In a groundbreaking shift in the quarterly ranking of global passports, six countries have emerged as frontrunners for the coveted title of the world’s most powerful passports in 2024.
Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain are now enjoying unparalleled travel freedom, with access to an astonishing 194 destinations globally. This marks a historic milestone, the highest number recorded in the 19-year history of the Henley Passport Index – a prestigious ranking curated by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, utilizing exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Europe Ascends: For the past five years, Japan and Singapore dominated the top spot, but the current lineup reflects a triumphant rise for Europe. Finland and Sweden, alongside South Korea, claim the second position with seamless entry to 193 destinations. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands follow closely in third place, boasting access to 192 destinations.
Expanding Horizons: Australia and New Zealand have significantly improved their rankings, now securing the sixth position alongside Czechia and Poland. The United States and Canada share the seventh spot, tied with Hungary, offering visa-free access to 188 destinations.
Noteworthy Shifts: The United Arab Emirates stands out as the most remarkable climber over the past decade, securing the 11th position this year by adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014.
Global Mobility Gap: While the overall trend over the past two decades has favored increased travel freedom, there’s a widening global mobility gap between the top and bottom of the index. Christian H. Kaelin, Chair of Henley & Partners, highlights that top-ranked countries can now travel to 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, situated at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa.
Arton Capital’s Perspective: Arton Capital’s Passport Index, another influential ranking, places the United Arab Emirates at the top spot with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 180. In second place are five European countries: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The Rise of Albania: Arton Capital’s 2023 roundup noted Albania as a rising star, experiencing significant global mobility gains. Demand for its industrious citizens has surged, with governments actively facilitating easier living and working arrangements for Albanians in their countries.
The world’s most powerful passports for 2024
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194 destinations)
- Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193 destinations)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192 destinations)
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191 destinations)
- Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190 destinations)
- Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189 destinations)
- Canada, Hungary, United States (188 destinations)
- Estonia, Lithuania (187 destinations)
- Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186 destinations)
- Iceland (185 destinations)
Conclusion: As the world navigates evolving geopolitical landscapes, the ranking of powerful passports reflects not just travel privileges but also the changing dynamics of global citizenship. The 2024 Passport Index underscores the ongoing pursuit of open borders, fostering greater connectivity and opportunities for citizens worldwide.
