Henley Passport Index: A Filipino Traveller’s Guide to Visa-Free Destinations

If you are into travelling or simply love daydreaming about your next getaway, you might have heard about the Henley Passport Index. This global ranking compares 199 passports to show how powerful each one is. The score is based on how many countries you can visit without applying for a visa in advance.

For Filipinos, it is more than just an interesting statistic. It can actually help you plan smarter, save money, and even inspire your next destination.

Also read: What You Need to Know Before Travelling Full Time

How the Henley Passport Index Works

The index checks how many places a passport holder can visit without the hassle of a pre-arranged visa. This includes:

Visa-free entry where you simply show up at the border

Visa on arrival where you handle the paperwork after landing

Electronic travel authorisation (eTA) where you apply online for fast approval

The data comes from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the same source trusted by airlines worldwide. The list is updated several times a year, so it reflects the latest visa rules and changes.

The Scoring System

Each passport is tested against over 200 destinations. If entry is allowed without a visa, it earns one point for that destination. If a visa must be arranged in advance, it gets zero points.

The rankings only cover:

• Ordinary adult passports, not diplomatic or special ones

• Short-term leisure or business trips

• Straightforward entry requirements without special documents like government invitations

The total score then determines where a passport stands on the global list.

Why This is Useful for Filipino Travellers

Here is where it gets practical. The Henley Passport Index can help you:

Discover visa-free countries for Filipinos so you can plan trips without the added cost and wait time of visa applications

Spot destinations for spontaneous travel because no one likes last-minute visa stress

Maximise budget-friendly trips by avoiding visa fees and extra processing costs

Plan multi-country itineraries by choosing places that allow easy entry with a Philippine passport

For example, if you are thinking of travelling around Southeast Asia, the index can quickly show which neighbouring countries are open for Filipinos without prior visas. It is also helpful for finding far-flung destinations where entry is easier than you might expect.

The Philippine Passport in 2025

As of 2025, the Philippine passport is ranked 72nd in the world. Filipino citizens can travel to 65 countries and territories either without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or through an electronic travel authorisation.

Visa-Free Destinations for Filipinos in 2025

Here are some of the top countries and territories you can visit with ease this year:

Asia
Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palestine, Singapore, Taiwan (visa-free until the end of 2026), Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam

Americas and the 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, Gambia, Morocco, Rwanda

Also read: NAIA Offers 50 Percent Discount on Overnight Parking for Travellers

Final Thoughts

The Henley Passport Index is not just a ranking. It is a powerful travel planning tool that shows exactly how much freedom your passport gives you. For Filipinos, it can reveal exciting destinations you may not have considered, and it can make planning both budget-friendly and stress-free trips much easier.

Before you book your next ticket, take a few minutes to check where your passport can take you. You might be surprised at just how many countries you can visit without the hassle of a visa application.