January 17, 2026 – Manila, Philippines. The Philippine passport has been ranked as the 73rd most powerful in the world in the latest Henley Passport Index, allowing holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 64 destinations. This marks a slight improvement from last year’s 75th place, though the country still trails behind many of its Asian neighbors.

According to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, the Philippines now shares the 73rd spot with Mongolia. The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which tracks global travel freedom.

Singapore retained its position at the top of the index, with its passport granting visa-free access to 195 destinations worldwide. Other Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia also ranked significantly higher, reflecting stronger diplomatic ties and broader travel privileges. Malaysia placed 13th with access to 180 destinations, while Thailand and Indonesia ranked 65th and 67th respectively.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has acknowledged the Philippines’ modest improvement but emphasized the need to expand visa-free agreements to boost the country’s global mobility. Officials said ongoing negotiations with partner nations aim to further strengthen the passport’s standing in future editions of the index.

Travel experts note that while the Philippine passport’s ranking has improved, Filipino travelers still face visa requirements for most of Europe, North America, and Australia. The limited access underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to secure more bilateral agreements.

The Henley Passport Index, updated quarterly, is widely regarded as the authoritative measure of global travel freedom. Its latest release highlights the growing gap between countries with strong diplomatic networks and those still working to expand their international reach.

Numbers Up, Neighbors Far Ahead

Numbers moved. Reality barely did. The Philippine passport climbed to 73rd in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 64 destinations. That is progress, technically. But while Manila counts upward ticks, regional neighbors sprint ahead. 

Malaysia sits far higher. Thailand and Indonesia still outperform. Filipinos still queue for visas to Europe, North America, and Australia. Rankings matter, but competitiveness matters more. Travel freedom reflects diplomacy, trust, and economic pull. 

A modest rise should not become an excuse for applause. It should raise pressure. Are we improving, or just moving slowly while the rest of Asia pulls further away today?