The Philippine Passport’s strength ranks 72nd in the world as more foreign countries open their doors to Pinoys without the need for a visa. Last year, we were 75th among 199 passports, so there is definitely some reason to celebrate the three notches we climbed this year.
Have you been granted a 10-year validity in your passport? Well, then it’s time to whip out that to-visit countries checklist and see if your dream destinations may now be visited without a visa!
We are not just simply sharing the list of countries, mind you. We included a bit of information on the best places to visit in the Asian countries, just to tickle your fancy some more.
Asia:
- Brunei
Visit the largest museum in Brunei where you can see the Islamic Art Gallery – a magnificent collection of Islamic art belonging to the sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
- Cambodia
The Angkor Wat temple. End of story.
- Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland and endless night markets for the insatiable shopper in all of us!
- Indonesia
Fine combination of sandy beaches and rolling surf, while basking in the ancient culture known for its warm hospitality.
- Kyrgyzstan
Stand on top of the world by climbing the Lenin Peak – a 7,134-meter peak in the country, summited by amateur and professional climbers.
- Laos
Explore historical war-shelter cave complexes in Vieng Xai and marvel in its beautiful gardens.
- Macao
From Hong Kong, you can book for a day trip to Macau or stay overnight so you can enjoy its extravagant casinos and bustling nightlife.
- Malaysia
Visit the Petronas Towers and pay homage to the country’s Hindu temples.
- Maldives
If you’re the type who can never be without sand between your toes, head on to Maldives and check in one of their famous water bungalows.
- Mongolia
See the world’s largest statue of Genghis Khan!
- Myanmar
Go to Shwedagon Paya and visit the 325ft zedi, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. It is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, wlong with thousands of diamonds and other gems! Truly spectacular!
- Nepal
Visit the breath-taking landscapes of the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu.
- Singapore
If you’re traveling with the kids, do not fail to take them to the Universal Studios for some kiddie fun!
- Sri Lanka
Do you love elephants and want to see them up close? Go to the Uda Walawe National Park while you’re in Sri Lanka!
- Thailand
Whatever you do, do not miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market for the cheapest deals on clothes, shoes, and bags!
- Timor-Leste
On your way down to the beach, do not miss the rock art caves and cliffs that depict ancient practices such as people hunting!
- Vietnam
Visit the ruins left by the war in Ho Chi Minh City.
Africa
- Cape Verde
- Comores Island
- Cote d’Ivoir
- Djibouti
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- St. Helena
- Tanzania
- Togo
- 20. Uganda
Oceanic
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Palau Islands
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Carribean
- Dominica
- Haiti
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
Americas
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Nicaragua
- Peru
- Suriname
Middle East
- Armenia
- Iran
- Israel
Gustave Flaubert said this about traveling: Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.
Yes, there is a whole wide world out there waiting to be explored. And you do not always need a visa to see the rest of our gorgeous planet. Start off with these countries that welcome Pinoys without too much fuss (i.e. waiting in line at embassies, tons of documents to be submitted) and then tell us about your unique experiences in these visa-free countries.
Safe travels!
