The most powerful passports in 2024
Have you ever thought about just how powerful your passport really is, or even what metrics are used to determine which passports hold more clout? Well, the latest stats for 2024 are in with a former heavyweight of passports taking top spot once again.
The Henley Passport Index utilises exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank passport strength. The key criterion for this ranking is the number of countries that citizens can access without a visa. In this year's results, Singapore once again takes the lead as the most powerful passport, while Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain secure second place, offering visa-free entry to 192 destinations worldwide. Following closely in third are Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, all enjoying visa-free access to 191 countries.
Back in 2014 UK passports held the coveted No.1 spot alongside the US but 2024 paints a different picture. Passports issued by the U.K. now sit in fourth place, although their visa-free destination score dropped to 190 from 191. US passport holders now have a choice of 186 countries, putting them down in eighth place.
For UK passport holders, the Brexit referendum results withdrew their right to travel freely across the Schengen area in Europe. It also means they will be subject to the new EES and ETIAS entry systems due for installation in November 24 and May 25 respectively. This will require visitors to record their biometric data on entry so that it can be used in the future for a more secure entry. ETIAS will provide British travellers with a Visa Waiver system. This will cost €7 per traveller between the ages of 18 and 70 and needs to be renewed every 3 years.
Of course, passport rankings don't really mean much if you aren't a frequent traveller to the VISA free destinations your passport allows. However, in the business world passport rankings can be quite significant.
For companies looking to tap into new markets, the passport index serves as a valuable tool beyond just travel insights. It offers a glimpse into the broader landscape of global politics, economic health, and diplomatic ties. Nations with robust passports typically enjoy stronger international relationships and favorable economic conditions, making them appealing hubs for investment and business growth.
As of 2024, Singapore regains the title of the most powerful passport that it has held for several years. After a period of fluctuation it regained the top spot in 2021 and has maintained it since then, marking a significant period of dominance in the Henley Passport Index.
Below is a full list of the worlds most powerful passports ranked from top to bottom.`
- Singapore (195 locations)
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain (192 locations)
- Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden (191 locations)
- Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190 locations)
- Australia, Portugal, (189 locations)
- Greece, Poland (188 locations)
- Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta (187 locations)
- United States (186 locations)
- Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (184 locations)
EU counties continue to rank highly thanks to the freedom of movement agreement that allows citizens of member states, and three EEAEFTA States – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, to move freely between them giving them the right to reside and work in other member state countries without the need for a VISA or the cost of additional paperwork.
Which passport do you travel on?
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