Perhaps we have not stopped to think how many countries we can visit without having to apply for a visa. This may go unnoticed by the casual tourist, but for many millionaire entrepreneurs with global businesses it can be a metric of financial security.
Global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners compiles the Henley Passport Index, a ranking of the world's most powerful passports. This selection specifies the number of countries you can travel to around the world with your passport without the need for a visa.
With historical data from the last 17 years, this index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). Includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations. Updated quarterly, it is considered the standard reference tool for all world citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport falls on the global mobility spectrum.
To set your score, if a visa is not required, a score equal to 1 is created for that passport. The same applies if you can obtain one on arrival, a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authorization (ETA) upon entering your destination. However, when a visa is required or if the passport holder must obtain a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to departure, a score equal to 0 is assigned. This also applies if approval is required. from the government before departure for a visa on arrival.
The first position in the ranking is shared by Japan and Singapore, whose passport holders are allowed entry to 192 destinations without the need to obtain a visa before starting the trip. In second place in the ranking are Germany and South Korea, whose inhabitants can access 190 countries without requiring a visa.
Spain is in third place, shared with Finland, Italy and Luxembourg. Their passports allow access to 189 countries without the need for a prior visa.
In the following gallery of images we show you the countries whose passports occupy the first eight positions among the most powerful on the planet.
8. Hungary and Poland
Having a Hungarian or Polish passport guarantees you entry to 183 countries.
7. Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece and Malta
Having a passport from one of these countries can take you to 185 countries without a visa.
6. Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States
If you have a passport from one of these six countries, you can enter 186 countries without a visa.
5. Ireland and Portugal
Irish and Portuguese can enter 187 countries without having to apply for a visa.
4. Austria, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Sweden
These five countries have a passport that allows entry to 188 countries.
3. Spain, Finland, Italy and Luxembourg
The Spanish passport, along with those of Finland, Italy and Luxembourg, is the third most powerful in the world. Allows access to 189 countries
2. Germany and South Korea
Having a German or South Korean passport guarantees you entry to 190 countries without a visa.
1. Japan and Singapore
The Japanese and Singaporeans hold the world's most powerful passport, allowing entry to 192 countries.
