Although the Philippine passport has only ranked 76th among the passports of the world in 2016, it could still take us to some pretty awesome places. Did you know that out of the 218 countries in the world, we can actually travel to at least 30 countries where applying for a visa is not required? Not only that. There are at least 34 countries where visa-on-arrival is free for us Philippine passport holders! Our funds and vacation leaves can now be put to better use. Rejoice!
Must See Places in Visa Free Countries
To further fuel our wanderlust and broaden our horizons, several travel bloggers share their favorite spots in the no visa fee countries for Filipinos they have already visited.
1. Bolivia
Continent: South America
Visa: Not required
Maximum days of stay: 90 days
Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni, Bolivia
by Aleah Taboclaon of Solitary Wanderer
This surreal crystalline landscape — over 12,100 sq km of pure white salt — boggles the mind and inspires creativity and imagination. Despite the number of tourists there, it’s still big enough that you will find yourself feeling alone amidst the whiteness around you, with nothing above but the clear blue Altiplano sky. Indeed, seeing Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, is enough reason to visit Bolivia.
2. Brunei
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 14 days
Jame’asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Brunei
by Missy of LoveEatWander
This mosque with 29 golden domes is so grand! A modern example of rich Islamic architecture. It is located within the heart of the city near the downtown shopping mall. Amazing and breathtaking especially at night. A must-see!
3. Cambodia
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not Required
Maximum Days of Stay: 21 days
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
by Lauren Gaile of www.pandelicious.com
Upon arriving at the modern Siem Reap airport, my Quebecois boyfriend had to queue up behind a long line of foreigners. He needed a copy of his passport, two photos and 30 USD. Oh the banana pancakes that could’ve bought us. Meanwhile, a guard approached me, looked at my passport, and said. “You don’t have to wait, go straight there.” (pointing to the arrival counters) It was a rare display of our passport’s power. I am happy it was here, where everything is priced in USD. We went for the Angkor Wat, to see the jewel of Cambodia, and the grand bas relief sculpture surrounding its walls.
Read more about this awesome place here.
4. Colombia
Continent: South America
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 90 days
Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira, Colombia
by Andrew and Emily of Along Dusty Roads
Colombia has so many amazing places for the traveler – from exploring the towering trees in Valle de Cocora or enjoying nature in Minca to partying in the up-and-coming city of Medellin or chilling out in the colourful town of Guatapé. However, the most amazing location for us is definitely Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira.
Travel in the back of a pick-up truck through the baking desert to reach off-the-beaten-track Cabo de la Vela. Sleep in a hammock on the beach at night, devour freshly caught fish with imported bottles of Venezuelan beer and walk to one of the most incredible beaches we visited in Latin America. This is the last remaining region of Colombia with indigenous people (the Wayu’u), so tourism investment can help alleviate some of the worst poverty in the country.
Read more about this awesome place here.
5. Hong Kong, China
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not Required
Maximum Days of Stay: 14 days
Victoria Peak path, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
by Andrea Spakova of The Great Unknown
Climb up Victoria Peak without crowds. Start the walk next to the Peak Tram Terminal and follow the signs. They will take you on a jungle-like path, first between damp backstreets, then up to a hill with lush greenery, wild parrots and a few luxurious villas scattered along. Views of the city are stunning and what’s more: no other tourists in sight.
Read more about this awesome place here.
6. Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
by Sarah Osio of www.travelosio.com
A tropical archipelago with glittering white-sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. No matter where you stick your head under the water in Raja Ampat you’ll be dazzled by a rainbow of luminous fish and corals.
Read more about this awesome place here.
7. Laos
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), Laos
by Teresa Keane of Independent Travel Help
I have travelled to lots of places over the years that I have loved and want to revisit at some point, but this place is high on my list. This, to me, is a special place because of its relaxed atmosphere, staying in a stilt house on the Mekong, and being able to watch the sunrise from my hammock and sunset later the same day on the other side of the island.
