When it comes to international travel, having a powerful passport can make all the difference. The Henley Passport Index recently released its 2023 report, ranking passports based on the number of visa-free destinations they allow. Here are the top 10 countries with the most powerful passports:
Japan: For the fifth time in a row, Japan takes the top spot with its passport allowing visa-free access to 193 of the world’s 227 countries.
Singapore and South Korea: These Asian countries share the second spot, with visa-free access to 192 countries. Their passports are considered some of the most desirable in the world, with high mobility scores and access to top destinations like Brazil, the UK, and the US.
Germany and Spain: Tied at third place, these EU countries offer passport holders visa-free access to 190 countries. Having a German passport also comes with perks like studying, living, and working in one of the world’s most affordable higher education countries.
Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg: These European countries all tie for fourth place, with passports that offer visa-free travel to 189 countries and EU citizenship benefits.
Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden: Ranked joint fifth, these countries offer passport holders visa-free access to 188 countries and EU citizenship rights.
France, Ireland, Portugal, and the UK: The UK may have one of the world’s most powerful passports, but it falls behind the other three EU countries due to Brexit. These passports offer visa-free access to 186 countries, but the UK no longer provides the same EU benefits as the other three.
Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the US: These countries tie at seventh place, with passports allowing visa-free access to 186 countries. The US was named the world’s most powerful passport in 2022 based on investment, quality of life, and mobility indices.
Australia, Canada, Greece, and Malta: These diverse countries all tie for eighth place, with passports offering visa-free access to 185 countries. However, only Greece, Malta, and the Czech Republic provide full EU citizenship rights.
Hungary: Holding ninth place on its own, the Hungarian passport allows visa-free access to 183 countries and comes with full EU citizenship benefits.
Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia: These EU countries tie for the final spot, with passports offering visa-free access to 182 countries and full EU citizenship rights.
Having a powerful passport can open doors to new experiences and opportunities, making it a valuable asset for globe-trotters. So, if you’re planning your next adventure, consider the power of your passport.
