Filipino Passport Now Ranks 75th in the World Passport Index
The Filipino passport has recently gained a new ranking in the World Passport Index, moving up from its previous ranking of 77th to 75th in the latest rankings. This improvement is significant for Filipino citizens as it provides easier access to travel around the world.
The World Passport Index, produced by Arton Capital, ranks passports based on the number of countries they can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival. The higher the ranking, the stronger the passport, allowing citizens to travel more freely without the hassle of obtaining visas beforehand.
The Filipino passport now allows its holders to travel to 77 countries either visa-free or with a visa on arrival, including popular destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This improvement is a testament to the efforts made by the Philippine government to strengthen its diplomatic relations with other countries and improve its citizens’ global mobility.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the recent rise in the Filipino passport ranking is a result of the Philippines’ participation in various international treaties and agreements that enable visa-free travel for its citizens. The DFA continues to work towards expanding the list of countries that allow visa-free access for Filipino passport holders, in order to further enhance the global mobility of its citizens.
In addition to the increase in visa-free travel options, the Philippine government has also been taking steps to streamline the passport application process and improve the security features of the passport. This includes the introduction of e-passports, which contain embedded biometric data to prevent forgery and enhance security.
The rise in the Filipino passport ranking comes as welcome news for many Filipino citizens who rely on their passports for both leisure and business travel. Many have praised the government’s efforts in improving the passport’s standing in the international community, noting that it will make it easier for them to explore new destinations and conduct business abroad.
“I’m thrilled to hear that the Filipino passport has moved up in the rankings,” said Maria, a Filipino citizen who frequently travels for work. “It’s great to know that I have more options for travel without having to worry about applying for visas. This will make my job much easier and more convenient.”
While the rise in the Filipino passport ranking is a positive development, there is still room for improvement. The DFA acknowledges that there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need to strengthen diplomatic relations with countries that currently require visas for Filipino citizens.
“We are committed to further improving the global mobility of Filipino citizens and will continue to work towards expanding the list of countries that allow visa-free access for Filipino passport holders,” said a DFA spokesperson. “We are confident that with sustained efforts and cooperation with our international partners, the Filipino passport will continue to rise in the rankings.”
Overall, the recent improvement in the Filipino passport ranking is a promising sign for Filipino citizens who value the freedom and convenience of travel. As the Philippine government continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties and enhance the security features of the passport, the future looks bright for Filipino passport holders seeking to explore the world.
