Doing research online was a big help for me to know the processes and needed requirements in my plan to go and find work in the UAE. I started out like a clean sheet of paper knowing nothing then eventually became knowledgable on the steps I needed to take.
After getting our visas, I searched online ways how to pass through the Philippine immigration. Some passengers, especially if they are going to UAE, are being offloaded. Our government is very strict and monitors travellers in order to protect us from possible human trafficking. That’s the Philippine immigration’s main reason why some passengers are offloaded. Although, there are news and stories about corrupt immigration officers, it is best for us to be aware and ready with all the questions and documents they may be needing.
Since I’ve noticed that a lot of Filipinos going to UAE are being offloaded (for whatever reason it is), I planned to go to Hong Kong first, keep my UAE visa and never tell them that I will be going to Dubai. It is my husband and I’s first travel abroad, that’s why I was very OC and planned every detail of it.
I purchased a ticket online, Manila (Mla) – Hong Kong (HK) – Mla. It should be a round trip ticket because you will not tell them immigration officers that you’ll be going to Dubai and the purpose of your travel is to tour or have a nice vacation. So, to prove them that we’ll be having a vacation, I made a DIY itinerary of places where we plan to visit. I printed it out and also have our leave approval form, hotel voucher, company IDs, and credit card. All of which I only made by myself with the use of MS Office, well except for the company ID and credit card which is the exact ID that we used. (I surrendered my old ID bearing my maiden name and kept the one with my married name. I resigned at work 23 days before our flight.) š I also booked a flight Sunday night, or after office hours, just to be sure that there’s no reason for them to call our company.
You’ll need to spend a little more if you plan to do this because you need to book two flights. For me it is better to be sure than be offloaded. That one is more expensive!
The travel agent who got us our visas is also the one who purchased our ticket to Dubai (DXB). HK – DXB – Mla, you’ll be needing a dummy ticket to Manila since you are on tourist visa. We spent 2300 AED each person for the ticket, it is a bit expensive cause we went there on June where most locals are on vacation for Ramadan.
I was sure praying that everything will went on fine. I was with my husband then and we were only asked who I’m travelling with, is it our first travel abroad, what our work is, checked our company IDs, when is the date of our marriage and even asked for a picture of it. Luckily, my husband has a copy on his phone. And then off we go! š
Our passports were stamped!
70 responses to “How To Go Through Philippine Immigration Successfully To UAE”
maan
November 11th, 2013 at 14:30
Hi, thanks sa mga sharings here maraming tips, i am booked with my 4mos infant going to abu dhabi this dec. my sponsor is my husband ( resident ),
Ask ko po kun pde na ba na walang AOS ?
I dont work but i do have my own bank account and 2 credit cards to show
kailangn pa kc mag leave sa work ni husband pra sa AOS
Hope to hear from you guys!
kitchenanonymous2012
November 12th, 2013 at 08:43
Are you on a husband’s visa? Yes, you still need to have AOS but it is easier for you to pass through immigration since your husband is your sponsor, even if you don’t have work here.
eavs
November 21st, 2013 at 07:46
Hi! Twice ako naoffload going to dubai. U need an Affidavit of Support. Grabeh higpit ng immi ngayon. Bukod sa immi booth, pag nakita nila na visit visa and transit ka bibigyan ka nila ng bond paper nakalagay dun personal data. May tanong dun if magkano nagastos mo sa pagprocess ng docs and pocket money mo. After mo mafill apan yung nasa bond paper you will have a 1 on 1 interview on a table with the IO. Dun mo malalaman if you can go or offload ka. Sobrang strict nila. Naoffload ako nung nov 10 & 19.
che0311
November 12th, 2013 at 15:34
hi, just want to ask is there anybody who get offloaded and try other Asian country and pass the IOs? please share your experience, and which is the best place to go via HK, SG or BANGKOK? Thank you š
mcur
November 25th, 2013 at 07:42
hi never tried to travel via HK.. but do not travel via sg.. IO are very strict people going to sg because of high chance of getting work.. when are you planning to go to dubai??