Read more about this awesome place here.
8. Macau
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Ruins of Sao Paulo Cathedral, Macau, China
by Claire Marie Algarme of First-time Travels
Macau is a fusion of the East and West, of the old and new. Portuguese churches and ruins dot the territory, alongside Chinese temples and architectures. While heritage structures continue to stand, new buildings and attractions rise around Macau.
Read more about this awesome place here.
9. Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not Required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Penang, Malaysia
by Sky and Summer of Bound for Two
Penang state in Malaysia is known for it’s well preserved beautiful historical buildings and inscribed as UNESCO World heritage city. It houses Kek Lok Si, the largest and most imposing Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Apart from the century colonial edifice, Penang is also hailed as the foodie capital of Malaysia, where famous staples Penang Assam Laksa and Char Kuey Teow were born.
Read more about this awesome place here.
10. Morocco
Continent: Africa
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 90 days
Ourika Valley, High Atlas, Morocco
by Catherine Iblan of Seeking Felicity
The one that stood out for me in Morocco was our daytrip to Ourika Valley. It was such a scenic drive, I just couldn’t take my gaze off the road. You can see that the road would lead you to the snow capped mountains in the distance but it’s sunny and green all around. Even though the mountains seemed dry – it just has this rugged beauty that I can’t help but be held in awe.
Read more about this awesome place here.
11. Myanmar
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 21 days
Inle Lake, Nyaungshwe, Taunggyi, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma)
by Barbie Biik of Across Cities
Bagan – with its incomparable panorama of hundreds of pagodas – is undoubtedly Myanmar’s biggest tourist draw; but Inle Lake – with its silvery sheet of halcyon waters surrounded by misty mountains and dotted with houses-on-stilts, floating markets, and seemingly-floating pagodas – will leave you introspective and in quiet awe. Add an opportunity to peek into the lives and livelihood of many of Myanmar’s tribes – Shan, Pa-O, Taung Yo, Danu, Kayah, Danaw, and the widely-photographed Intha tribe – and you got yourself a refreshing, enriching experience.
Read more about this awesome place here.
12. Singapore
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Little India, Singapore
by Ivy Ocampo of http://ivyxu.tumblr.com
I am always fascinated by the idea of visiting India someday. Since that thought seems far-fetched as of the moment, I seized the opportunity to visit Little India when I was in Singapore.
Located at Serangoon Road, which happened to be the main stretch of commercial activities of Little India, as the name suggests, it is a place that shows off different cultures of India such as vibrant architectures, temples and mosque, Indian clothing, fabric, jewelries, tattoos, handicrafts, and the one that totally capture my heart: flower necklaces. Make sure not to miss it when you visit.
Read more about this awesome place here.
13. Thailand
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 30 days
Chiang Mai, Thailand
by Johanna Mok Laguimun Añes of www.teachermok.com
Compact yet teeming with charm, Chiang Mai is a must for every visitor to Thailand. Urban crawlers would not run out of things to do from temple hopping to binging on street food. Nature lovers would have a grand time in Chiang Mai’s Mae Tang District about an hour away from the city center where one could visit and volunteer in an elephant camp, meet women from the Karen longneck tribe, go whitewater rafting, and trek to some of northern Thailand’s most famous waterfalls.
Read more about this awesome place here.
14. Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Visa: Not required
Maximum Days of Stay: 21 days
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
by Mai Flores of www.budgetbiyahera.com
One of the highlights of my trip in downtown Ho Chi Minh City was seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. I wasn’t just amazed by its 58-meter height. I was also enamored by its exquisite architecture and beautiful geometrics. French colonists made the basilica with its distinguishable two bell towers, both of which are popularly known to both locals and tourists. I could just stare at it all day and simply find serenity from it.
Read more about this awesome place here.
