MANILA: The Philippine passport is showing steady improvement as more visa waivers and easier travel arrangements open new options for Filipino travelers.
According to the provided report by Arton, the Philippine passport has moved from the low 70s and 80s in the early 2020s to around 61st to 73rd, depending on the passport ranking index used. The improvement comes as the country secures more visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements through diplomatic work.
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Passport Index Gives PH a Mobility Score of 78
Based on Passport Index data cited in the report, the Philippine passport currently has a mobility score of 78. This means Filipino passport holders can access 78 destinations through different entry arrangements.
These include:
• 37 visa-free destinations
• 37 visa-on-arrival destinations
• 4 destinations with electronic travel authorization
The same index ranks the Philippine passport 61st in passport power, with a world reach of 39%.
For ordinary travelers, this means some trips may become easier to plan. It may also reduce the need for long visa application steps in selected destinations.
Henley Ranking Shows a More Conservative Count
The report also cited Henley Passport Index data, which uses figures from the International Air Transport Association. Henley placed the Philippines around 73rd in early 2026, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 64 to 67 destinations.
This is different from Passport Index because ranking groups use different methods. Some include electronic travel authorisations, while others count access in a stricter way.
Still, both rankings point to one thing: the Philippine passport has improved from weaker positions in past years.
Diplomacy Turns Into Easier Travel
The report said recent gains are linked to stronger diplomatic efforts, new visa waiver deals, and improved ties with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Examples mentioned include easier access or expanded arrangements involving destinations such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Oman, and Paraguay. The recent visa waiver pact with Paraguay was also cited as part of wider cooperation between the two countries.
These agreements may look small one by one, but together, they can help Filipino travelers, workers, and business groups move with less friction.
Why OFWs Should Pay Attention
For OFWs and Filipino expats, stronger passport access can support family visits, business trips, regional travel, and emergency movement.
However, visa-free access does not always mean unlimited stay. Each country still has its own rules on length of stay, return tickets, funds, hotel bookings, work restrictions, and immigration checks.
Singapore still remains far ahead, with access to around 192 to 195 destinations, according to the report. This shows that the Philippines has made progress but still has more room to improve.