bey
November 14th, 2013 at 15:40
Pag poba nktourpackge anu kya posbleng itnung ,,,tnx po pls reply
diane
November 15th, 2013 at 23:23
hi po ask ko lna po anu po ung mga tanong sa imigration ng visite visa dubai? kc po visite visa ako ng in law ko. dati po akong nag work don for 4 years at ngayon po going there for visite visa lng. at ung passport kupo i issue ng abu dhabi. wala po bang iba pang mga tanong ang imigration?
diane
November 15th, 2013 at 23:28
hi po tanong ko lng po kong anu po ung mga tanong sa imigration ng visite visa? dati po akong working visa sa abu dhabi. mag visite visa po ako ang sponsor kupo ang inlaws ko. and passport kupo i abu dhabi wala po bang quistion and imigration abouth passport ko? at dun po ako sakanyan titira. ok na po b un?
Monick
November 19th, 2013 at 17:02
Hello po ask ko lang magkano po ba dapat show money? Hinahanapan po ba nun?
kawaii
November 21st, 2013 at 01:40
ok po ba magwalk-in this coming april 2014?
kawaii
November 23rd, 2013 at 02:30
Sino po may trabaho na dya sa dubai? Necessary po bang magpared ribbon ng HS credentials? I’m a college graduate. Plano ko nalang po sana College credentials lang yung iproprocess ko.
kitchenanonymous2012
November 27th, 2013 at 11:24
Your college documents are good enough.
joy
November 23rd, 2013 at 06:57
hi gusto ko lang po malaman nung nasa hk na kau kinuha nyo paba yung check in luggage nyo ? tpos saan airlines kayo nag book from hk to dubai?
kitchenanonymous2012
November 27th, 2013 at 11:23
Yes, we checked out our luggage when we landed HK. Air Seychelles by Etihad Airlines.
joy
November 23rd, 2013 at 07:14
hi ms. kitchenanonymous2012 ask ko din sana kung pwede ba ang maglakad ng toursit visa ko dyan sa dubai is asawa ng first cousin ko? wala po bang magiging prob. balak ko ksi mag tour dyan sa january or feb. 2014 hindi pa ako makapagpa book mla.-hk-mla ksi iam not sure kung pwede ng asawa lng ng first cousin ko ang maglakad ng visa please help me to answer my questions it would be a big help…. Thank you
kitchenanonymous2012
November 27th, 2013 at 11:21
Yes, they can process your visa for you but the main problem is the Philippine IOs. You’ll have a hard time passing through the Philippine immigration if you are not directly related to your sponsor.
Thanks!
hannelle
November 25th, 2013 at 05:07
Hi, We have tickets flying directly to Dubai. MLA-DUBAI as tourist visa. We have plane tickets and hotel (but no sponsorship). I plan to get a travel agency for sponsorship. I’m also an OC.My question is, as you stated ” to avoid being offloaded by philippine immigration” is this applicable for tourist visa as well? do I need “Affidavit of Support and Guarantee” documentation? What are the main things I should prepare? (aside from valid a visa, sponsorship, proof of hotel and plane tickets)
kitchenanonymous2012
November 27th, 2013 at 11:17
Yes, it is for those who are on Tourist Visa. As I know, an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee is a requirement for all Filipinos who will travel to UAE directly. You can check the blog and comments for possible questions and other requirements the immigration is asking.
Anne
November 25th, 2013 at 06:20
Hi, please let me know the possible questions sa Phil.Immigration flight ko na kase this coming sunday. Tourist visa ako and my documents are from dubai but all are original. My Bf is my sponsor so pls let me know… I need reply asap!! Thanks a lot
MIamy
January 6th, 2014 at 11:57
Hi Anne, what doucments you brought with you? You’re here in Dubai na?
hanelg
November 25th, 2013 at 14:29
We plan to go to dubai via hotel sponsor. concerning the philippine immigration do i need to have affidavit of guarantee(this form is applicable on having direct relation with the sponsor like family or a friend). They say i only need to present the original pink cop y. anyideas guys!
