Why Filipinos Can Enter Israel Without a Visa

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:00]Did you know that Filipinos can enter Israel without a visa [music] for up to 90 days? And believe it or not, that privilege is connected to an [music] act of kindness from the Philippines almost a century ago. In the late 1930s, while Europe was becoming dangerous for Jews during the rise of Nazi Germany, one Asian country quietly opened [music] its doors. That country was the Philippines.

[00:00:24]Under the leadership of Manuel L.

[00:00:26]Quezon, the Philippines accepted more than 1,000 Jewish refugees who were fleeing [music] persecution in Europe during the time of Adolf Hitler. These refugees were welcomed, given jobs, and allowed to build new lives in Manila.

[00:00:41]Some even helped develop businesses and communities that still exist today.

[00:00:45]Years later, when the modern state of Israel was established in 1948, the memory of that kindness was never forgotten. Because of [music] this historic friendship, the Philippines and Israel signed agreements that made travel easier between the two nations.

[00:01:01]In 1969, Filipinos were granted visa-free entry to Israel for up to 90 [music] days.

[00:01:08]Today, Israel is considered one of the most security-conscious countries in the world, yet Filipinos can [music] still visit with just a passport. A small reminder that sometimes one [music] act of compassion in history can open doors for generations. And in this case, it opened the doors of Israel [music] to the Filipino people.