Singapore passport is the world's most powerful: Henley Passport Index
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore now holds the title of the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 192 out of 227 travel destinations worldwide. Japan, which used to be at the top spot for the past five years, has moved to third place. Meanwhile, European countries Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second place.
Singapore surpasses Japan
Japan held the position of the world's strongest passport for the past five years. However, it has now dropped to the third position, as the number of destinations its passport can access without a visa decreased to 189. Per Henley and Partner's report, over the last decade, Singapore worked hard to improve travel freedom for its citizens, acquiring visa-free access to 25 new places.
What are the indicators for a strong passport?
The exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the foundation of the index, which was developed by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley and Partners about 18 years ago. The list that is updated quarterly is based on the number of destinations citizens can access without a prior visa.
European countries are rising up
For the past several years, the index has been dominated by Asian countries. However, European countries are bouncing back now. Currently, sharing the second space is Germany, Italy, and Spain with visa-free access to 190 destinations. Meanwhile, Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, and Sweden have joined Japan and South Korea at third place with access to 189 destinations without needing a prior visa.
Where does India stand on the list?
India has improved its position by five spots from last year and is currently ranked 80th along with Togo and Senegal, with visa-free access to 57 countries. While Indonesia and Thailand grant visas on arrival to bearers of Indian passports, about 177 nations including China, Japan, Russia, the United States, and the European Union, require a visa for Indian citizens.
Countries at the bottom of the list
According to Henley and Partners, the difference in travel freedom between the top and bottom of the ranking is now greater than ever. This time, Afghanistan lies at the bottom at 103rd position with visa-free access to just 27 countries, followed by Iraq (to 29 countries) and Syria (to 30 countries). Pakistan comes in at the 100th position with visa-free access to 33 countries.
