Summer Travel 2026: Visa-Free and E-Visa Options for Filipinos

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Dubai: Filipinos planning overseas holidays this summer have more destinations they can visit with fewer visa requirements. This development is particularly significant as the travel industry continues to rebound from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on global travel patterns and visa policies.

The Philippine passport climbed three places to 72nd in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, up from 75th last year and marking its best showing since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Filipino passport holders can now travel visa-free to 65 destinations, while dozens more offer visa on arrival, electronic visas (eVisas), or electronic travel authorisations (eTAs). This increase in mobility reflects the Philippines' improving international relations and tourism strategies aimed at promoting travel.

The updated rankings come as travelers prepare for the peak summer holiday season, making it easier for Filipinos to identify destinations with simpler entry requirements. This is crucial for many travelers who may prefer spontaneity in their travel plans, especially after years of restrictions.

What do visa-free, visa on arrival, eVisa, and eTA mean?

Before booking a trip, it's important to understand the different types of entry requirements:

• Visa-free: No visa is required before departure or upon arrival, subject to the destination's permitted length of stay. This allows for greater flexibility and spontaneity in travel planning.

• Visa on arrival: Travelers obtain their visa after landing at their destination. No advance visa application is needed, which can significantly simplify travel logistics.

• eVisa (electronic visa): A digital version of a traditional visa that is applied for and issued online before travel. This process can often be completed quickly and conveniently from home.

• 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, making it essential for travelers to be aware of these requirements.

Visa-free destinations for Philippine passport holders

Filipinos can travel to 65 destinations without obtaining a visa before departure, which enhances their travel options significantly. Some notable visa-free destinations include:

1. Angola

2. Barbados

3. Benin

4. Bolivia

5. Brazil

6. Brunei

7. Burundi

8. Cambodia

9. Cape Verde Islands

10. Comoro Islands

11. Cook Islands

12. Costa Rica

13. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

14. Djibouti

15. Dominica

16. Ethiopia

17. Fiji

18. Guinea-Bissau

19. Haiti

20. Hong Kong (SAR China)

21. Indonesia

22. Iran

23. Israel

24. Kazakhstan

25. Kenya

26. Kiribati

27. Laos

28. Macao (SAR China)

29. Madagascar

30. Malawi

31. Malaysia

32. Maldives

33. Marshall Islands

34. Mauritania

35. Mauritius

36. Micronesia

37. Mongolia

38. Mozambique

39. Myanmar

40. Nepal

41. Nicaragua

42. Niue

43. Palau Islands

44. Palestinian Territory

45. Papua New Guinea

46. Peru

47. Rwanda

48. Samoa

49. Senegal

50. Seychelles

51. Sierra Leone

52. Singapore

53. Somalia

54. Sri Lanka

55. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

56. Suriname

57. Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)

58. Tajikistan

59. Tanzania

60. Thailand

61. The Gambia

62. Timor-Leste

63. Tuvalu

64. Vanuatu

65. Vietnam

Countries offering visa on arrival

In addition to visa-free access, 19 destinations allow Philippine passport holders to obtain a visa after landing, making last-minute travel easier than applying for a traditional visa in advance. These countries include:

1. Burundi

2. Comoro Islands

3. Djibouti

4. Ethiopia

5. Guinea-Bissau

6. Iran

7. Kyrgyzstan

8. Madagascar

9. Maldives

10. Marshall Islands

11. Mauritius

12. Mozambique

13. Nepal

14. Niue

15. Palau Islands

16. Samoa

17. St. Lucia

18. Tanzania

19. Tuvalu

Countries requiring an e-visa

For travelers looking to visit 47 destinations that issue electronic visas, they can apply for these visas online before departure. This process can often be completed quickly and conveniently, allowing travelers to finalize their plans without the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates. Countries that require an e-visa include:

1. Albania

2. Anguilla

3. Antigua and Barbuda

4. Armenia

5. Azerbaijan

6. Bahrain

7. Bangladesh

8. Bhutan

9. Botswana

10. Burkina Faso

11. Cameroon

12. Congo (Dem. Rep.)

13. Cuba

14. Equatorial Guinea

15. Gabon

16. Georgia

17. Ghana

18. Guinea

19. India

20. Libya

21. Mauritania

22. Moldova

23. Montserrat

24. Namibia

25. Nigeria

26. Oman

27. Pakistan

28. Papua New Guinea

29. Qatar

30. Russian Federation

31. São Tomé and Príncipe

32. Somalia

33. South Africa

34. South Sudan

35. St. Helena

36. St. Kitts and Nevis

37. Syria

38. The Bahamas

39. Togo

40. Türkiye

41. Uganda

42. Ukraine

43. United Arab Emirates

44. United Kingdom

45. Uzbekistan

46. Zambia

47. Zimbabwe

Destinations requiring an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Seven countries require Philippine passport holders to obtain an ETA, an online travel authorisation that is generally faster and simpler than a standard visa application. The countries that require an ETA include:

1. Israel

2. Kenya

3. Palestinian Territory

4. Seychelles

5. Sri Lanka

6. Timor-Leste

7. Trinidad and Tobago

From 63rd to 72nd: The Philippine passport's 20-year journey

The latest Henley Passport Index places the Philippines 72nd globally, its best performance since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This ranking signifies a notable improvement in the mobility of Filipino travelers, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts and the strengthening of international ties.

Although the ranking remains below its highest position of 62nd, achieved between 2007 and 2009, it represents steady progress after several years of fluctuations. The Philippines has experienced a complex journey over the past two decades, with varying levels of passport strength influenced by numerous factors, including international relations and domestic policy changes.

The Philippines ranked:

• 63rd in 2006

• 62nd from 2007 to 2009

• Fell to 80th in 2015

• Reached a low of 83rd in 2021

• Recovered to 77th in 2022

• Ranked 78th in 2023

• Improved to 73rd in 2024

• Slipped to 75th in 2025

• Climbed to 72nd in 2026

What the Henley Passport Index measures

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. The rankings are influenced by a variety of factors, including bilateral agreements, historical relationships, and current geopolitical dynamics.

The 20th anniversary edition of the index 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 highlights that passport strength continues to vary widely due to changing visa policies, diplomatic relations, security considerations, and geopolitical developments. This variability underscores the importance of staying informed about travel requirements, particularly for those planning international travel.