The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has launched an online application service for 9A visas aimed at foreign residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, removing the need for applicants to appear in person at the consulate. The 9A visa category covers short-term visits to the Philippines for tourism, business, conferences, training and seminars. single-entry visa applications take between seven and 12 working days to process, while multiple-entry visas take between 15 and 40 working days. The single-entry visa costs 260 dirhams, while multiple-entry visas cost either 420 or 580 dirhams depending on the type chosen, with all fees non-refundable.

Philippine Consul General in Dubai, Ambrosio Brian Enciso, said the new online service was designed to make travel easier for overseas Filipinos and other visa applicants based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Applications for employment visas, study visas and other categories requiring closer scrutiny will still need to be submitted in person at the consulate.

The move is part of a broader push across Gulf consulates to digitise consular services, in a region home to a large Filipino community that regularly travels back to the Philippines for short visits.