Traveling to Dubai?
Dubai is one Asia’s most sought-after destinations! It offers scenic views and thrilling experiences that are vastly different from the rest of Asia’s exotic nature. Unfortunately, Philippine passport holders are still required to go through a Dubai tourist visa application process before entering the UAE. To help ease the process, Klook has put together a step-by-step guide to applying for a Dubai tourist visa. Check it out!
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How To Apply for a Dubai/UAE Visa:
Your visit to Dubai will surely bring you to picturesque desert landscapes. Credits: Klook
1. Check your Eligibility
Before applying for your Dubai tourist visa, ensure you meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
a) Travel Record: You have traveled at least once in the last 3 years to or have a valid visa for countries like the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Japan.
b) Financial Records: You have either:
- Last 2 years' Income Tax Return with a minimum gross income exceeding PHP 200,000 per annum
- Investments amounting to PHP 500,000 or above in fixed deposits in banks (conditions apply)
- Security Deposit equivalent to USD 1,200 (Refundable upon return)
c) Invitation from immediate family member residing in UAE: For spouse, children below 21 years, or parents above 60 years.
d) Travel Agent Guarantee: Your travel agent can provide an indemnity letter.
2. Get a Sponsor
Before applying for a Dubai tourist visa, you will need to get a sponsor. This can be a friend or relative who currently resides in Dubai, an airline, a hotel, or a travel agency. Without a sponsor, your applications will not be processed, so take note!
For Airlines, we suggest applying with either Etihad or Emirates.
For Hotels, you may simply contact a hotel you’re interested in booking and ask if they offer visa services. Most Dubai hotels often do, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
For Travel Agencies, you can only apply under agencies based in Dubai. Take note that their prices may be slightly more expensive than others!
3. Figure out what kind of UAE Visa you need
Get ready to pack your bags and head to Dubai! Credits: RDNE Stock project on Pexels
There are three types of visas to choose from: Transit, Tourist, and Family Visit Visa. For this visa guide, we’ll be discussing the Dubai tourist visa requirements. But, here’s a rundown of each visa type for your reference:
- Family Visit Visa – sponsored by relatives or friends residing in the UAE. Available for 30 days or 60 days.
- Tourist Visa – Tourists can stay in the UAE for 30 days, under sponsorship from UAE airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.
- Transit Visa – Valid for 96 hours for 14 days from the date of issue given that (a) you have a valid passport and a confirmed booking to your third destination, or (b) must leave the UAE within 96 hours of arrival or 14 days after the visa has been issued, or (c) have a confirmed hotel reservation in UAE.
4. Prepare the required documents for your Dubai Tourist Visa
There aren't a lot of requirements for applying for a Dubai tourist visa. However, depending on who your sponsor is, more requirements may be asked of you For instance, if Emirates or Etihad Airways will sponsor your visa, you will be required to present your flight details along with the rest of your application.
Here are the basic Dubai (UAE) Tourist Visa requirements as stated on VFS Global:
- Original Passport (valid for more than six months)
- Colored Passport Copies
- One Colored Passport Size Photograph
- Confirmed onward or return ticket copy of Emirates Airline
- Copy of National ID for Filipino nationals; Work/Residence Permit or Dependent Pass for other nationals
- Visa Application form (duly filled)
Your application form may be different depending on who your sponsor is. That said, make sure to get a sponsor before proceeding with the rest of your Dubai tourist visa application.
However, for reference here is a copy of an application form from VFS Global. Do note that some portions of the application form will need to be filled up by your sponsor.
As mentioned, the format for the application forms per sponsor may differ. For instance, if you intend to apply with Jumeirah hotels, their visa application may look like this. If you’re applying through Etihad Airways or Emirates, you can check out their visa application forms and processes on their official websites.
Visa fee
Again, depending on the sponsor you’ve chosen, the visa fee will vary. You may check the websites of various hotels in Dubai, airlines, and travel agencies to compare prices!
- Normal Processing (30 days stay): 5,655 PHP
- Express Processing (30 days stay): 6,950 PHP
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable. Cancellation charge is 1,830 PHP per visa for approved applications.
5. Prepare the supporting documents for your Dubai (UAE) Tourist Visa
You can expect that your sponsor will need more requirements from you in order to process your application. Here are some of the possible requirements that you may need to have ready:
Visa Requirements:
- Round trip flight ticket: airline sponsors will typically ask you for a booking under their airline
- Hotel booking: Hotel sponsors will typically ask you for a booking under their accommodation
- Work Contract
- NSO Birth Certificate: Birth certificates will be needed, especially if you’re traveling with minors
- Original Bank Certificate
- Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return)
6. Submit your application
Once you’ve put together all the documents, send this over to your chosen sponsor! They will have to take care of the rest of your application; all you have to do now is wait!
- Normal Processing Time: 3-4 working days
- Express Processing Time: Within 48 hours
(Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and UAE Holidays)
You can track the status of your application online. For queries, contact the National Call Centre at +632 897 6254.
Additional Tips for Applying for a Dubai Visa:
Know all about the fascinating history of Expo City at the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum. Credit: Klook
1. Double-check all your requirements!
Though your sponsor will most likely look through your application more than once, it won’t hurt to check your requirements multiple times before sending them in. Once your application is with your sponsor, changing information and adding to your documents will be difficult.
2. Do extra research!
Since you will need a sponsor to process your application, research as many hotels and agencies as possible and compare the prices to get the most bang for your buck!
3. Include as many supporting documents as possible!
Once you send in all your documents to your sponsor, they’re in charge of the rest of the process. That said, before turning in your requirements, do your part and look into the potential documents that you may need and include those as well.
Klook your way to Dubai!
Once you’ve got your Dubai tourist visa, it’s time to explore this dynamic city! Whether you want to climb up the observatory deck of Burj Khalifa, or surf down the sand dunes at the desert, Klook’s got you covered!
