MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine passport has climbed three spots in the Henley Global Passport Index, securing the 72nd place worldwide in its mid-2025 update. The improvement reflects the increasing number of destinations Filipinos can now visit without the need for a visa.
The latest ranking, which draws data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is based on the number of countries a passport holder can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access. Each accessible destination adds one point to the overall score.
This year, Philippine passport holders can now enter 67 countries visa-free, contributing to the country’s upward movement from 75th place earlier in 2025.
Steady Improvement in Global Mobility
Over the past five years, the Philippines has shown gradual progress in the global mobility index:
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2025 (mid-year): 72nd
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2024: 73rd
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2023: 78th
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2022: 80th
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2021: 77th
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2020: 74th
Officials attribute the steady improvement to ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand bilateral agreements with other nations.
World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2025
Singapore remains at the top of the list, offering its citizens visa-free access to 193 countries, the highest among all passports. Japan and South Korea follow closely in second place with a score of 190.
Countries in the top 5 of the Henley Passport Index include:
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Singapore – 193 destinations
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Japan, South Korea – 190
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Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain – 189
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Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 188
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Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland – 187
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom stands at 6th place (186), and Canada ranks 8th (184), sharing the spot with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates.
At the bottom of the index is Afghanistan, whose citizens have access to only 25 destinations without a visa, making it the least powerful passport in the world.
How to Apply for a Philippine Passport
For those planning to travel abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advises applying early through its official online portal. Applicants need to secure an appointment, prepare required documents, and pay the corresponding fees.
For more information, visit the DFA website or consult authorized passport processing centers.
