PH Passport Hits New High in 2026 Global Rankings
The Philippine passport climbs to 68th globally, opening easier access to 78 countries — but big visa walls still stand
Good news for Filipino travellers: the Philippine passport just hit a new milestone in 2026, climbing to 68th place worldwide and unlocking easier access to 78 countries. That’s about 39% of the world now within reach without needing a traditional visa before flying.
It’s progress — steady, real progress — even if some of the world’s biggest destinations are still playing hard to get.
A steady climb, not an overnight win
This jump didn’t happen out of nowhere. The Philippine passport has been slowly moving up the ranks over the past few years.
In 2025, it rose to 72nd place, up from 75th the year before. That’s a big recovery from 2022, when it dropped to 80th during peak pandemic travel shutdowns.
Diplomatic efforts and new travel agreements are helping push things forward, one country at a time.
Strong economy, weaker passport
Here’s the interesting part: the Philippines now has the 9th largest economy in Asia and ranks 32nd globally, with a GDP of around $1.48 trillion (PPP). The IMF also projected 5.4% growth in 2025.
Yet Filipino travellers still face heavy visa requirements in many major economies. In short: the country’s economic power is growing faster than its travel freedom.
Where visas are still non-negotiable
Despite the gains, the Philippine passport remains “red” for several top destinations. This means prior visas are still required for:
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North America
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Most of Europe (Schengen Area)
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Japan, South Korea, and China
ASEAN travel remains smooth thanks to regional agreements, but Western countries continue to apply strict screening, often tied to migration concerns. Even short trips to Europe require detailed paperwork, proof of funds, insurance, and confirmed itineraries.
Some travel doors are half-open
Not all visa rules are black and white. Some countries offer limited or conditional access.
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South Korea: Visa still required for the mainland, but Filipinos can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days, plus select group tours in Jeolla Province.
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Japan: Still visa-required, but applications are now processed through JVAC via VFS Global, and frequent travellers can qualify for multiple-entry visas, making repeat trips easier.
It’s not full freedom — but it’s movement.
What the 78-country access actually looks like
The current mobility score breaks down like this:
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35 visa-free countries — including Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Morocco, and others
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40 visa-on-arrival destinations — such as the Maldives, Nepal, and several African countries
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3 eTA destinations — Israel, Kenya, and Pakistan
While the Philippines still trails regional passport heavyweights like Singapore and Malaysia, the data shows one thing clearly: this passport is moving up, not stuck.
The takeaway
The Philippine passport in 2026 isn’t the most powerful — but it’s stronger than before. For young, city-based Filipinos planning their next trip, that means more options, fewer barriers, and growing global reach, even if the biggest travel wins are still ahead.
This article was previously published on saudimoments. To see the original article, click here