Honey Rose
November 27th, 2013 at 18:13
hello guys! as advice ko lang sa mga aalis as tourist panindigan nyo sa mga IO jan sa pinas na magtatravel lang tlga kayo at wag kaung kakabahan sa mga tanong nila. like me, umalis ako mag isa last Nov.18 wla pang 5mins ung Q&A ng IO sa kin tas stamp agad..now, dito na me sa Dubai. Tips ko din backpack lang ang dalahin nyo and dress up like a tourist ksi screening pa lang nakatingin na sila sa looks nyo..GOODLUCK sa mga aalis pa lang. š
joy
November 28th, 2013 at 06:58
Balak ko ksi sa hk to dubai nko then dubai mla para ndi na ako dumaan sa phils. IO wala po kaya maging prob. Khit asawa lng ng pinsan ko maging sponsor ko pra sa visa? Thank u so much for ypur help
codiks
November 28th, 2013 at 09:05
Hi, mag ask lang po. Direct hire ako sa Abu Dhabi and im planning to go to UAE by Dec. 2013..Manggagaling ako PH to HK then HK to UAE. ok lang ba na yung working visa ko na ang ipakita ko sa HK IOs? wala bang magiging problema? Salamat. Sana po masagot nyo ang inquiries ko.
kitchenanonymous2012
December 1st, 2013 at 13:07
Yes, it would be easier for you to pass the immigration with an employment visa. You need to attend a seminar from POEA, PDOS and have medical.
harold jayson
December 9th, 2013 at 21:45
Hi kitchenanonymous2012..thank you so much for your reply. Ihave the softcopies of my employment e-visa and employment contract. am still waiting for my tickets.
i want to know, yung io ba ng hk hahanapan ako ng pdos and medical certificate? Kc my employer (bank) wants me to be there immediately..they told me na matatagalan pag ng poea kc papadaanin ako sa agency but i told them also na i can process the requirements at poea without an agency within 1 week or 2 but again they told me na they are registered employer sa poea that is why i still have to pass through their agency.
Thank you.
kitchenanonymous2012
December 16th, 2013 at 04:07
IOs in HK will not check your PDOS and medical certificate.
harold jayson
December 16th, 2013 at 07:50
Thanks again..andito na ko sa boarding gate ng hk airport…
Share ko lang din sa mga kabayan na gusto pumunta ng uae..mas ok makalabas ng bansa natin pag sa clark dumadaan…taz sa male io ka matatapat..walang tanong tanong ng kung ano ano…
Pero mejo mahigpit sa hk..ng on the spot checking ang io kahit wala ka pa sa cubicle nila..na tyempuhan nga ako..hinanapan ako ng return ticket hotel accommodation at kung may kamag anak at ilang days ako mag lalagi sa hk..mejo hussle lang pero buti nalang ready ako sa lahat..hinanapan din pala ako ng show money peri sabi ko wala ako cash pero may credit cards kako ako…buttom line, u have to be very consistent with ur answers and be confident…Most of all, Prayers..
Salamat dito sa blog na ito, ang laking tulong talaga…regards,
kitchenanonymous2012
December 17th, 2013 at 03:54
Thanks for sharing your experience. š Now good luck with your new endeavors.
iza
December 1st, 2013 at 16:36
Hi! Flight kn po tmrow frm manla to hk hmhngi po b tlga cla ng aproved n leave form? Or ok n un Certfcte of emp? Thanks
ivy
December 2nd, 2013 at 05:01
hi direct flight po ako from mla todubai to visit my cousin ano po kaa itatanong nila at kailangan ko dalin? TIA!!! š
mae
December 3rd, 2013 at 16:17
hi po my question lang po aq,, hopefully msagot nyo po,, gling na po aq ng dubai last year,, and now new passport na po aq mg travel aq as a tourist with clear passport wlang tatak.. dapat ko pa po ba sabihin na nag work na aq sa dubai before? kc new passport na po aq.. thanks po
kitchenanonymous2012
December 4th, 2013 at 04:42
Will you be on visit visa? If they do not ask then don’t tell them. Bring it up only when asked.
