Travel freely with these visa-free countries for Filipinos!

The UAE has just announced its public holidays for this year! Many Filipinos based in the country either go home to be with their loved ones or use this opportunity to explore more destinations around the world.
And if you’re one of those looking for the next country to visit this year, but don’t want the hassle of visa free applications, fret not because there are so many destinations that a Philippine passport holder can easily fly to without getting one! According to the recent data released by Henley Passport Index, a London-based global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom for their citizens. the Philippines’ ranking just climbed to the 76^th spot—with 67 countries that are visa-free for its passport holders.
Whatever continent you choose to explore, there definitely are countries and cities you can visit without applying for a visa, check these out!
MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL ASIA
Kazakhstan
Allowed stay: 30 days
Uzbekistan
Note: eVisa
Allowed stay: 30 days
Armenia
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 120 days
Iran
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Kyrgyzstan
Note: Visa on arrival available at Manas International Airport
Allowed stay: 30 days
Tajikistan
Note: Should arrive at Dushanbe International Airport
Allowed stay: 45 days
Georgia
Note: e-Visa or no visa if a valid original resident permit card from any GCC States is presented with Official English Translation
Allowed stay: 90 days should be verified with the travel document or/and other relevant document.)
Featured country: Georgia

Georgia is a small country located in the Eastern Europe. This ancient nation has become the preferred destination of Filipinos in the UAE because of the visa exemption and its proximity to the country. Some of the beautiful spots to see there include Tbilisi, the nation’s capital, Gudauri, it’s winter ski wonderland, and Kazbegi, home of the ultimately beautiful Gergeti Trinity Church. According to Paula Lim, a Filipino based in the UAE, Georgia has been one of her most memorable trips to date. “I visited Georgia during its winter season, so it was my first time to experience snow. I like it because it’s close to the UAE, the prices are cheap, and the sceneries are extremely gorgeous,” she said.
ASIA
Taiwan
Allowed stay: 14 days
Note: Visa exemption extended until July 2020
Singapore
Allowed stay: 30 days
Indonesia
Allowed stay: 30 days
Malaysia
Allowed stay: 30 days
Hong Kong
Allowed stay: 14 days
Macau
Allowed stay: 30 days
Thailand
Allowed stay: 30 days
Vietnam
Allowed stay: 21 days
Myanmar
Allowed stay: 14 days
Mongolia
Allowed stay: 21 days
 Laos
Allowed stay: 30 days
 Cambodia
Allowed stay: 21 days
 Brunei
Allowed stay: 14 days
 Israel
Allowed stay: 3 months
 India
Note: e-Visa and must arrive through designated air/seaports
Allowed stay: 60 days
The Maldives
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Nepal
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Sri Lanka
Note: e-Visa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Timor-Leste
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
South Korea
Note: This 2020, Philippine passport holders will be given visa-free access to Seoul, Busan, and Nami Island but the final destination must be Jeju Island.
Featured country: Taiwan

Taiwan has its hands full with the great increase in tourist arrivals, thanks to social media. According to traveler Ysabella Bascuna, it’s perfect for quick family and barkada getaways because of its rich cuisine found in the night markets, cultural destinations, and natural sites “It’s perfect for barkada trips because the price is relatively cheaper than other nearby countries like Hongkong and Singapore. There are a lot places to see even if you are just in Taipei,  but I also recommend going to other cities like Taichung. It’s also worth it,” she said.
OCEANIA
Fiji
Allowed stay: 4 months
Cook Islands
Allowed stay: 31 days
The Marshall Islands
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Palau
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Papua New Guinea
Note: e-Visa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 60 days
Samoa
Note: Entry of permit on arrival
Allowed stay: 60 days
Tuvalu
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Vanuatu
Allowed stay: 30 days
 Micronesia
Allowed stay: 30 days
Featured country: Papua New Guinea

