2024 Henley Passport Index: Unveiling the World’s Most Powerful Passports
The Henley Passport Index, the definitive global ranking of passport power, has revealed its 2024 edition, showcasing some interesting shifts in the landscape of global mobility. For the first time in its 19-year history, the index sees a six-way tie for the top spot, highlighting the passports that offer the most travel freedom.
Leading the Pack: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain now hold the title of the world’s most powerful passports. Citizens of these countries enjoy access to 194 destinations worldwide, either without a visa or with visa-on-arrival options.
This year’s results are particularly notable as Japan and Singapore continue to maintain their strong positions, while several European nations have risen to share the number one spot, a change from previous years.
Close Contenders: The second rank is jointly held by Finland, South Korea, and Sweden, reflecting their substantial global access. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands follow closely, tying for the third position. Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom occupy the fourth rank, showcasing their strong passport power.
Where Does the U.S. Stand? The United States finds itself in the seventh position in the 2024 Henley Passport Index. American passport holders can access 188 countries either without a visa or with a visa upon arrival. This puts the U.S. slightly behind the fifth-place holders (Greece, Malta, and Switzerland) and the sixth-place countries (Australia, Czechia, New Zealand, and Poland).
Remarkable Rise of the UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen a meteoric rise in the passport index, more than any other country in the past decade. Since 2014, the UAE has added 106 visa-free destinations, catapulting it to the 11th place in the 2024 rankings.
Bottom of the List: On the other end of the spectrum, Syria and Afghanistan are at the bottom of the list, ranking 103rd and 104th, respectively. Passport holders from these countries have access to fewer than 30 countries without prior visa arrangements.
The Henley Passport Index, developed from IATA data, compares 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. It serves as a unique tool for understanding travel freedom and the global mobility landscape. The index’s rankings are a reflection of the international travel opportunities afforded to citizens of various countries, influenced by diplomatic relations, geopolitical climate, and various visa agreements.
The 2024 edition of the Henley Passport Index illustrates the ongoing changes in the global hierarchy of passport power. It highlights the increasing mobility and freedom enjoyed by citizens of certain countries, while also underscoring the restrictions faced by others. For travelers and global citizens, these rankings offer insight into the world of international travel and the varying levels of access granted by each passport.