List of Visa Free Countries in Asia for Filipinos - Visa Tips for Philippines Passport
A passport is our ticket to go out of our country and explore others. However, a passport from the Philippines isn’t as powerful as Singapore or Japan, who can get quickly to 189 countries. We are still privileged to be visiting other countries without having Visas.
Visa applications are quite scary for some, especially for the first time travelers; they require proper documents and a significant amount in the bank. Some countries also approve your visa if you have travel to other countries and have a good international travel history. So if ever you want to go to another country in the future using your Philippines Passport, why not collect stamps from these visa free countries for Filipinos in ASIA!
Southeast Asia
As a part of a pact of the ASEAN, South East Asians can visit SEA countries without requiring a visa. Here’s the list:
Brunei
Visa-Free Days: 14
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Best time to visit: January to May
Brunei Darussalam is a small country considered to be one of the richest in the world. Though they are abundant oil and gas reserves, they proudly have one of the best-preserved rainforests. Known as Adobe of Peace, Brunei is a super safe country with welcoming locals. Too bad for partygoers, Brunei doesn’t sell alcohol. Enjoy the charms of this place along with its rich Muslim culture and high respect for its sultan.
Places of Interest: Sultan Omar Ali Saiffuden Mosque, Kampong Ayer, Tasek Lama Recreational Park, Royal Regalia Museum, Ulu Temburong National Park
Cambodia
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Phnom Penh
Best time to visit: May to October (dry weather + fewer tourists)
The Kingdom of Cambodia is of rich history; from the rule of the Angkor Empire, a war in the 1830s, the French government, the country’s independence in 1954; another devastating war in the 1970s and up to its restoration in 1993. Despite their past, Cambodians are known to be very kind and hospitable. Journey like Lara Croft thru ancient temples and jungle ruins, and be enchanted by Cambodia.
Places of Interest: Angkor Wat, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Bayon Temple, Mekong River, Silver Pagoda
Indonesia
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Jakarta
Best time to visit: May to September
Known as the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia prides itself of its diversity. With about 200 ethnic groups and many dazzling sceneries, Indonesia should be on your bucket list. Like the Philippines, Indonesia has excellent beaches, a thousand islands, breathtaking views over mountains or volcanoes, and great exotic finds. Plus it is affordable, instagrammable and it surely unforgettable.
Places of Interest: Sacred Money Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Komodo Island, Borobudur Temple, Merapi Volcano
Laos
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Vientiane
Best time to visit: October to April
Opposite of archipelagic Indonesia is landlocked Laos, with the same heartbreaking history as Cambodia and Vietnam, continuous efforts of multi-ethnic Lao people today have made Laos a better nation. If you’re backpacking thru Asia, it’s a must as it is less touristy than its neighbors a bit more expensive though worth it. Try to go to a remote place and relish its otherworldly beauty.
Places of Interest: Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi (Luang Prabang), Tham Jang Cave, Nam Song River (Vang Vieng), Monk’s Alms Walk
Malaysia
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Best time to visit: December to February or May to July
Malaysia is a colorfully diverse country of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultural influences. From the National Mosque in KL to the Christ Church in Malacca, the gorgeous beaches in Langkawi to the limestone caves in Sarawak, the buzz in Genting to the peace in Pahang, Malaysia truly has a lot to offer.
Places of Interest: Petronas Tower, George Town, Langkawi, Batu Caves, Malacca
Myanmar
Visa-Free Days: 14
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw
Best time to visit: November to February
Myanmar (Burma before) is an underrated country to travel in South East Asia. Filled with heartwarming locals and a wide array of places to choose from like Yangon the Garden City, Mandalay the Seat of Ancient Kings, Bagan The Ancient City of Devotion, and Inle the Tranquil Sea in the Mountains; Myanmar is a magical country that should be part of your bucket list.
