The Philippine passport climbed three places to 72nd in the 2026 Henley Passport Index , up from 75th last year and its best showing since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filipino passport holders can travel visa-free to 65 destinations, while dozens more offer visa on arrival, electronic visas (eVisas) or electronic travel authorisations (eTAs).
The updated rankings come as travellers prepare for the peak summer holiday season, making it easier for Filipinos to identify destinations with simpler entry requirements.
eTA (electronic travel authorisation): An online travel authorisation that must be obtained before boarding a flight to certain countries.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance.
The Philippine passport climbed three places to 72nd in the 2026 Henley Passport Index , up from 75th last year and its best showing since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Filipino passport holders can travel visa-free to 65 destinations, while dozens more offer visa on arrival, electronic visas (eVisas) or electronic travel authorisations (eTAs).
The updated rankings come as travellers prepare for the peak summer holiday season, making it easier for Filipinos to identify destinations with simpler entry requirements.
eTA (electronic travel authorisation): An online travel authorisation that must be obtained before boarding a flight to certain countries. It is different from a visa but is still required for entry.
Its 20th anniversary edition notes that the average passport now provides visa-free access to 108 destinations, compared with 58 when the ranking was launched in 2006. However, it also says passport strength continues to vary widely because of changing visa policies, diplomatic relations, security considerations and geopolitical developments.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. The index covers 199 passports and 227 destinations worldwide and is updated monthly.
Although the ranking remains below its highest position of 62nd, achieved between 2007 and 2009, it represents steady progress after several years of fluctuations.
Christian Borbon Senior Web Editor
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