odhie
December 7th, 2013 at 11:33
pede po bang magtanong? may possibilities po bang mag offload ako kung wala akong work sa pinas then insponsoran ako ng brother in law ko sa dubai?? for tour lang naman po š
kitchenanonymous2012
December 7th, 2013 at 14:47
There are always possibilities of getting offloaded that’s why make sure to bring in your documents.
milley101
December 8th, 2013 at 06:46
hi po!
i had booked a ticket to HK po (Roundtrip) then from there flying to DXB (back to MNLA) dummy ticket lng po. i dont have work po but i have business , in my case i dnt have DTI nor BIR cert. kasi im through an organizer .. ano po ba pwd kung ipakita as proof? para di ako ma offload. i have pocket money $2,000 po .. what other docs should i present? for HK immigation? for DXB immigration?
THanks po more power. Godbless!
rhye
December 9th, 2013 at 19:33
milley need mo lang sa io ng hk is passport,visa tckt hk to dubai then dummy tckt dubai to manla, no question ask na
Kei
December 14th, 2013 at 05:49
Hello po! When you went to hk, did they ask you about your letter of invitation in manila immigration? What about when you were in hk immigration, what documents did u present to them? Did they ask for the original uae visit visa or a print out is ok? Thanks po!
kitchenanonymous2012
December 16th, 2013 at 03:49
No, we were not asked a letter of invitation. In HK, we were asked our visas, RT tickets and passports. We presented the original visas. Thanks.
Maylene
December 15th, 2013 at 21:26
Hello po ask ko Lang po flight ko na po next month Manila to Abu Dhabi as a tourist visa..ang ng sponsor po sakin ay ung husband pero ibang lahi po xa.dati po aq nag work sa abudhabi at dun din po kami kinasal..umuwi po aq sa pinas para manganak….my marriage contract po aq dala na authenticated in the UAE 6months na po aq nandto sa pinas..sapat na po na ung documents na dala ko parang makalusot sa immigration ..thanks po
kitchenanonymous2012
December 16th, 2013 at 03:48
I think those documents are enough. š
Nosaj
December 22nd, 2013 at 06:28
Hi, I had booked a flight from manila to ho chi mhin city, Vietnam. It’s my first time to go abroad for a tour and solo lang ako. okay lang ba kahit walang hotel reservation? wala kasi akong credit card. I’m planning to booked a room when I get there. Aside from company I.D what documents do I need to bring and show to our IO here in Philippines?
yhanie
December 28th, 2013 at 14:02
i was offloaded twice papuntang dubai.. d dw kse qualified as sponsor ung ng sponsor skin since malaung pinsan q na sia at malau na tracing ng mga apelyido namin. kung dumaan po ba q ng hk n my tour package with roundtrip tickets d po kya katatakot takot na nman na ininterview skin? nka database na kse ngaun di ba? bka pg nakitang my history na q ng offload d kaya q pg initan? Pls. advise nman po.. thanks.
kitchenanonymous2012
December 28th, 2013 at 18:41
My friend was also offloaded twice, they are now very strict even if you’ll go to HK first. What she did was, she changed her sponsor to a not so distant relative like a first cousin.
yhanie
December 29th, 2013 at 06:48
pano po kung wala ka talagang kamag-anak dun na malapit? wla kna talagang rights na pumunta ng Dubai? pano po kung kaapelyido mu lang sa middle name? pwede po ba mg sponsor un sau? di kaya hingan pa ko ng proof n tlagang mag kamag anak kmi? š¦
yhanie
December 29th, 2013 at 07:07
at what if po kung samahan ako ng tita ko pa hk na isang govt employee.. pti rin ba sya maaring ioffload?