What this country lacks in size, it makes up for in its magical array of natural wonders. Papua New Guinea packs a big punch with its emerald forests, amazing mountains, and turquoise lagoons. According to Alan Marasigan, who used to be based in Papua New Guinea, beach lovers and divers will find a haven in its exciting landscapes. “Papua New Guinea is for every Filipino who wants adventure. It’s under water’s vast beauty and world-class sites makes diving the number-one activity here,” he said.
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
Bolivia – 90 days
Allowed stay: 90 days
Brazil – 90 days
Allowed stay: 90 days
Colombia
Allowed stay: 90 days with an available 90-day extension
Ecuador – 90 days
Allowed stay: 90 days
Peru – 183 days
Allowed stay: 183 days
Suriname – 90 days
Allowed stay: 90 days
Costa Rica
Allowed stay: 30 days with available extensions of up to 90 days
Barbados
Allowed stay: 90 days
Haiti
Allowed stay: 3 months
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Allowed stay: 1 month
Nicaragua
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Dominica
Allowed stay: 21 days
Saint Lucia
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 6 weeks
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Note: e-Visa
Allowed stay: 30 days
Trinidad and Tobago
Note: Visa on arrival
Featured country: Peru

Peru is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World—Machu Picchu—so knowing that Filipinos don’t need a visa to go here is truly an exciting thing for travelers! Says frequent traveler Therese Sta. Maria, “I’ve been to a lot of places in my life, but as a Filipino, I don’t think I’ve ever felt as home as I did in Peru. Blame it on similar Hispanic roots if you will, the locals of Cusco did a pretty good job in making me and my family feel utmost welcomed through warm hospitality. Interactions aside, the trip to Machu Picchu alone is something Filipinos will never forget. The view, the breeze, and the quietness of the mountain still linger in my mind to this day. Maybe they’ll leave a mark on you too!”
AFRICA
The Ivory Coast
Allowed stay: 90 days
Morocco
Allowed stay: 90 days 
Gambia
Allowed stay: 90 days
Rwanda
Allowed stay: 90 days
Benin
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival and must have an international vaccination certificate
Allowed stay: 30 days
Cape Verde
Note: Visa on arrival
Comoros
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 45 days
Djibouti
Note: e-Visa
Allowed stay: 31 days
Guinea-Bissau
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Kenya
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 3 months
Madagascar
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Malawi
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Mauritania
Note: Visa on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport
Mauritius
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 60 days
Mozambique
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Somalia
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 30 days
Togo
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 7 days
Uganda
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Gabon
Note: eVisa
Lesotho
Note: eVisa
Sao Tome and Principe
Note: eVisa
Zambia
Note: eVisa
Zimbabwe
Note: eVisa
Ethiopia
Note: eVisa and must arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Allowed stay: 90 days
Senegal
Note: Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 90 days
Seychelles
Note: Free Visitor’s Permit on arrival
Allowed stay: 3 months
Tanzania
Note: eVisa/Visa on arrival
Allowed stay: 3 months
Featured country: Morocco

Another visa-free destination that’s within UAE’s proximity, Morocco is a country with rich culture and history. Each city offers its own kind of vibrancy, so wherever you decide to go, you’ll be assured a memorable trip. Filipino HR officer Shiela Alicante, who has been to Morocco, recommends it to Filipinos for this year. “Morocco is an assault on the senses—vibrant and alive. Each city in the country offers a distinct experience, from old medinas and port cities, to the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains,” she said.
EUROPE
Russia 
Note: Visa on arrival available only to Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region
Allowed stay: 8 days
What to see in Saint Petersburg

There is a certain pizzazz in Russia’s Saint Petersburg. It’s something not many Filipinos are fortunate to have seen. Once they do, though, even the quietest travellers become such enthusiastic storytellers—all because the city is so grand it’s impossible not to leave home without an incredible experience to share. And with the Russian government granting the Philippines eligibility for free e-visa for eight days, it is now easier than ever for Filipinos to finally explore this artistic powerhouse of a city. Filipino travel blogger Joshua Berida recommends the city for Filipinos who want to see a unique yet grand destination. “Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city worth visiting; it combines old and new. There are many palaces turned into museums, you can take pictures from the outside,” he said.
ADVANTAGES OF A VISA-FREE TRAVEL
No need to fill out application forms and scratch your heads providing additional documentation like endorsement letters from friends, employers, and family members
No need to get bank statements, which can sometimes take long
No need to share confidential information that often comes with applying for a visa
No need to go to the embassy in person to process your visa application
You can travel whenever you want, whatever time you choose, without the need to plan way in advance!
No need to pay for visa fees, on top of your travel expenses. The money you’ll get to save can be added to your souvenirs, food, and more tours!
No need to wait in line at border control on your arrival! You’ll get out of the airport easy breezy.