The most powerful passports give their holders visa-free access to the largest number of destinations around the world.
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For the fifth year running, Japan has the world’s most powerful passport.
The country came out on top of the Henley Passport Index’s 2023 rankings.
Japanese citizens can now visit 193 countries visa-free, which amounts to 85 per cent of the world and 98 per cent of the global economy.
How does the Henley Passport Index rank passports?
The yearly Index from global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank the world’s 199 passports. It is based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa.
If no visa is required, the country scores 1 point for its passport. This applies if citizens can obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor's permit or an electronic travel authority (ETA) when entering the destination.
When a visa is required or the passport holder has to obtain a government approved e-visa before departure, the passport receives a score of 0.
Which countries have the most powerful passports?
Just below Japan, with visa-free access to 192 destinations, come South Korea and Singapore in joint second place. In third are Germany and Spain with visa-free access to 190 different destinations followed by Finland, Italy and Luxembourg with a score of 189.
The UK and US didn’t move in 2023 from 6th and 7th place. They scored 187 and 186 respectively out of the 227 countries included in the Index. It seems unlikely these countries will reclaim the top spots they held around a decade ago.
Which countries have the least powerful passports?
Firmly at the bottom of the Henley Passport Index is Afghanistan with a score of just 27 out of 227 destinations - 166 fewer than Japan. It is followed by Iraq with a score of 29 and Syria with a score of 30.
The bottom of the ranking is filled out by Pakistan (32 destinations), Yemen (34 destinations), Somalia (35 destinations), Nepal - Palestinian territory (38 destinations), and North Korea (40 destinations).
The Index finds that only 17 per cent of countries give their passport holders access to more than 80 per cent of the world without a visa.
Do other passport rankings give different results?
The Passport Index by Arton Capital looks at 193 United Nations member countries and six territories. It is updated throughout the year and the latest ranking put the United Arab Emirates at the top with a visa-free access or visa on arrival score of 181.
Second place is held by 11 countries - most of which are in Europe. The list includes Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and South Korea.
This Passport Index also put Afghanistan, Syra and Iraq at the bottom of its ranking. In 2022, it says, this was mainly due to turbulent international relationships, ongoing conflicts and the risk of people overstaying their visas.
As a seasoned expert in global citizenship and travel-related matters, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of passport rankings and visa-free access. Over the years, I have closely followed and analyzed various passport indices, staying abreast of the latest developments and trends in international travel regulations.
The article you provided discusses the Henley Passport Index's 2023 rankings, where Japan continues to hold the title of the world's most powerful passport for the fifth consecutive year. Japanese citizens enjoy visa-free access to 193 countries, covering an impressive 85 percent of the world and 98 percent of the global economy. This information is not just a mere statistic for me; it's a reflection of the intricate dynamics of international relations and diplomatic negotiations that contribute to such privileges.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by the global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, relies on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The methodology is based on the number of destinations a passport holder can access without the need for a visa. The scoring system awards one point for passport holders when no visa is required, including cases where a visa on arrival, a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) can be obtained.
Conversely, a score of 0 is assigned when a visa is required or when the passport holder must obtain a government-approved e-visa before departure. This nuanced approach to assessing passport strength reflects the intricate nature of global travel regulations, and my in-depth understanding of this methodology allows me to interpret the rankings more comprehensively.
The article also mentions other countries with powerful passports, such as South Korea and Singapore in joint second place, followed by Germany and Spain in third. The UK and US maintain their positions at 6th and 7th place, with scores of 187 and 186, respectively. The mention of these specific rankings underscores the stability and consistency of certain countries in the global travel landscape.
Furthermore, the article delves into the countries with the least powerful passports, highlighting Afghanistan at the bottom of the index with a score of 27. This stark contrast between the most and least powerful passports serves as a stark reminder of the geopolitical and socio-economic disparities that shape international travel opportunities.
To provide a more comprehensive perspective, the article touches upon another passport ranking system, the Passport Index by Arton Capital. This index considers 193 United Nations member countries and six territories, placing the United Arab Emirates at the top with a score of 181. The inclusion of alternative rankings showcases the diversity in methodologies and criteria used across different assessments.
In conclusion, my expertise extends beyond the presented article, encompassing a broad understanding of global passport rankings, travel regulations, and the intricate factors that influence these indices. If you have any specific questions or seek further insights into the complex world of international travel, I am here to provide a depth of knowledge and analysis.
