Being a Filipino traveler can be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because our motherland is blessed with countless of cultural treasures and stunning natural wonders, from historic verandas to picture-perfect peaks. A curse because our passport ranking or visa-free ranking is rather low. And, that means our options for our international destinations are a little limited. On the bright side, our visa-free score has been on a steady rise, improving from 62 in early 2018 to 69 as of January, 2019. Skyscanner lists down some of the fascinating and new visa-friendly destinations for PH passport holders.
1. Taiwan
Taiwan’s visa-free access for PH passport holders actually startedin 2017, as a trial that was supposed to end in July 2018. Guess what, though?The visa-free access was, last year, extended to July 2019, giving us Pinoytravelers a few more months to enter Taiwan without a visa. So, if I’ve beendreaming and itching to see Taiwan, now would be the best time to do it.
Of course, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to doin Taiwan for Pinoy travel junkies. For those who love eye-catching blooms andflowers, visit Taiwan during springtime to catch sight of its mesmerizingcherry blossoms. Like most Asian countries, Taiwan also has a fair of majesticnatural spectacles, such as the Qixingtan Beach, Taroko George, Sun Moon Lake,Xitou Nature Education Garden and Shei-Pa National Park.
And, how can we forget about Taiwan’s booming and tastyculinary goodies. On your visa-free trip to Taiwan, you’ll have a chance to goon a wondrous culinary journey, savoring mouthwatering goodies like oyster omelet,beef noodle soup and Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice.
2. Hainan, China
Want to visit China mainland without a visa? Think Hong Kongand Macau are the only visa-free destinations in China? In 2018, China grantedover 50 countries visa-free access to one of their rising destinations –Hainan. And, one of the luckily countries granted with this visa-free access wasthe Philippines. With this visa-free access in full swing, you can now visitHainan, China for as long as 30 days, with just your passport.
And, make no mistake about it – there’s more Hainan than thefamed and extremely delectable Hainanese Chicken. Nicknamed aptly as the Hawaiiof China, Hainan will sweep you away with its splendid sandy beaches andpristine coral reefs. While there, don’t forget to pay homage to the towering100-meter-tall Goddess of Mercy statue.
3. Benin
The good news is, Benin now offers visa-on-arrival for everyFilipino traveler with a valid PH passport. The bad news? There are currentlyno direct flights from the Philippines to this African country, meaning youneed to fly to Ethiopia and get an e-visa. But, once you figure that out, you’lldiscover an offbeat destination brimming with history and culture. Keep inmind, this country has been once labeled as the birthplace of voodoo. Just headto the Fetish Market in Contonou, and you’ll find a vast range of bizarrelywonderful voodoo products.
And, even if voodoo and peculiar paranormal experiences arenot your cup of tea, you can still have an epic adventure in Benin. Here,visitors can soak up the beauty of its golden sand beaches and historic gems. Amust see in Benin is the beautiful Royal Palace and its equally impressive surroundinggardens.
4. Tajikistan
Dreaming of an epic climb to an insanely tall mountain? Whynot take a hike to the Pamir Mountains or also known as The Roof of the World?With peaks as high as 7,000 meters, this hike will surely whet your appetitefor outdoor adventures. For the not-so adventurous traveler, the country alsohas scenic mountain vistas as well as serene landscapes. As you visit thiscountry, you’ll feel the urge to snap a thousand of photographs of its irresistiblemountains.
By the way, Tajikistan is technically not a visa-free countryfor PH passport holders. Luckily, though, it provides visa-on-arrival for everyJuan, meaning it’s fairly easy to get into this Central Asian country.
Ready to venture into these visa-friendly destinations? Download Skyscanner’s mobile app, and score amazingly affordable hotels and cheap flights to any of these destinations!
