Indian Passport vs Philippine Passport: Full 2026 Comparison
The Indian passport and the Philippine passport are often compared because both serve large diaspora communities worldwide, and both are frequently used by OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and Indian expats in the Gulf region. In 2026, the Philippine passport has a slightly higher raw visa-free access count, but key destinations differ.
India
Philippines
Quick Answers
Which is stronger -- the Indian passport or the Philippine passport?
The Philippine passport has a slightly higher Henley Passport Index score (~70 countries vs ~62 for India in 2026), ranking approximately #76 globally versus India''s ~#80. However, both passports access many of the same destinations and require visas for most Western nations. The difference is modest.
Can Filipinos enter more countries than Indians?
In terms of raw visa-free and visa-on-arrival count, Filipinos can access approximately 8-10 more countries than Indians without a prior visa. Key advantages: Filipinos can enter some additional Latin American and Pacific island nations visa-free. India''s advantage: visa-free access to Nepal, Bhutan, and Malaysia.
Do Indians and Filipinos need the same visa for the UAE?
Yes. Both Indian and Filipino nationals require a prior UAE visa for tourism and work. The UAE tourist visa costs approximately AED 350-500 for both nationalities. The application process is the same: through airlines, VFS Global, or the UAE immigration portal.
Which passport is better for working in the Gulf?
For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman), both nationalities require visas and work permits. Filipino workers have a strong institutional support system (POLO offices in every GCC country, OWWA coverage, POEA oversight). Indian workers have large established communities and direct labor agreements. Neither passport has a formal visa access advantage in the GCC -- both require employer-sponsored work visas.
Key Destinations: India vs Philippines Passport Access
| Destination | India | Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Saudi Arabia | Tourist eVisa (SAR 535) | Tourist eVisa (SAR 535) |
| Schengen Area | Visa Required (EUR 90) | Visa Required (EUR 90) |
| United States | B1/B2 Visa Required | B1/B2 Visa Required |
| United Kingdom | Visa Required (GBP 115) | Visa Required (GBP 115) |
| Australia | Visa Required (AUD 190) | Visa Required (AUD 190) |
| Japan | Visa Required (JPY 3,000) | Visa Required (JPY 3,000) |
| Malaysia | Visa-Free (30 days) | Visa-Free (30 days) |
| Thailand | Visa-Free (30 days) | Visa-Free (30 days) |
| Indonesia (Bali) | eVOA (IDR 500,000) | eVOA (IDR 500,000) |
| Singapore | Visa-Free (30 days) | Visa-Free (30 days) |
| South Korea | Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Nepal | Visa-Free | Visa on Arrival |
| Maldives | Visa-Free (30 days) | Visa-Free (30 days) |
| Brazil | eVisa Required | Visa-Free (30 days) |
| Peru | Visa Required | Visa-Free |
| Ecuador | eVisa Required | Visa-Free |
| Cambodia | eVisa / VOA | eVisa / VOA |
Where the Philippine Passport Wins
- Latin America: The Philippines has longstanding cultural and historical ties with Latin American countries (both former Spanish colonies). Filipino passport holders can enter Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and several other Latin American nations visa-free. Indian passport holders generally need prior visas for the same countries.
- Some Pacific island nations: Filipino passport has visa-free access to several Pacific island nations where Indian passport holders need a visa.
Where the Indian Passport Wins
- Nepal: Indian nationals have special travel rights to Nepal -- no passport required (national ID accepted), completely unrestricted entry. Filipino nationals get visa-on-arrival.
- Bhutan: Indian passport holders have a unique arrangement with Bhutan (free movement with a permit). Filipino nationals need a prior Bhutan visa.
- Malaysia: Both can enter Malaysia visa-free (30 days), but India has a formal bilateral arrangement; Filipino nationals also have visa-free access through a separate arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philippine passport ranked higher than Indian?
In early 2026, yes -- the Philippine passport ranks approximately #76 on the Henley Index versus India at approximately #80. The Philippine passport has slightly broader visa-free access, especially in Latin America. However, both are broadly similar in the destinations that matter most to their passport holders (Gulf, Europe, USA).
Can Filipinos visit India visa-free?
No. Filipino nationals require an Indian e-Visa (available online) or a prior Indian consulate visa to visit India. The India eVisa is available for most nationalities including the Philippines and costs approximately USD 25 for tourism.
Can Indians visit the Philippines visa-free?
Indian nationals can visit the Philippines visa-free for 30 days, extendable to 59 days at the Bureau of Immigration. This is one of the few countries where India has an advantage over similar-level passports -- the Philippines is relatively generous with visa-free access to Indian visitors.
⚠ Data note. Passport visa-free access figures are approximate, based on early 2026 Henley Passport Index data, and include visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. They change as bilateral agreements are signed or suspended. Always verify current requirements for specific destinations.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy