Guess what? The world’s most powerful passport 2024 index ranking just got a major shakeup!
For the first time, six countries are tied for the number one spot in the Henley Passport Index 2024.
Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain can now access a staggering 194 destinations visa-free or on arrival – the highest number ever recorded in the index’s 19-year history.
Table of Contents
Asia’s Reign Ends, Europe Rises to the Top
While Asian powerhouses Japan and Singapore held the No.1 spot for five years running, 2024 sees a triumphant resurgence for Europe. Finland and Sweden join South Korea in a close second place with access to 193 destinations, while Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands come in third with 192.
Beyond the Top Tier
Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the UK share fourth place, followed by Greece, Malta, and Switzerland in fifth.
Australia, New Zealand, Czechia, and Poland climb the ranks to occupy sixth place, while the US and Canada find themselves tied with Hungary in seventh, offering visa-free access to 188 destinations.
The Biggest Climber and a Widening Gap
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the index’s biggest climber over the past decade, adding a remarkable 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, securing it an impressive eleventh position this year.
However, the good news isn’t evenly distributed. Christian H. Kaelin, creator of the index, highlights a concerning trend: the global mobility gap between top and bottom performers is wider than ever. While the average traveler enjoys visa-free access to nearly double the destinations compared to 2006 (111 vs. 58), the top countries can visit a staggering 166 more visa-free destinations than Afghanistan, which languishes at the bottom with access to just 28 countries.
Index for the World’s Most Powerful Passport 2024
Henley & Partner’s index isn’t the only game in town. Arton Capital’s Passport Index also tracks global travel freedom, covering 193 UN member countries and six territories. It places the UAE at the top with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 180, followed by a five-way tie for second between Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The world’s most powerful passports for 2024
- Italy, Japan, France, Singapore, Spain, Germany (194 destinations)
- South Korea, Sweden, Finland (193 destinations)
- Denmark, Austria, Ireland, Netherlands (192 destinations)
- Portugal, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg (193 destinations)
- Malta, Switzerland, Greece (190 destinations)
- New Zealand, Czech Republic, Poland (189 destinations)
- Hungary, United States, Canada (188 destinations)
- Lithuania, Estonia (187 destinations)
- Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia (186 destinations)
- Iceland (185 destinations)
Conclusion
Different indexes use varying methodologies and data sources, leading to slight discrepancies in rankings. Nonetheless, they all paint a clear picture of a world with increasing travel freedom, albeit with persistent inequalities.
So, which passport reigns supreme? 2024 offers a unique answer: six countries share the crown, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of global mobility.
Want to learn more about the world’s most powerful passport 2024 full list? Read Here