ramz
January 7th, 2014 at 09:19
Hello ma’am i just want to ask , we are not married but we have 2 children she wanted to sponsor me to dubai pwd po ba akong makapunta doon with her sponsorship kahit hindi kami kasal, i will bring the NSO of our children just to prove that we are married by common law.
ramises
January 7th, 2014 at 12:33
magkano po ba ang tiket na dummy manila-honkong-manila
jessie
January 12th, 2014 at 13:18
..hi you there helpful bloggers;)
jekRN
January 13th, 2014 at 16:11
Hi. i just wanna ask if my girlfriend (working in dubai) could be my sponsor?
and another question, you paid 2300AED each person, is it only for the ticket or inclusive of tourist/visit visa?
thanks, Godbless!
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 11:19
2300 only for the ticket, visa costs 800 AED
Irish
January 15th, 2014 at 00:24
Hi Kitchenanonymous2012,
First I would like to thank you guys for sharing this blog site, laking tulong din para saming mga 1st time travelers going to Dubai. Though, I have some questions, i hope u guys can answer, all will be appreciated š
My bf would be my sponsor for visit visa, guarantee of support and the tickets (pocket money na lang ang sagot ko which is 20,000) Question: is my pocket money enough if IO asked how much I have in my pocket? I have my credit card to show them too.
I am currently a working student, I plan to resign by March at work since target date ko to get to Dubai is April. I also plan to find a job there too if im lucky enough before my visit visa expires.
My big question is, what are my chances of not being offloaded? Thanks!
louise
January 16th, 2014 at 04:16
hello maāam iwe are not married but we have a child he wanted to sponsor me to dubai pwd po ba akong makapunta doon with his sponsorship kahit hindi kami kasal, i will bring the NSO of our child
Gie
January 16th, 2014 at 09:21
Kahapon po na offload ako kc hinanapan ako oec ng asawa ko eh la p sya oec kc visit din po sya dati tapos bago lng sya ngkRun work dp sya nakauwi d2 pinas kya la sya oec pwede po b sya kukuha oec sa dubai or klangan baguhin ang sponsor ko , anu po pwede nmin gWin
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 11:30
Better if he’ll get an OEC.
Leah Christine Martinez
January 17th, 2014 at 02:01
hi! this is leah..My sister is in Dubai and i am planning to go there as tourist visa..Now as i read one of the article in a website the sponsor must have a salary of 4000AED..
1. What if her salary is below of the expected requirement?is there any possible that she can’t sponsor on me?is there any way?
2. this is my first time to go to Dubai… if i will buy ticket from an agency diba ang ticket is rountrip ticket ang kailangan po?now what if my roundtrip ticket is only a dummy ticket could it be possible na malalaman ng philippine immigration na its a dummy ticket lang xa ang pa return sa pinas?
tnx..ill be waiting for your reply…
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 11:34
She can get you a visa through an agency here in Dubai. A dummy ticket is still a confirmed ticket it is called “dummy” because you will not use the return ticket. I’m not sure if it is refundable.
Akoh C Louise
January 17th, 2014 at 02:51
hi po ask q lng my bf is planning n sponsoran aq tourist visa d p kmi kasal pro my 1 child n po kmi iaaccept kya ng IO ung birthcert ng baby nmin?tnx
chel
January 17th, 2014 at 07:50
Hi. I might go to dubai or abu dhabi this year. I just want to ask if i will avail of a package tour to HK, will they not question me at the hk airport if i will not use my return ticket to the phil. From the package i availed? I think it is cheaper kase ifni would go for the package. Then buy a ticket to Dubai with a dummy return ticket to the phil. Please do reply! Thankyou!
Karen
January 22nd, 2014 at 08:13
Hi, Can I ask Question about the Philippine Immigration… I offloaded before last January 1, 2014 because of some reasons.. The reason why I being offloaded is I don’t have any documents proving that my uncle is the one who buy my ticket and Hotel accomdation going to MNL-KUL.. But I want to try again for the second time.. But I was planning to have my trip to CRK-SIN-KUL. If I have all the Documents required from P.I. Immigration such as Affidavit of support, Itinerary of my uncle that he is proving that he was on vacay last December 2013, pictures together, credit card which is supplemental of my aunt-cousin of my mom, NSO aunthenticated of my mom and passport of my aunt, COE where I worked on, I.D of my company, round trip ticket and etc.. Is there any possible that I’m going to be offloaded again in P.I. immigration? Please reply asap!
