Global citizens with Singaporean nationality retain the most potent travel document in the world.
In the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index, Singapore has once again claimed the title of the world's most powerful passport, granting its holders visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations globally [1]. This index, compiled by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa [2].
Interestingly, Singapore's top spot remains unchallenged despite a slight dip from the 195 destinations it boasted in the January edition of the index. This reduction in visa-free access is due to changes in the visa policies of Pakistan and Mauritania, both of which have shifted from visa-on-arrival to e-visa systems [3]. Unlike visa-on-arrival arrangements, e-visas require travelers to obtain approval before departure and are not counted as visa-free access in the index.
Following closely behind Singapore are Japan and the Republic of Korea, with their passports offering visa-free access to 190 destinations, placing them in second position [1]. Seven European Union countries - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain - share third place, with access to 189 destinations [1]. The United Kingdom, despite a slight drop, now ranks sixth, offering visa-free access to 186 destinations [1].
The United States, on the verge of falling out of the top 10 for the first time in the index's 20-year history, now ranks 10th, granting its citizens visa-free access to 182 destinations [1]. Afghanistan, at the other end of the spectrum, is at the 99th position, with its citizens able to access just 25 destinations without a prior visa [1].
Notably, Iraq is at 97th place, with its citizens able to visit 30 destinations without a visa [1]. Syria, too, finds itself in 98th place, with 27 destinations accessible without a prior visa [1].
These rankings serve as a useful tool for travellers and businesses alike, providing insights into the global mobility opportunities offered by various passports. As travel policies continue to evolve, the Henley Passport Index will undoubtedly remain a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the complexities of international travel.
[1] Henley Passport Index (2023). Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/rankings [2] Henley & Partners (2023). About the Henley Passport Index. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/about [3] BBC News (2023). Singapore passport remains world's most powerful, but with fewer destinations. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56617901
- The latest AI analysis of the Henley Passport Index revealed that Singapore's passport, despite a slight decrease, still offers the most extensive travel opportunities, providing access to 193 destinations worldwide.
- In the realm of sports and lifestyle, the second and third positions are held by Japan and the Republic of Korea, offering visa-free access to 190 destinations, closely trailing Singapore.
- General news reports suggest that the United States, once a beat in the top 10, has now slipped to the 10th spot, granting its citizens visa-free access to 182 destinations globally.
