Can you leave the airport?
To leave the airport, Filipino citizens generally need a visa or e-visa arranged before travel. Some airlines can help arrange short transit visas, so check the official source and your airline.
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for the United Arab Emirates.
Tips before you book
- Keep your onward boarding pass or e-ticket ready for the transfer desk.
- Avoid separate tickets with checked bags, which force you to enter the country to re-check them.
Layover guides for the United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
Do Filipino citizens need a transit visa for the United Arab Emirates?
Usually no, if you stay airside. Filipino citizens generally don't need a visa to connect through UAE airports (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) if they stay in the international transit area with a confirmed onward flight.
Can Filipino citizens leave the airport during a layover in the United Arab Emirates?
To leave the airport, Filipino citizens generally need a visa or e-visa arranged before travel. Some airlines can help arrange short transit visas, so check the official source and your airline.
Other transit rules for Filipino passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.