Karen
January 22nd, 2014 at 08:14
Same thru with my leave form pa pala…
Karen
January 22nd, 2014 at 08:17
Hi, Can I ask Question about the Philippine Immigrationā¦ I offloaded before last January 1, 2014 because of some reasons.. The reason why I being offloaded is I donāt have any documents proving that my uncle is the one who buy my ticket and Hotel accomdation going to MNL-KUL.. But I want to try again for the second time.. But I was planning to have my trip to CRK-SIN-KUL. If I have all the Documents required from P.I. Immigration such as Affidavit of support, Itinerary of my uncle that he is proving that he was on vacay last December 2013, pictures together, credit card which is supplemental of my aunt-cousin of my mom, NSO aunthenticated of my mom and passport of my aunt, COE where I worked on, I.D of my company, round trip ticket, leave form, and etc.. Is there any possible that Iām going to be offloaded again in P.I. immigration? And what would be that? Please reply asap!
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 11:16
I’m sorry just read your message. Have you left the country already? I think the requirements you have is good, hope you were not offloaded the second time. In case you were, they will give you a list of requirements you need to provide. Make sure you complete them, try and don’t lose hope.
gelo
January 25th, 2014 at 01:06
Hi. I am going to dubai this wednsday.
Ticket ko is clark-sg-clRk
Sg-dxb-mla
Paid lahat ng tickets
Visit visa lang din and travelling alone.though nakapaghongkong n macau nako last november.
Nagpabook ng accomodation sa free booking.com n pnaprint ko. Ok na pu ba un?
Pano gumawa nung itenerary?details po pls…tnx
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 11:09
I used excel, search for places in SG you want to visit then estimated time you want. Like the sample itineraries you see on deal sites and travel agencies.
gelo
January 25th, 2014 at 01:07
Ffup question po.. From SG immigration, may mga itatanong pa ba sila?
Do i need to show accomodation and itenerary sa dubai?
kitchenanonymous2012
January 27th, 2014 at 10:48
In my experience with HK immigration, they only asked for my visa and confirmed round trip tickets.
Pinky08
January 28th, 2014 at 02:12
Hi. Meron n aq employment visa s abu dhabi, pro ayoko n sna dumaan p s pdos kc ang dmi p dpat iprocess. Plan ko n manila-hongkong-abu dhabi. S Hongkong IO b hhnpan pko ng return ticket to manila?? Confuse lng po.. thanks.
kitchenanonymous2012
January 28th, 2014 at 20:15
I think it would be better if you go take PDOS and go through Philippine immigration with an employment visa. Benefits include you being a registered OFW and lesser chance of being offloaded.
DEMNOK LANICH
January 28th, 2014 at 12:34
Hi kitchenanonymous2012,
i am actually doing the same this april, but it won’t be in HK, il be going through S.KOREA, me and my family are actually gonna have a short vacay there, then on our last day, all of them will return to the PHILS and il be heading to DXB well initially for tourism purposes but of course, i would also try to find a decent job and earn than to go back to PHILS , granted a visitors visa by my uncle, I’m kinda wary of the IO in s, korea, do you have any idea of what they would ask of me? what documents should i prepare? I’m planning to prepare these:
-return tickets KOR-DXB-MLA
-visitor visa (i only have a printed copy)
-affidavit of support from my uncle
-credit card
-pocket money
im also planning to resign from my job a month before my flight to s. korea and subsequently to dxb , so would it even matter if i would show them a COE and my company ID? I’m kinda worried, what if they would actually call the company and they would know that i actually resigned ahead of the flight.
please do give me some clarity. and feel free to add more documents for me to bring to the immigration. thanks~!