“Unprecedented Six Nations Share Top Spot with Access to 194 Destinations”
In the latest unveiling of global passport supremacy for 2024, a groundbreaking moment emerges as six nations converge at the zenith of the rankings, boasting the most potent travel documents.
Traditionally dominated by Japan for five consecutive years, the top echelon now welcomes France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and Spain into the fold, collectively unlocking the gateway to 194 destinations out of a total of 227, all without the encumbrance of visas.
A harmonious second tier finds South Korea partnering with Finland and Sweden, affording their passport holders visa-free exploration of 193 destinations. Meanwhile, a quartet of European nations gracefully shares the third pedestal at 192 destinations, comprising Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Notable strides are observed as the United Kingdom ascends two ranks this year, clasping the fourth position alongside Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal. This esteemed group grants access to 191 nations each, accentuating the global reach of their passports.
The illustrious top five is rounded out by Greece, Malta, and Switzerland, extending their passport prowess to 190 destinations, beckoning travelers with a visa-free embrace.
Across the Atlantic, the United States maintains its steadfast position at seventh, facilitating visa-free entry to 188 destinations. A decade has passed since the UK and the US jointly dominated the index in 2014, symbolizing the evolving dynamics of global mobility.
Conversely, at the far end of the spectrum, Afghanistan presents the least influential passport, offering passage to a mere 28 destinations without the prerequisite of a visa. The following positions are occupied by Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen, underscoring the substantial disparity in passport strength.
The chasm between the zenith and nadir of passport prowess has significantly widened since the inception of the index. Dr. Christian H Kaelin, the visionary behind the passport index concept, reflects on this evolution, noting that the average number of visa-free destinations has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to an impressive 111 in 2024.
As the new year unfolds, the elite nations atop the ranking revel in the ability to traverse a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, a poignant testament to the evolving landscape of global travel. The Henley Passport Index, meticulously crafted with official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), serves as the compass guiding wanderlust in the era of expanding horizons.
Most powerful passports 2024
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194)
- Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192)
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, UK (191)
- Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190)
- Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189)
- Canada, Hungary, US (188)
- Estonia, Lithuania (187)
- Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186)
- Iceland (185)
