A passport holds more significance than just being a travel document; it also represents the freedom and mobility enjoyed by its holder. A passport has the power to either open up or restrict opportunities for tourism, business, education, and immigration.
One way to gauge the strength of a passport is by assessing the number of destinations it provides visa-free access to. The Henley Passport Index annually ranks passports worldwide based on their visa-free or visa-on-arrival score.
The Henley Passport Index combines passport data with World Bank GDP figures to generate the Henley Passport Power score. This score indicates the percentage of global GDP that passport holders can access visa-free.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries with the most powerful passports in the world as of 2023, according to the latest Henley Passport Index and Henley Passport Power score.
10. Lithuania and Slovakia
Lithuania and Slovakia share the 10th position on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 183. This means that their citizens can travel to 183 out of 227 global destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
Their passports also grant access to 9.8% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
9. Hungary and Poland
Hungary and Poland are tied for the 9th place on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 184. Passport holders from these countries can travel to 184 destinations without a prior visa.
Their passports also provide access to 10% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
8. Canada, Australia, Greece, and Malta
Canada, Australia, Greece, and Malta hold the 8th position on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 185. Citizens of these countries can enjoy visa-free travel to 185 countries and territories.
Their passports also offer access to 10.4% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
7. Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand
Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand jointly occupy the 7th spot on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 186. Passport holders from these countries can visit 186 destinations without a pre-arranged visa.
Their passports also provide access to 11% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
6. Portugal, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom
Portugal, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom are placed 6th on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 187. Citizens of these countries can travel to 187 countries and regions without a visa.
Their passports also grant access to 11.4% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
5. Sweden, Austria, Denmark, and Netherlands
Sweden, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands share the 5th position on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 188. Passport holders from these countries can access 188 destinations without a prior visa.
Their passports also offer access to 11.9% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
4. Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg
Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg jointly hold the 4th place on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 189. Citizens of these countries can enjoy visa-free travel to 189 countries and territories.
Their passports also provide access to 12.3% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
3. Germany and Spain
Germany and Spain occupy the 3rd place on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 190. Passport holders from these countries can visit 190 destinations without requiring a visa in advance.
Their passports also grant access to 12.8% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
2. Singapore and South Korea
Singapore and South Korea share the 2nd position on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 192. Citizens of these countries can travel to 192 destinations without a pre-arranged visa.
Their passports also offer access to 13.6% of global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
1. Japan
Japan holds the top spot on the Henley Passport Index, with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 193. This means that Japanese citizens can access 193 out of 227 global destinations without requiring a visa.
Their passport also provides access to 14% of the global GDP, according to the Henley Passport Power score.
For the 5th consecutive year, Japan boasts the most powerful passport in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index.
Conclusion
The strength of a passport can vary depending on the political, economic, and diplomatic relations between countries. The Henley Passport Index and Henley Passport Power score serve as valuable tools for comparing and contrasting the mobility and opportunities offered by different passports.
As of 2023, the top 10 countries with the most powerful passports in the world are Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom.
These countries possess passports that enable their holders to travel to a majority of the world without a visa, while also providing access to a significant share of global GDP.
