New Entry Rules for the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
阿拉伯聯合大公國與沙烏地阿拉伯的新入境規定
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have updated their visa and travel rules to make it easier for citizens of the Philippines and the United Kingdom to visit.
阿拉伯聯合大公國與沙烏地阿拉伯已更新其簽證與旅遊規定，以方便菲律賓與英國公民訪問。
Main Body
Starting June 25, the United Arab Emirates introduced a visa-on-arrival system for eligible Philippine passport holders. To qualify, travelers must have a valid residence permit, Green Card, or visa from specific countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, or EU member states. There are two options: a 14-day visa for Dh100 (which can be extended once for another 14 days for Dh250), or a 60-day visa for Dh250 that cannot be extended. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this change shows the strong economic and political relationship between the two countries, especially since about one million Filipinos live in the UAE.
自 6 月 25 日起，阿拉伯聯合大公國為合資格的菲律賓護照持有者推出了落地簽制度。為了符合資格，旅客必須持有有效的居留許可、綠卡，或來自特定國家（如美國、加拿大、澳洲或歐盟成員國）的簽證。共有兩個選項：一個是 100 迪拉姆的 14 天簽證（可支付 250 迪拉姆延長一次 14 天），或是 250 迪拉姆且不可延長的 60 天簽證。菲律賓外交部強調，此次變更顯示了兩國之間強大的經濟與政治關係，特別是因為約有一百萬名菲律賓人居住在阿拉伯聯合大公國。
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all British passport holders, starting July 1, 2026. This permit allows visitors to enter the country multiple times and stay for a total of 180 days per year for tourism, business, or short study trips. However, the ETA cannot be used for working or living in Saudi Arabia, and it does not replace the visa needed for Hajj. The Saudi government asserted that this move is a response to similar travel benefits given by the UK to Saudi citizens, aiming to improve educational and economic cooperation.
此外，沙烏地阿拉伯外交部宣佈，自 2026 年 7 月 1 日起，所有英國護照持有者需申請新的電子旅行許可 (ETA)。此許可允許訪客多次入境，每年總計逗留 180 天，可用於旅遊、商務或短期學習。然而，ETA 不能用於在沙烏地阿拉伯工作或居住，且不能取代朝覲 (Hajj) 所需的簽證。沙烏地政府表示，此舉是回應英國給予沙烏地公民的類似旅遊優惠，旨在改善教育與經濟合作。
Conclusion
Both Gulf countries are moving toward digital and simpler entry systems to increase tourism and strengthen their diplomatic ties with international partners.
兩國海灣國家正趨向於數位化且更簡便的入境系統，以增加旅遊人數並強化與國際夥伴的外交關係。
Vocabulary Learning
The 'Logic of Connection' 🧩
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only and, but, and because. You need Transition Signals that guide the reader through your argument.
⚡ The Power Move: "Furthermore"
In the text, the author uses "Furthermore" to start the second paragraph.
- A2 Level: "The UAE changed the rules. And Saudi Arabia also changed the rules."
- B2 Level: "The UAE changed the rules. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia announced a new system."
Why this matters: "Furthermore" tells the listener: "I have finished my first point, and now I am adding a second, equally important point to strengthen my argument."
⚖️ The Pivot: "However"
Notice how the text shifts from what the ETA can do to what it cannot do using "However."
- The Logic: [Positive Fact] However [Important Limitation].
- Example: "The permit allows multiple entries. However, it cannot be used for working."
🛠️ Practical Application: The 'B2 Upgrade' Table
| Instead of... (A2) | Try this... (B2) | Use it when... |
|---|---|---|
| And / Also | Furthermore | Adding a new, formal point. |
| But | However | Introducing a contradiction or limit. |
| So | Consequently | Showing a formal result. |
Pro Tip: Place a comma immediately after these words when they start a sentence. It creates a natural pause and makes you sound like a native professional.