15. South Korea*
Continent: Asia
Visa: Required (Not required if arriving in and departing from Jeju Island only)
*Visa Fee: Free for stays up to 59 days
Nami Island, South Korea
by Jinky Rose of Jinkay Says
Nami Island is one of the top destinations in South Korea. Popularized by Winter Sonata, it is an enchanting place where you can relax and take in the beauty of nature. Lovely trees surround the place that has a different charm at different seasons. Take a leisurely walk, ride a bicycle, eat sausages on a stick and hot corn, you will sure never run out of ways to enjoy this amazing island.
Read more about this awesome place here.
Ultimate List of Visa Free & No Visa Fee Countries For Filipinos
Whether a visa is required or not, this table lists all the countries where Philippine passport holders can visit without having to pay visa fees.
Continent | Country | Visa | Maximum Stay |
---|---|---|---|
Africa | Gambia | Not required | 90 days |
Africa | Morocco | Not required | 90 days |
Africa | Rwanda | Not required | 90 days |
Africa | Senegal | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Brunei | Not required | 14 days |
Asia | Cambodia | Not required | 21 days |
Asia | Hong Kong, China | Not required | 14 days |
Asia | Indonesia | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Israel | Not required | 90 days |
Asia | Laos | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Macau | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Malaysia | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Mongolia | Not required | 21 days |
Asia | Myanmar | Not required | 21 days |
Asia | Singapore | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Thailand | Not required | 30 days |
Asia | Vietnam | Not required | 21 days |
Europe | Kosovo | Not required | No info. available |
North America | Costa Rica | Not required | 90 days |
North America | Dominica | Not required | 21 days |
North America | Haiti | Not required | 90 days |
North America | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Not required | 30 days |
Oceania | Fiji | Not required | 120 days |
Oceania | Micronesia | Not required | 21 days |
Oceania | Tuvalu | Not required | 30 days |
South America | Bolivia | Not required | 90 days |
South America | Brazil | Not required | 90 days |
South America | Colombia | Not required | 90 days |
South America | Ecuador | Not required | 90 days |
South America | Peru | Not required | 183 days |
South America | Suriname | Not required | 90 days |
Asia | South Korea (Jeju Island only) | Visa Required (Not required for entry and exit to Jeju Island only) | 30 days; free for up to 59 days |
Africa | Burundi | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Cape Verde | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Comoros | Visa on arrival | No info. available |
Africa | Djibouti | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Guinea-Bissau | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 60 days |
Africa | Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Malawi | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Mauritania | Visa on arrival | No info. available |
Africa | Mozambique | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Seychelles | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Somalia | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Tanzania | Visa on arrival | 180 days |
Africa | Tanzania | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Africa | Togo | Visa on arrival | 7 days |
Africa | Uganda | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Zambia | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Africa | Zambia | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Asia | Armenia | Visa on arrival | 120 days |
Asia | Iran | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Asia | Kyrgyzstan | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Asia | Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Asia | Nepal | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Asia | Sri Lanka | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Asia | Sri Lanka | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
Asia | Tajikistan | Visa on arrival | 45 days |
Asia | Timor-Leste | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
North America | Nicaragua | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Oceania | Marshall Islands | Visa on arrival | 90 days |
Oceania | Palau | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Oceania | Papua New Guinea | Visa on arrival | 60 days |
Oceania | Samoa | Visa on arrival | 60 days |
Oceania | Vanuatu | Visa on arrival | 30 days |
Note: Data as of April 1, 2016
How about you, have you been to any of these visa free or no visa fee countries? Drop me a line and share a link!
I can’t wait for a European country (and Japan!) to lift its visa restrictions!
Me, too!!
If I have layover like in Japan, do I need a Visa and What kind?
Thanks
You can refer to this link on the Japan Embassy website regarding transit visa: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/transit.htm.
Or just apply for a normal visa. It’s fairly easy. You can check out my previous post regarding that: http://chasingjayce.com/japan-journal-how-to-apply-for-a-japanese-visa/