Essential Guide: Philippines Arrival Card for UAE Citizens

The journey between the UAE and the Philippines is a story of admiration and cultural exchange. This article will enlighten you about the necessity of the Philippines Arrival Card for United Arab Emirates citizens. 

This guide provides important information for traveling to the Philippines or the UAE for work or business. It covers both countries’ cultures, food, and a strong economy.

Whether you are attracted to their culture and food or their strong economy, this guide will be helpful.

Explore the ties that bind these nations while navigating immigration procedures seamlessly. Citizens of the UAE can enter the country without a visa for short-term visits. However, they need a Philippines Arrival Card. 

Do UAE Citizens Need a Visa to Enter the Philippines?

Interestingly, for short-term stays of up to 30 days, UAE passport bearers are exempt from requiring a tourist visa. 

Nevertheless, it’s essential for their passports to maintain a minimum of six months validity from their proposed departure date. 

Regarding safety, the Philippines has a moderate risk rating of 3.1 out of 5, indicating the necessity of carefulness. These safety considerations stem from advisories from nine independent sources. It’s worth noting that the Arrival Card for the Philippines is a compulsory requirement for their journey. 

Clarifying the Philippines Arrival Card for UAE Citizens

Travelers from the UAE do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. However, they are required to obtain the Philippines Arrival Card, also known as the Arrival Card. 

The eArrival Card, which must be acquired before entering the Philippines, supersedes the older Health Pass. 

However, it does not act as a visa replacement.

UAE tourists intending to stay over 30 days must secure a visa separately, either prior to their trip or by extending their stay while in the Philippines. 

Main Features of the Philippines Arrival Card for UAE Citizens

The Arrival Card’s purpose is to simplify the entry procedure and improve border protection. This card must be completed online no later than 72 hours before departing for the Philippines. Its key attributes include: 

• A 30-day post-arrival validity 
• Single-entry status 
• Efficient online application process 

Remember, each entry into the country by UAE citizens necessitates a new Philippines arrival card application. 

The Arrival Card doesn’t dictate the duration of the stay in the Philippines. This decision falls under the visa status. Hence, always verify the visa requirements or reach out to the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate for further information. 

Procedure to Obtain the Philippines Arrival Card

The Arrival Card procurement process is straightforward and can be swiftly completed online. UAE citizens will need: 

• A passport with at least six months validity beyond their planned stay in the Philippines. 
• A functional email address to receive the approved digital Arrival Card. 
• A debit or credit card to cover the processing fees. 

It’s important to note that every traveler, even infants and children, must possess their own eArrival Card. This is also applicable for transit passengers planning to leave the airport premises. 

Philippines e-Travel Registration for UAE Citizens

The Philippine Government introduced a new e-Travel Registration system, supplanting the previous Health Card Registration, effective from December 1, 2021. 

UAE citizens are required to complete the e-Travel Registration (also known as Arrival Card) prior to their Philippines entry. 

This directive is enforced by the government. 

To avoid airport congestion, UAE citizens are advised to complete their e-Travel Registration a minimum of 72 hours before departure. 

The e-Travel Registration card can be obtained from the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine at airports by UAE travelers. Note that after the successful registration in the Arrival Card portal, they will receive a QR code. 

Understanding QR Code

Obtaining a QR code signifies the successful completion of all necessary paperwork and compliance with the current entry protocols.

QR code bearers gain access to the express lane, eliminating the need to present additional documents to the quarantine officer. It also exempts them from further interviews, greatly simplifying the process.

Transit Guidelines for UAE Citizens Traveling to the Philippines

UAE citizens in transit through the Philippines don’t need to show a Philippines Arrival Card if they don’t leave the airport.

UAE citizens can leave the airport during transit. They need to get and complete the Arrival Card at the airport.

All UAE citizens, regardless of age, must apply for an Arrival Card when planning a trip to the Philippines.

Keep in mind, this rule applies to every individual, including infants and children, and each one must have their own individual registration.

Provisions for Late Arrival Card Completion

If UAE travelers are unable to complete the Philippines Arrival Card application before departure, there’s no cause for worry. 

Upon landing, they can fill out the form at dedicated lanes established for this purpose. This arrangement ensures a smooth journey for all passengers, even those who couldn’t finish the process beforehand.

Prohibited Items

The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in the Philippines enforces stringent import regulations. 

Certain items are strictly forbidden, including literature advocating treason, goods promoting illegal abortion, and items of an obscene or immoral character. 

Adulterated food or drugs that violate the Intellectual Property Code are also prohibited.

Unlicensed importation of explosives, firearms, gambling devices, and narcotics is also forbidden. 

The importation of goods like rice and wood materials requires specific licenses. 

Certain regulated commodities require clearance from relevant government agencies. 

Living, Working, and Studying in the Philippines

UAE citizens planning extended stays in the Philippines need to obtain the correct visa. Prominent long-term Philippine visas include: 

The Philippine Work Visa is for foreigners employed by Filipino firms. 

The Philippine Student Visa is granted to those studying in Filipino institutions. 

The Philippine Spouse Visa is for spouses and dependent children of Filipino citizens. The Philippine Retirement Visa can be granted to foreigners who satisfy the required financial criteria to retire in the Philippines.

Long-stay visas in the Philippines can range from six months to three years. The duration of the visa depends on factors such as the type of visa and the length of the work contract.

Regardless of the visa’s duration, remember a Philippines Arrival Card is necessary for entry into the country. 

UAE to Philippines Air Travel

Traveling from the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines is a thrilling journey across continents. The main air routes include direct flights from UAE’s bustling airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to key Philippine cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Airlines serving these routes include Emirates, Etihad, and Philippine Airlines. A typical flight takes about 9 hours.

Maritime Travel Options

For maritime enthusiasts, some cruise lines offer services between the UAE and the Philippines. However, this mode of transport is less common and more time-consuming.

Regardless of the mode of transport, all travelers must complete the Philippines Arrival Card, a mandatory document for entry. This document streamlines the arrival process and helps ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and residents.

Hence, it’s crucial to prepare this Arrival Card in advance of your journey to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Conclusion

UAE travelers should know the entry requirements for a hassle-free trip to the beautiful Philippines. One of these requirements is filling out the Philippines Arrival Card. The country remains popular among UAE travelers.