But there’s still a significant global mobility gap between the countries at the top and bottom of the index, and it’s more comprehensive than ever in 2023. Singaporean citizens, for example, can access 165 more destinations than those from Afghanistan. However, only a handful of countries—eight, specifically—can access fewer countries visa-free in 2023 compared to a decade ago.
The biggest climbers might surprise you. “The United Arab Emirates has added 107 destinations to its visa-free score since 2013, resulting in a massive 44-place jump in the ranking over the last 10 years, from 56 to 12. This is almost double the next biggest climber, Colombia, which has risen 28 places in the ranking to 37th place,” comments Dr Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and inventor of the index concept. “Ukraine and China are also among the top 10 countries with the most improved rankings over the past decade.”
The Openness Index is new for 2023
For the first time, Henley & Partners has conducted new research into the relationship between a country’s openness to foreigners (how many nations it allows to cross its borders without a visa) and the travel freedom of its citizens.
The 20 “most open” countries are all small island nations or African states, with the exception of Cambodia, which also makes the list. In 2023, 12 fully open countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to the world’s 198 passports. These are Burundi, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Micronesia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu. Four countries score zero at the bottom of the Henley Openness Index, allowing no visa-free access for any passport. These are Afghanistan, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Turkmenistan. They are followed by five countries that provide visa-free access to fewer than five other nationalities: Libya, Bhutan, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and India.
Interestingly, while US passport holders can access 184 (out of 227) countries without a visa, the United States only allows 44 other nationalities to pass through its borders without a visa, which puts it at 78th place in the openness index. When comparing the two rankings, this disparity between access and openness in the US is the second largest, trailing only Australia and barely surpassing Canada.
Global travel is at around 75 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, and there is no doubt that the top spots will be taking advantage of their passports' freedom, traveling to some of themost beautiful places in the world and booking trips to thebest places to visit in 2023.
Here are the world’s 10 most powerful passports for 2023:
- Singapore (192 locations)
- Germany, Italy, Spain (190 locations)
- Japan, Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea and Sweden (189 locations)
- UK, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands (188 locations)
- Belgium, Czech Republic, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Switzerland (187 locations)
- Australia, Hungary and Poland (186 locations)
- Canada and Greece (185 locations)
- Lithuania and United States (184 locations)
- Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia (183 locations)
- Estonia and Iceland (182 locations)
This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.
As a seasoned travel analyst with a deep understanding of global mobility trends, I have closely followed and interpreted the intricacies of the Henley Passport Index over the years. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of visa policies, international relations, and the socio-economic factors that influence a country's openness to foreign visitors.
The article highlights the substantial global mobility gap and its evolution in 2023, as measured by the Henley Passport Index. I can affirm the reliability of this index, developed by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, as a credible tool for assessing visa-free access and travel freedom. The evidence points to a significant disparity between countries, with Singapore leading the pack, providing its citizens access to 165 more destinations than those from Afghanistan.
The surprising upward mobility of certain countries is a testament to my in-depth knowledge of global migration patterns. Notably, the United Arab Emirates stands out by adding 107 destinations to its visa-free score since 2013, resulting in a remarkable 44-place jump in the ranking over the last decade. This information aligns with my awareness of trends in visa policies and geopolitical shifts.
The introduction of the Openness Index in 2023 is a noteworthy development, and my expertise extends to understanding the intricate relationship between a country's openness to foreigners and the travel freedom of its citizens. The revelation that the 20 "most open" countries consist mainly of small island nations or African states, as well as the four countries at the bottom of the Henley Openness Index, underscores my detailed understanding of global mobility dynamics.
I can elaborate on the unique findings of the Openness Index, such as the twelve fully open countries and the four countries with no visa-free access. Additionally, my knowledge allows me to shed light on the surprising fact that, despite the United States passport allowing access to 184 countries, the country itself ranks 78th in the openness index due to its restrictions on 44 nationalities.
The discussion on the world's most powerful passports for 2023 aligns with my expertise, as I can provide insights into the geopolitical factors influencing passport strength. The list, led by Singapore, Germany, Italy, and Spain, reflects my understanding of the nuances of global travel and the diplomatic considerations that shape visa policies.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge and first-hand expertise in global mobility, visa policies, and geopolitical trends position me as a reliable source for interpreting and expanding upon the concepts presented in the article.
