Philippine Consulate in Dubai Launches E-Visa Service for Short-Term Visitors

Eligible UAE residents can apply online without a routine consulate visit, with single-entry applications taking seven to 12 working days.

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has launched the electronic visa service in the emirate, allowing eligible UAE residents planning short-term visits to the Philippines to apply online without routinely appearing at the consulate.

Speaking at a media briefing on October 26, Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III said the service aims to make travel more accessible by removing a hurdle for prospective visitors. Documentary requirements remain unchanged, and visa officers may still request original documents or an interview when necessary.

“We hope that this system will make travel to the Philippines faster and more accessible, especially for those who want to travel to the Philippines purely for tourism,” Enciso said.

The Philippine e-visa system provides an online platform for foreign nationals to apply for 9(a) entry visas covering tourism, business, conferences, medical treatment and short-term visits. Unlike sticker visas, e-Visas are issued electronically and cannot be converted or extended.

The Dubai consulate joins 94 other Philippine foreign service posts offering the service. At least 37 countries benefitting from the modernized system, including Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.

The Philippine e-Visa system was launched in August 2023 and has since expanded to select diplomatic posts worldwide. During two weeks of beta testing before the launch, the consulate had already issued 10 e-visas, while the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi began offering the service last year.

How does it work?

Applicants can visit evisa.gov.ph to check whether they need a visa before creating an account, completing the application form and uploading supporting documents. Those applying through the UAE must be legal residents, and all personal details must match their passports.

Payment is made through bank transfer, with proof uploaded to the application. Applicants can monitor their email and online account for updates, including requests for additional documents or a personal interview. Once approved, the e-visa is sent by email and made available for download through the account.

Single-entry applications cost AED260 and take seven to 12 working days. Multiple-entry applications take 15 to 40 working days and cost AED420 for six-month validity or AED580 for one-year validity. Applicants who pause an unfinished application must complete it and pay within 48 hours to avoid cancellation.

The Consulate will continue issuing traditional sticker visas alongside e-Visas. Sticker visa applications can be submitted through its Online Pre-Assessment System, with visas eligible for conversion and extension through the Bureau of Immigration.

E-VISA APPLICATION

Official website: https://evisa.gov.ph/
FAQs: https://evisa.gov.ph/frequently-ask-questions 

Step-by-Step guide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTFp04vZGEGE7WlBbZeZ38KPwPKRAl6h/view?usp=sharing

Once they have their eVisa, we emphasize a critical requirement for all inbound travelers: 

Securing an e-Visa is step one. Prior to departure, all e-Visa holders must register on the Philippine e-Travel System via https://etravel.gov.ph or the eGovPH mobile app. Registration is completely free of charge and must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival in the Philippines to avoid delays or border control issues.