The 2024 Henley Passport Index has been released, indicating which passports provide travelers with the greatest access points. Six countries are tied for first position and are at the top of the list: Singapore, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These lucky nations' nationals have easy access to 194 of the 227 destinations—talk about an open globe!
Following closely are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden, whose passports grant visa-free access to 193 countries. Europe remains a powerhouse for travel freedom, with Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands claiming third place with access to 192 destinations.
The UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal share fourth place with 191 visa-free destinations. Rounding out the top five are Greece, Malta, and Switzerland, while Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Poland tie for sixth.
Where do Pakistan and India stand?
Unfortunately, the news isn't as rosy for South Asian passports. Afghanistan holds the dubious distinction of the world's weakest, granting visa-free access to only 28 countries. Pakistan fares slightly better at fourth from the bottom, with access to 34 destinations. India stands at 80th, offering visa-free travel to 57 countries, while China ranks 62nd with access to 85 countries.
How is the ranking determined?
Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory firm, analyzes the passports of 199 countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access visa-free. Each visa-free destination earns a point, with no points awarded for destinations requiring visas. Previously released quarterly, the ranking is now updated monthly, reflecting the dynamic nature of travel regulations.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports:
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194)
- Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192)
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191)
- Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190)
- Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189)
- Canada, Hungary, USA (188)
- Estonia, Lithuania (187)
- Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186)
- Iceland (185)
Top 10 Weakest Passports:
- Afghanistan (28)
- Syria (29)
- Iraq (31)
- Pakistan (34)
- Yemen (35)
- Somalia (36)
- Libya, Nepal, Palestine (40)
- Bangladesh, North Korea (42)
- Eriteria, Sri Lanka (43)
- Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan (45)
