Consulting company Henley & Partners has compiled a rating of the most powerful passports in different countries. The rating was based on the possibility of holders of certain passports to enter as many countries as possible in a visa-free regime. There is another rating – Nomad Capitalist Passport Index. In the article, we will consider what kind of rating we get if we add up the data obtained by different companies.
Top 10 most powerful passports in the world
Luxembourg. Passport holders of this small country can cross the borders of 177 countries without a visa. Another privilege that is given to holders of Luxembourg passports is the ability to have several citizenships at once.
Japan. Previously, the Japanese passport ranked first in the ranking of the most powerful passports. At that time, the holders of this document could cross the borders of 180 states without visas. This figure then declined, so Japan is in second place in this report.
Ireland. Passport holders of this country can enter 176 countries without a visa. Ireland also allows dual citizenship. And it is also worth noting that this is a country with the happiest people on Earth;
Singapore. It is a small city-state. But it is very well developed in terms of economy. Passport holders of this country can enter 179 countries;
Portugal. This state allows its residents to have citizenship of several countries at once. Also, citizens of Portugal can enter without visas in the territory of 177 countries;
Germany. German citizens can enter the territories of 179 countries without a visa;
Finland. Together with Finland, this position is shared by such countries as Sweden, South Korea, Italy, Spain and France. The passports of these states can cross the borders of 178 states without visas. Sweden, Italy and Spain allow their citizens to have 2 citizenships;
New Zealand. This country is also called the state with the happiest population in the world. Passport holders can visit 173 countries visa-free and have multiple citizenships;
Malta. Citizens of this small country can freely visit the territories of 173 states. In this regard, Malta shares eighth place with New Zealand;
Belgium. Citizens of this European state can cross the borders of 174 countries without a visa. However, Belgium is constantly working to increase this figure.
When compiling such ratings, experts take into account not only the opportunity to visit countries without visas, but also the level of freedom that the state gives to its citizens. Also, such a factor as the possibility of having a second citizenship was not left without attention.