel, and to check with the UAE Embassy or their airline for any additional entry requirements before departure.