Henley & Partners has published a new ranking based on the passport mobility index, i.e. the ability of citizens to travel without visas. In 2024, Singapore was named the leader. Find out more about the countries that took the lead in the Henley & Partners ranking

Henley & Partners annually publishes the Passport Index study, which assesses visa-free travel opportunities for holders of various passports. Since 2006, the company has been analyzing data from the International Air Transport Association to determine which passports provide the greatest freedom of movement. 

In 2022, Japan and Singapore topped the ranking, allowing their citizens visa-free entry to 192 countries. The following year, Japan took the top spot with access to 193 countries, while Singapore and South Korea tied for second place with 192 countries.

In 2024, Singapore returned to the top spot with visa-free travel to 195 countries, making its passport the most powerful in the world in terms of mobility. This allows Singapore citizens to be the most privileged travelers. Singapore is followed by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, each of which provides access to 192 countries without visas.

How does Henley & Partners develop the passport index?

The global consulting firm Henley & Partners uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to create a passport ranking of 199 countries. The index, which has been in existence for 19 years and is updated quarterly, scores passports by the number of visa-free destinations.

Countries receive one point for each destination that their citizens can visit without a visa, either for a visa on arrival, a residence permit, or an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Destinations that require a visa or a government-approved e-visa prior to departure are not counted.

According to Dr. Christian H. Kelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, the global average number of visa-free countries has almost doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the gap in global mobility between countries at the top and bottom of the index is widening. For example, citizens of Singapore, which tops the ranking, have access to 195 visa-free destinations, while citizens of Afghanistan can visit only 26 countries without visas.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

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The most powerful passports in the world according to Henley & Partners

Singapore has once again become the leader in the passport ranking, providing its citizens with visa-free access to 195 destinations around the world. The European countries of France, Germany, Italy and Spain, along with Japan, took second place, providing visa-free access to 192 countries. The third place is occupied by a group of seven countries, including Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea and Sweden, each with access to 191 destinations.

The United Kingdom, along with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, ranks fourth with access to 190 visa-free destinations. This decline in the ranking, along with the United States, which now holds the eighth position, is significant, as ten years ago both countries shared the top spot.

For the first time, the United Arab Emirates entered the top 10, adding 152 destinations since the index was launched in 2006 and reaching 185 visa-free destinations. Dr. Jürg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, attributes the UAE's success to the government's focused efforts to transform the country into a global center for business, tourism and investment.

Which countries have the least influential passports?

Afghanistan remains in last place in the ranking, having lost access to another destination in the last six months. Currently, citizens of the Taliban-ruled country have visa-free access to only 26 countries, the lowest number in the history of the Henley Index.

Venezuela also suffered a significant drop in the ranking, falling from 25th to 42nd place over the past decade. The South American country is experiencing an economic and political crisis caused by falling oil prices and chronic corruption. It is hoped that the presidential election on July 28 can change the situation.

Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, and Bangladesh also downgraded their positions in the ranking. At the same time, China and Ukraine are among the top 10 countries that have significantly improved their positions in the index over the past decade.

We remind you! Malta is a small country in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea that has become one of the most desirable countries to live in thanks to its investment citizenship program. Read more about the reasons why the Maltese passport is unique.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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