Singapore has once again emerged as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport in 2024, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The powerful index, which ranks all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, revealed that Singapore passport holders can now travel visa-free to 193 destinations across the globe.
Maintaining its position at the top for the second consecutive year, Singapore’s consistent visa-free access reflects the country’s strong international relations and reputation for low-risk travelers. Germany, Italy, and Spain also secured a joint second place, granting their passport holders access to 192 countries without requiring a visa.
The latest update from the Henley & Partners firm highlights a reshuffling among the leading countries. Japan, which held the number one position for five consecutive years until 2023, has now slipped to the third rank. Japanese passport holders can visit 191 destinations visa-free. South Korea shares the third position with Finland and Sweden.
The Henley Passport Index is widely considered an authoritative source for global mobility rankings. It uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), analyzing how many countries a passport holder can enter without needing a visa, or by obtaining a visa on arrival, a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority.
The index also revealed the United States and United Kingdom’s standing, both of which have been declining in recent years. The US passport currently allows visa-free access to 188 countries, placing it in seventh place along with Canada, Greece, and Czechia. Meanwhile, the UK has slightly improved its ranking and now sits in fourth position, with visa-free access to 190 countries.
Among other notable positions, Australia and New Zealand passports offer entry to 189 destinations and are ranked sixth, while countries like Hungary and Poland are close behind. On the other hand, nations such as Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan remain at the bottom of the index, offering their passport holders access to fewer than 35 countries visa-free.
The index is often seen as a reflection of diplomatic relations, geopolitical stability, and economic partnerships. With global travel gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, passport strength has become an increasingly relevant indicator of a country’s standing in the international arena. As countries continue to adjust their visa policies in response to shifting political dynamics and economic priorities, rankings are expected to keep evolving in the coming years.
