Philippine Consulate in Dubai Launches E-Visa Operations for Travellers
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has rolled out e-Visa operations, providing online visa services for eligible travellers starting October 26.
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has officially launched its e-Visa operations, effective October 26, after a two-week beta-testing phase. This new digital service aims to streamline the visa application process for eligible travellers seeking to enter the Philippines.
Visa Types and Processing
The e-Visa platform supports 9(a) entry visas, which cover various purposes including tourism, business, training, conferences, medical treatment, and workshops. Approved visas are issued electronically, eliminating the need for physical stickers in passports. However, the traditional sticker-visa service will continue to be available.
While physical sticker visas can be converted or extended, e-Visas obtained through the new online platform are non-convertible and non-extendable.
Processing times for e-Visas are as follows:
- Single-entry visa: 7 to 12 working days
- Multiple-entry visa: 15 to 40 working days
Fees and Post-Approval Steps
Fees for the e-Visa remain consistent with the existing structure:
- AED 260 for single entry
- AED 420 for six-month multiple entry
- AED 580 for one-year multiple entry
Upon e-Visa issuance, travellers must register free of charge through the Philippine e-Travel System or the eGovPH mobile app within 72 hours before their arrival in the Philippines.
Benefits for Specific Nationalities
This e-Visa service primarily benefits passport holders from countries that require a visa for travel to the Philippines. The report also highlights recent changes to visa policies for Indian and Chinese nationals:
- Indian nationals: Since June 8, 2025, they have been eligible for 14-day visa-free entry for tourism or business, which is non-extendible and non-convertible. Indian nationals with valid visas or residence permits from certain countries (US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, UK) can enjoy up to 30 days of visa-free entry.
- Chinese nationals: Effective January 16, 2026, they will be granted 14-day visa-free entry for tourism or business, also non-extendible and non-convertible. This specific 14-day entry for Chinese nationals is restricted to arrivals through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.
All travellers must still meet standard arrival requirements, including a valid passport with at least six months' validity, proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details, evidence of sufficient funds, and clearance from immigration databases.
Questions, answered
- What types of visas can be applied for through the new Philippine e-Visa system?
- The new e-Visa platform covers 9(a) entry visas, which are applicable for purposes such as tourism, business, training, conferences, medical treatment, and workshops/seminars.
- How long does it take to process an e-Visa for the Philippines?
- Processing takes 7 to 12 working days for a single-entry e-Visa and 15 to 40 working days for a multiple-entry e-Visa.
- What are the fees for a Philippine e-Visa issued in Dubai?
- The fees are AED 260 for a single-entry visa, AED 420 for a six-month multiple-entry visa, and AED 580 for a one-year multiple-entry visa.
- Can an e-Visa be extended or converted to another type of visa?
- No, e-Visas issued through the online platform are specifically non-convertible and non-extendable, unlike the traditional sticker visas which may offer these options.
- What are the new visa-free entry rules for Indian nationals to the Philippines?
- Since June 8, 2025, Indian nationals are eligible for 14-day visa-free entry for tourism or business. Also, those holding valid visas from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, or the UK can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.