Henley & Partners has updated its ranking of passport indices for freedom of movement and visa-free travel. Find out more about which countries' passports provide citizens with the most freedom to travel in 2024

The World's Strongest Passports ranking identifies countries that guarantee their citizens the greatest freedom of movement. It takes into account how many countries passport holders can visit without a visa or with special permits. Among the leaders of this rating are France, Spain, Singapore, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Henley Passport Index 2024 world passport ranking

The Henley Passport Index is a periodic ranking of the most influential passports in the world, which is updated every few months based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This index is determined by the number of countries that citizens can enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival or electronic travel authorization (ETA).

Henley & Partners, a company specializing in citizenship and residency advice, has been conducting this ranking for 18 years. The countries are evaluated according to their accessibility for entry by citizens of other countries.

The ranking is based on the fact that a country receives a certain number of points for each country that can be entered without a visa or obtained upon arrival. Countries with the most such opportunities have the highest scores in the ranking.

However, points are not awarded if an e-visa is required and must be obtained before departure. Countries that can be entered without a visa or with minimal formalities score the highest in the ranking, with 193-194 points.

Which countries have the strongest passports?

London-based global consulting firm Henley & Partners has published its latest Passport Index, which analyzes global freedom of movement, taking into account citizens' access to visa-free or visa-restricted travel around the world. Let's take a closer look at the countries with the most influential passports in the world.

France 

French passports provide access to 194 countries, allowing citizens to travel without visas or special permits. France has long held the lead in this ranking. In the spring of 2024, France scored 194 points and shares first place with Spain, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Singapore in the world in terms of global freedom of travel.

Spain

Spanish passports offer unique travel opportunities. This country is prestigious and attractive for business, real estate, tourism, education and investment. That is why Spain is consistently leading the ranking, allowing its passport holders to visit 194 countries without the need for a visa.

Singapore

Singapore is actively developing diplomatic relations to ensure a high level of freedom of movement for its citizens. The country has one of the most developed economies and is an important global financial center. Singaporean passport holders can visit 194 countries without visas, making them one of the most mobile in the world.

Germany

Germany, as one of the world's leading economies and a key member of the European Union, is actively strengthening its passport status. This contributes to the development of economic, cultural and diplomatic ties with other countries and confirms the status of the country with one of the strongest passports in the world. German passports allow free travel to 194 countries without the need for a visa.

Italy

Italy, a country with a rich heritage and active global influence, is an important player in the EU and international relations. Italian passports allow travel to 194 countries, opening up many opportunities for communication and cultural exchange. This openness fosters the development of civil society and promotes the rapprochement of Italian culture with other nations. Italy, rich in history and traditions, remains a popular destination for tourists and businessmen. 

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Japan 

Japan is known for its strong economy, advanced technology, and cultural influence, which is confirmed by its high international status. Japan also prides itself on strong diplomatic ties with numerous countries around the world, which contributes to its passport prestige and international presence. With this in context, it is not surprising that Japanese passport holders are able to freely visit 194 countries. This freedom of maneuver allows Japanese citizens to enjoy the world and helps to further strengthen the country's international relations. 

Finland

Finland, with its stable economy and high standard of living, is ranked second with 193 points in the passport power ranking, along with the Netherlands, South Korea and Sweden. Finnish passports allow free travel to 193 countries without visas. This is reflected in the popularity of the Finnish passport and is supported by active international diplomacy and participation in international initiatives. The country's social infrastructure adds to the prestige of its passport, making it desirable for travel and business. 

Sweden

Sweden, a representative of countries with a stable economy and high living standards, is characterized by progressive social standards. Sweden's diplomatic initiatives allow its citizens to travel freely to 193 countries without the need for a visa. This openness is the result of an active foreign policy and promotes deeper international cooperation. Swedish passports are recognized as a symbol of freedom of movement and openness to the world, which emphasizes the importance of the country's diplomatic efforts.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has always been a leader in the ranking of the best passports in the world due to its strong economy, international humanitarian programs and high quality of life. This allows Dutch passport holders to travel freely to 193 countries without visa restrictions. The stability and influence of the Netherlands in international relations contribute to the prestige of their passport. Openness to the world and promotion of international cooperation make the Dutch passport a desirable document for global travelers and businessmen.

South Korea

South Korea's passport is recognized as one of the strongest in the world, opening up wide opportunities for international travel to 193 countries. South Korea continues to strengthen the status of its passport through significant investments in diplomacy, culture, and technology. This passport is a symbol of the country's influence on the international stage and reflects its strong economy and cultural wealth. Thanks to its active foreign policy and innovative development, the South Korean passport remains one of the most desirable for international travelers and businessmen.

The weakest passports in 2024

Meanwhile, the top ten weakest passports in the world include the following countries:

1. Syria - 29 countries;

2. Iraq - 31 countries;

3. Pakistan - 34 countries;

4. Yemen - 35 countries;

5. Somalia - 36 countries;

6. Nepal - 40 countries;

7. Libya - 40 countries;

8. Palestine - 41 countries;

9. North Korea - 42 countries.

The weakest passport in the world is the Afghanistan passport, which provides visa-free access to only 28 countries.

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