London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners has released the Henley Passport Index for the year 2023, based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, giving users the most extensive and reliable information about their global access and mobility. Each passport is scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free.
According to the Henley Passport Index, only 17 percent of countries grant you visa-free access to more than four fifths of the world's 227 destinations, while 6 percent of the world's countries gives you access to more than 70 percent of the global economy.
Among world's weakest passports, Afghanistan's passport ranked at 109 with a visa-free score of 27, followed by Iraq ranked at 108 with a visa-free score of 29. Syria ranks at 107 with a visa- free score of 30. At number 106, Pakistan is in Top 5 list in the world's worst passport to hold with a visa- free score of 32. Yemen ranks at 105 with with a visa- free score of 34.
Speaking of India, the Indian passport ranks 85th in the world's most powerful passport index 2023 and gives visa-free entry to 59 destinations worldwide. Earlier in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the country ranked at 82nd spot, 84th, 85th and 83rd respectively, as per the report.
Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 59 destinations like Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Macao, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Iran and Qatar. However, you might require visa-on-arrival in some countries.
The index’s scoring system was developed to give users a nuanced, practical, and reliable overview of their passport’s power, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
Related Premium Stories
Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
MoreLess
Published: 11 Jan 2023, 11:44 PM IST
I'm an expert in global mobility and citizenship, specializing in passport rankings and international travel regulations. My knowledge extends to the latest developments in the field, and I continuously stay informed about the Henley Passport Index, a renowned benchmark for assessing the power and reach of passports.
Henley & Partners, a London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm, recently released the Henley Passport Index for the year 2023. This index is based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking information about global access and mobility. The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, offering users detailed insights into visa-free access.
The scoring system employed by the Henley Passport Index is crucial in evaluating passport power. Each passport is scored based on the total number of destinations the holder can access without requiring a visa. Notably, only 17 percent of countries allow visa-free access to more than four-fifths of the world's 227 destinations. Additionally, a mere 6 percent of countries provide access to over 70 percent of the global economy without a visa.
Among the passports with the least favorable rankings, Afghanistan's passport holds the 109th position, with a visa-free score of 27. Following closely are Iraq at 108 (visa-free score of 29) and Syria at 107 (visa-free score of 30). Pakistan, ranking at 106, is listed among the top five worst passports globally, with a visa-free score of 32. Yemen follows at 105, with a visa-free score of 34.
Turning attention to India, its passport holds the 85th spot in the world's most powerful passport index for 2023. Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to 59 destinations worldwide, including countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Macao, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Iran, and Qatar. However, some countries may still require visa-on-arrival.
It's noteworthy that the Indian passport's ranking has fluctuated in recent years, moving from the 82nd spot in 2019 to 83rd in 2022, with the current 85th position in 2023.
The Henley Passport Index aims to provide users with a nuanced, practical, and reliable overview of their passport's power, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about international travel. This information is critical for those seeking to understand global mobility trends and passport strength.
