Travel Freedom: UAE and Philippine Passport Rankings Explained

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Philippines hold distinct positions in global passport rankings, reflecting their respective diplomatic relationships and travel freedoms. As of 2024, the UAE passport is ranked 12th globally, while the Philippine passport is ranked 80th.

UAE Passport Ranking

1. Current Rank: The UAE passport is currently ranked 12th on the Guide Passport Ranking Index.
2. Visa-Free Access: Holders of the UAE passport can travel to 183 destinations without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This includes popular countries such as:
• Schengen Area Countries: Visa-free access to many European nations.
• Asia: Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.
• Oceania: Access to Australia and New Zealand under certain conditions.
3. Improvements: The UAE has made significant strides in enhancing its passport strength over the years through strategic diplomatic efforts, resulting in increased visa-free access for its citizens. The UAE's ranking reflects its strong international relations and economic status.

Philippine Passport Ranking

1. Current Rank: The Philippine passport is ranked 80th according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index.
2. Visa-Free Access: Filipino passport holders can visit 65 destinations without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Key countries include:
• Southeast Asia: Visa-free access to countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
• Middle East: Access to Israel and certain Gulf states.
3. Recent Changes: The Philippine passport's ranking has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. Recently, it lost visa-free access to Armenia and Togo, which impacted its overall mobility score.

Comparative Analysis

• Mobility Score: The UAE passport provides significantly greater mobility compared to the Philippine passport. The ability to travel visa-free to 183 countries versus 65 for the Philippines highlights the differences in global mobility afforded by each passport.
• Economic Influence: The strength of a passport often correlates with a country's economic stability and diplomatic relations. The UAE's robust economy and strategic positioning as a global business hub contribute to its high-ranking passport status.
• Regional Standing: Within Southeast Asia, the Philippine passport ranks in the middle tier compared to its neighbors. Countries like Malaysia and Singapore enjoy higher rankings due to their extensive visa-free agreements.

The rankings of the UAE and Philippine passports reflect their respective global standings and diplomatic relationships. The UAE's high-ranking passport signifies its strong international ties and economic power, while the Philippine passport, despite being lower in rank, offers valuable travel opportunities within Southeast Asia and beyond. As both countries continue to develop economically and politically, changes in their passport rankings may evolve, impacting travel freedom for their citizens.