Pinoy Travel: How to Get a UAE Visa

Who said applying for visa needs to be so difficult?
by Gene Loves Acosta | June 09, 2016

 

Whether you want to explore the breathtaking city of Dubai or just visit some of your loved ones who already live there, UAE is one of the places in Asia worthy to be included in your travel bucket list. But aside from planning your itinerary and listing down everything you want to see, how is your visa application going? This may sound like a very tedious and overwhelming process, but don’t worry! Here’s your step-by-step guide to having your UAE visa application approved.

Step 1: Prepare your basic documents

Along with your visa application form, a copy of which can be downloaded here or obtained from the UAE Embassy office, are general requirements needed to be submitted to accomplish the first step of the process:

• two (2) fully accomplished visa application forms
• original Philippine passport, valid for a minimum of 6 succeeding months starting from the proposed arrival in UAE
• a photocopy of your Philippine passport
• two (2) passport size colored photographs
• a photocopy of the purchased airline ticket and itinerary

A. if visiting an individual:

• a copy of the host’s valid passport
• a copy of the host’s residency permit in the UAE
• an invitation letter from the host, including the host’s name and relationship with the applicant and the estimated duration of stay
• an acceptance letter of responsibility for the applicant

B. if visiting to travel:

•  a copy of your booked hotel voucher

C. if on a business trip:

• an invitation letter with the organization’s official letterhead, including the name and details of the applicant’s contact person in the organization
• an acceptance letter of responsibility for the applicant
• copy of the organization’s business license in the UAE

Step 2: Prepare other possible supporting documents

The previously mentioned general requirements are only minimums of the visa application process. The UAE Consul reserves the right to demand additional supporting documents when they deem it necessary, which include, but not limited to, the following:

A. an employment letter

• for the employed: a letter from the employer, with official letterhead, stating the applicant’s position in the company
• for the self-employed: a copy of the business license
• for the student/unemployed/retired: a letter from the applicant’s bank stating his/her good standing

B. a cover letter written by the applicant, stating the following:

• introduction of the applicant
• reason/s for going to and staying in UAE
• any additional specific request/s for the visa
  

  

Step 3: Submit your documents to the UAE Embassy

After you made sure that you have all the necessary documents for application, you can already submit these to the UAE Embassy. Their address is:

16th Floor Commerce & Industry Plaza Building, 1030 Campus Corner Park Ave, Mckinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Their office is open for consular services every Mondays to Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00nn. You may also call them at (+632) 822 2777 or e-mail them at uaembmla@info.com.ph for other questions and concerns.

Step 4: Claim your passport

The usual processing time for visa applications takes two to three UAE working days. All you need to do is go back to the UAE Embassy during its consular services hours and claim your documents and you’re done!

Bissalama!

Flying to other countries? Check out how to get a visa for Korea, Japan, UK, Schengen, and Australia.