New Delhi: Singapore has claimed the title of having the world’s most powerful passport, surpassing France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. With a Singapore passport, travellers can gain visa-free access to a record 195 global destinations, placing the city-state at the top of the Henley Passport Index.
Earlier in the year, the four European countries—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—held the top position but have now dropped to second place, alongside Japan. For the first time, seven countries—Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden—have secured the third spot, with passport holders able to access 191 destinations without a visa.
World’s Most Powerful Passports 2024 List: Where Does India, Pakistan Stand?
India’s passport is ranked 82nd globally, granting its citizens visa-free access to 58 countries. This includes popular travel destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In comparison, neighboring Pakistan‘s passport holds the 100th position, allowing holders to enter 33 countries without a visa.
The rankings were published by London-based immigration consultancy Henley & Partners which uses data from the International Air Transport Association to rank 199 passports’ access to 227 travel destinations.
Meanwhile, the US slipped down one spot to reach the eight place. The former passport powerhouse held a joint first place with the UK a decade ago. The UK is now in fourth rank. Afghanistan’s passport which allows visa-free entry to 26 nations, remains the world’s weakest.
Most Powerful Passports for 2024
Singapore: 195 destinationsFrance, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain: 192 destinationsAustria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden: 191 destinationsBelgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom: 190 destinationsAustralia, Portugal: 189 destinationsGreece, Poland: 188 destinationsCanada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta: 187 destinationsUnited States: 186 destinationsEstonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates: 185 destinationsIceland, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia: 184 destinations
Emphasising the growing global mobility gap between countries, Christian Kaelin, Chair of Henley & Partners said,”The global average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been.”
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