UAE Arrival Card: Entry Form Guide & Travel Tips

One of the first things you need to do when arriving in the UAE is to fill out the UAE Arrival Card. This form is required for most travelers and it asks about your trip details, your health, and any items you are bringing with you. The information helps UAE Immigration and Customs keep the country safe, protect public health, and control what enters the border.

Whether you fly in or arrive by sea, knowing how the Arrival Card works will make your entry smoother and save you from delays.

What’s the UAE Arrival Card?

If you are flying into the UAE, you will be asked to complete a short Arrival Card before entering the country. It is a simple form that every traveler must fill out.

🎒 What information does the card ask for?

You will write down:

• Your full name and passport number
• Your flight number and where you are arriving from
• Your contact details and the address where you will stay in the UAE
• Any food, medicine, or items you are bringing that must be declared

UAE has strict border and customs rules, so officers need to know exactly what is entering the country. Once you land, you will hand the form to immigration or customs officers. They may ask a few questions before letting you through.

Why Filipino travelers should take this seriously

Many passengers fill out the form at the last minute, usually while standing in line at immigration. Doing it early saves both time and stress.

Here is why it matters:

• Faster processing at immigration and customs
• No need to look for a pen after a long flight
• Fewer mistakes that could delay your entry

Who Needs to Fill Out the UAE Arrival Card?

If you are flying from the Philippines, this applies to you.
Everyone entering the UAE as a visitor needs to complete the form.

You must fill it out if:

• You are arriving by air
• You are visiting for tourism, family, an event, or a short stay
• You are not a UAE citizen or UAE resident

There are no exemptions for tourists. Filling it out is fast and easy, and doing it properly avoids possible issues at the airport.

How to Fill Out the UAE (Dubai) Arrival Card

1) Get the form

• Usually given by the cabin crew before you land.
• If not, you can find it at the airport before immigration or customs.
• Keep a pen with you so you don’t have to rush around asking for one.

2) Write your personal details

• Full name exactly as in your passport
• Passport number and nationality
• Date of birth and contact number
• Address in the UAE (hotel name or the full address of family/friends you are staying with)

💡 Tip: Save your hotel booking or host’s details on your phone so you can copy them easily.

3) Fill in your travel details

• Flight number and date of arrival
• Where you are flying from
• Reason for visit (holiday, family visit, business, etc.)
• How long you will stay

4) Declaration section

This is where most people get confused. Read carefully and tick Yes or No.

• Food, plants, or animal products – Declare them if you have any.
• Medicines – Regular prescription medicine is fine, but bring it in the original packaging with your doctor’s note. If it’s strong or controlled, you should declare it.
• Cash and valuables – If you are carrying more than AED 60,000 in cash or valuables, you must declare it.
• Alcohol and tobacco – Allowed within duty-free limits (up to 4 liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars). Anything above that, declare.
• Restricted items – Things like drones, satellite phones, or special equipment should always be declared.

👉 When in doubt, declare. It’s safer and faster than being questioned later.

5) Review, sign, and hand it in

• Double-check all your answers.
• Sign and date the form.
• At immigration, you’ll pass through passport control first. Customs may then collect your form or ask you a few quick questions before letting you through.

What You Need to Fill Out the UAE Arrival Card

Filling out the UAE Arrival Card only takes a few minutes if you have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Where and When Should You Fill Out the UAE Arrival Card?

Before you can enter the UAE, you need to complete the Arrival Card. It’s a short form, but knowing when and where to fill it out makes your arrival smoother.

📍 Where to Fill It Out?

✈️ On the Plane (Best Choice)

• Many international flights to the UAE hand out the card during the flight.
• You’re seated, your passport and booking details are with you, and you have time to fill it out calmly.
• Always bring your own pen, as not all crew will have extras.

🛬 At the Airport in the UAE

• If you didn’t get one on the plane, you can find the cards before the immigration or customs counters.
• There are writing desks, but they can get crowded if several flights land close together.
• It may slow you down, so it’s better to complete it earlier if you can.

🛫 Before Leaving the Philippines?

• Not really. Airlines don’t usually give the form at check-in. You’ll only get it during the flight or once you land in the UAE.

⏰ When Should You Fill It Out?

📅 Before You Reach Immigration

• The best time is while you’re still on the plane, right after the crew hands it to you.
• If you couldn’t do it mid-flight, fill it out right after landing, before joining the queue.
• Avoid filling it out while standing in line, as it can slow you down and cause delays.

📂 Other Required Documents for Entry to the UAE

🛂 1. Valid Passport

✅ Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in the UAE.
✅ Keep it clean and undamaged. No torn pages, water stains, or broken covers.

Real Tip: UAE immigration can be strict. If your passport looks damaged, you might get questioned or delayed. Check it carefully before you fly.

🎟️ 2. Return or Onward Ticket

✅ Be ready to show proof of when and how you are leaving the UAE.
✅ A return flight to the Philippines or a connecting flight to another country is acceptable.
✅ Digital or printed copies both work. Just keep them easy to access.

Note: If you only have a one-way ticket, officers may ask about your plans, so be ready to explain with proof (like work documents or onward bookings).

🛃 3. Visa (If Required)

✅ Filipino travelers usually need a UAE tourist visa before flying.
✅ Apply online or through an accredited agency a few days before your trip.
✅ If you’re staying for work, study, or a longer visit, make sure you have the correct visa type before boarding.

Reminder: Always double-check your visa approval status before your flight, even if you’ve been to the UAE before.

🌟 Start Your UAE Trip Right

Dubai’s skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi’s mosques, or simply a long-awaited reunion with family — the UAE is more than just another stop. It’s a mix of culture, modern life, and unforgettable views. But before you enjoy it all, make sure you’re ready.

Here’s how to begin your UAE journey smoothly:

✅ Fill out the UAE Arrival Card – usually handed out on the plane or available at the airport. Have your passport, flight details, and UAE address ready so you can complete it without stress.

✅ Check your visa requirement – Filipino travelers need a tourist visa before flying. Apply online or through an accredited agent a few days before your trip.

✅ Prepare proof of your return flight and accommodation – Immigration may ask where you’re staying and when you’re leaving. Hotel bookings or your host’s address make this easy.

✈️ Book your flight to the UAE early – Manila to Dubai promo fares sell out quickly.

🏨 Reserve your hotel in Dubai or Abu Dhabi – You’ll need this address for the Arrival Card and for immigration checks.

📲 Save all your travel details on your phone – flight tickets, hotel bookings, passport copy, and emergency contacts. Take screenshots so you can access them even without internet.