Philippine passport jumps 3 places in global rankings: Mid-2025 update

Manila: Philippine passport has jumped 3 places up global rankings to 72nd spot in the Henley Passport Index, from 75th earlier in the year – and 73rd in 2024.

This steady improvement, even if incremental, reflects continued diplomatic efforts and agreements aimed at expanding the global mobility of Filipino citizens.

Improvement

The ranking is based primarily on the number of destinations Filipino passport holders can access without a prior visa.

Henley Passport Index’s mid-2025 shows an improvement from previous years. It also reflects a steady upward trend after hitting a low of 80th in 2022. 

Visa-free travel

Regarding visa-free access, Filipino travellers now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 67 countries and territories, a slight but notable increase compared to earlier in 2025, according to The Chronicle.

This expansion in travel freedom demonstrates progress due to diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements, although some major destinations such as the US, UK, and Schengen countries still require visas.

The improved ranking points to effective and enhanced diplomatic ties; however, challenges remain for travel to high-demand Western countries.

Why passport rankings differ

Different passport indices report slightly varying ranks and visa-free counts — for instance, one source (the Passport Index) ranks the Philippine passport 69th with access to 79 countries.

The Henley Passport Index (HPI), however, is the most cited and authoritative for this update.

Improved global ranking

Earlier in the year, data from various passport rankings placed the Philippine passport's rank between 75th and 77th; the latest credible updates now consistently show a stronger placement at 72nd in the world. 

This improved ranking reflects gradual expansion in travel freedom for Filipino passport holders.

Number of visa-free destinations: 68

• As of the July 2025 update, Filipino passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 65 countries and territories as per HPI. 

• This marks a slight increase in global travel access compared to earlier in the year, where some indexes listed as low as 61 or 63 visa-free destinations.

• Two more positives include Taiwan’s visa-free extension, added/streamlined access for Uzbekistan in 2026, and Kenya via eTA. 

• In addition to the countries listed by Henley, Gulf News actually counts 68 countries and territories (including Mauritius) with visa-free travel for Filipinos. 

List of visa-free destinations

Below is a representative list of countries and territories that Filipino passport holders can visit visa-free as of mid-2025. Rules may vary, so always check validity and entry requirements before travel.

Asia

• Brunei

• Cambodia

• Hong Kong

• Indonesia

• Israel

• Kazakhstan

• Laos

• Macau

• Malaysia

• Mongolia

• Myanmar

• Palestine

• Singapore

• Taiwan (visa-free policy extended to Dec 2026)

• Tajikistan

• Thailand

• Vietnam

Americas & Caribbean

• Barbados

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Colombia

• Costa Rica

• Dominica

• Haiti

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Suriname

• Peru

Oceania

• Cook Islands

• Fiji

• Kiribati

• Micronesia

• Niue

• Samoa

• Vanuatu

Africa

• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

• Gambia

• Morocco

• Rwanda

Other recent or notable visa-free/easier entry additions

• Uzbekistan (from January 2026)

• Kenya (streamlined eTA)

Visa on Arrival (VoA) and eTA Options

In addition to the above, Filipino travellers can enter countries such as:

• Kenya

• Maldives

• Mauritius

• Nepal

• Seychelles

• Sri Lanka

• Madagascar

• Ethiopia

• Tanzania

• Timor-Leste
  and several others, through visa-on-arrival or eTA arrangements, according to Visa Index.
  

Travel reminders

• All travel remains subject to each country’s health policy, proof of funds, and other requirements.

• The ranking improvement means more flexibility, but major economies like the US, Schengen Area, and Australia still require a prior visa.

• The number of visa-free/e-visa/VoA countries can vary depending on the issuing index, recent bilateral developments, and changing immigration policies. 

• Always verify before travel.