The Philippines’ passport holders are now eligible for visa-free travel to 69 countries. According to the latest Henley Passport Index released this January, the Philippines has risen to 73rd, offering Filipinos more travel freedom this year. With the 2024 holiday calendar already out, it’s the perfect time for Filipinos to explore new horizons.
Reflecting on the historical journey, the Filipino passport which in 2018 was made valid for 10 years has seen a steady rise in the Henley Passport Index, climbing from 78th in 2023 to its current position. Interestingly, the pandemic years witnessed a noticeable improvement in the ranking. The Philippines’ peak performance was observed between 2007 and 2009, securing the 62nd spot for three successive years.
As of January 10, the Philippines shares its new-found standing with nations Cape Verde Island and Uganda. The Henley Passport Index, a prestigious ranking system, evaluates passports based on visa-free access to 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, utilizing exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA).
The scoring methodology of the Index is straightforward yet comprehensive. It awards points for no-visa entries, visas on arrival, and electronic travel authorizations. These categories reflect the ease of travel and the strength of visa-waiver programs, as highlighted in the Henley and Partners report.
Globally, countries France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain lead the Index with visa-free access to 194 destinations. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranks seventh, trailing behind Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Filipino passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to 69 countries in 2024. The Philippines ranks 73rd out of 199 passports & 227 travel destinations. The country had its best ranking on the @HenleyPartners Passport Index in 2007-2009 at 62nd rank. Story on @GoodNewsPinas_ pic.twitter.com/05OuFrtpCR
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) January 16, 2024
The Henley & Partners Global Mobility Report which was released alongside the Passport Index delves into the correlation between visa-free access and economic progress. In this regard, the Philippines holds the 113th position in the separate Henley’s rankings, which assesses the global GDP accessibility of passport holders.
Filipinos can now explore diverse destinations across Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Middle East without the hassle of obtaining a visa. From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the serene landscapes of Fiji, the world is more accessible to Philippine passport holders than ever before.
From 21 nations in Asia to 21 territories in Africa and 10 in Oceania, to 6 in the Caribbean, 7 in the Americas, and 4 in the Middle East, here is the list of 69 countries where Philippine passport holders can enter visa-free this year:
ASIA
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Hongkong (SAR China)
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
AFRICA
- Burundi
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
OCEANIA
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Palau Islands
- Samoa
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
CARIBBEAN
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Haiti
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
AMERICAS
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Nicaragua
- Peru
- Suriname
MIDDLE EAST
- Armenia
- Iran
- Israel
- Palestinian Territory
As Filipinos gear up to traverse the globe, this development not only simplifies travel plans but also enriches the travel experience, fostering a deeper connection with diverse cultures and landscapes.
Check out this Guide for Philippine Passport Application and Renewal.
Embark on your next adventure with ease! Share this article with friends and family planning their travels and tell them about the expanded horizons for Philippine passport holders. Explore the world, visa-free!
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