Places of Interest: Inle Lake, Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Bagan Temples, Ngapali Beach
Singapore
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Singapore
Best time to visit: February to April
The Lion City, Singapore, is a small but thriving nation. Clean, orderly, and costly it has of places or activities to offer. This place is a hub for foodies, explorers, adventure seekers, and people looking for a time to enjoy life. You’ll most likely spend at least 2 hours in a spot starting or ending with the marvelous Changi Airport.
Places of Interest: Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium (Sentosa Island), Merlion Park, Gardens By The Bay, Orchard Road
Thailand
Visa-Free Days: 30
Capital: Bangkok
Best time to visit: November to March
With lavish royal palaces, ancient ruins, exquisite temples, and tropical beaches, Thailand is a sought after destination. As being known as the Land of Smiles, expect helpful and friendly locals. Thailand is a total package; enthralling spots, mouthwatering cuisine, and generally affordable, everyone should come and visit this place.
Places of Interest: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Elephant Sanctuaries, Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay
Vietnam
Visa-Free Days: 21
Capital: Hanoi
Best time to visit: March to April, September to November
Vietnam is a result of eras of invasions and conflicts; the Chinese dynasties, French Colonization, and first and second Indochina War. Now, Vietnam is one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, offering compelling historical places as well as scenic natural attractions.
Places of Interest: Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An, Halong Bay, Old Quarter, Mekong Delta
Other Parts of ASIA
There are also other parts of Asia, be it the East or West that doesn’t require you to a visa to go for a visit.
Hong Kong
Visa-Free Days: 14
A vibrant, charming place, Hong Kong, is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline. Your inner-child will be very happy as HK is the only visa-free country that has Disneyland!
Places of Interest: Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak, Ocean Park, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Lantau Island
Macau
Visa-Free Days: 30
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macao doesn’t boast only of its casinos but also of its World Heritage Sites, Churches, Temples and, Gardens.
Places of Interest: The Venetian Macao, Ruin of St. Paul’s, Historic Center of Macao, Macao Tower, A-Ma Temple
Taiwan
Visa-Free Days: 14 (Up to July 2020)
As one of the four Asian Tigers, Taiwan is a highly developed economy with a rich history, incredible culture, and a lot of natural sceneries. If you get lucky, you can experience snow and spring in Taiwan!
Places of Interest: Taipei 101, Taroko National Park, Jiufen, National Palace Museum, Tainan
Israel
Visa-Free Days: 90 days
Israel, the Holy Land, is the perfect place to have a retreat, especially for Catholics during the Lenten Season. It is also a visa-free country where you can experience traveling in a desert and ride camels.
Places of Interest: Sea of Galilee, Basilica of the Nativity, Dead Sea, Hanging Gardens of Haifa, Bell Caves
Mongolia
Visa-Free Days: 21 days
Another landlocked country sandwiched by big guys like China and Russia. If you want to experience snow, Mongolia is your best bet plus it has a fascinating history (their Khan feels like Khal Drogo from GOT).
Places of Interest: Gorkhi-Terelk National Park, Government Palace, Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Khovsgol Lake
If you want to explore more, there are still a lot of Asian countries that don’t require a tourist visa. There is a Visa on Arrival where you can enter a country, but you need to pay a certain fee or an eVisa where you need to enter your details online, and you pay a specific price and ta-dah; when immigration scans your passport, there’s an electronically linked visa!
With this list of visa-free countries for Filipinos in Asia, I hope you find your next travel destination or added more things in your travel bucket list or even decide to travel these 14 countries! If you want to get the list of all visa-free countries for Filipinos regardless of continent, check this article.
Latest addition starting September 30, 2019 is Kazakhstan! Details here.
Even though I have a Philippine Passport, it didn’t stop me from traveling the world; I’m 136 out of 196 (UN/ NonUN) now. It may be quite a hassle to gather all those documents, but, trust me; it’s going to be worth-it. Remember, if you love to travel, never stop dreaming; Persevere, Save, and Pray. Your dreams will come true! Happy travels!