Singapore has once again ascended to the pinnacle of global passport power, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released today. The city-state reclaimed its title as the world’s most powerful passport, boasting visa-free access to 195 destinations out of 227 worldwide. This new record score reaffirms Singapore’s exceptional mobility for its citizens.
Previously, Singapore shared the top spot with six other countries. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain now join in second place with access to 192 destinations each, while Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden follow closely in third place with 191 destinations visa-free.
Check how powerful your passport is here.
In contrast, the United Kingdom, along with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, retains fourth place despite a slight dip to 190 visa-free destinations. The United States continues its descent on the index, now standing at 8th place with access to 186 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the widening gap between the most and least powerful passports globally. Singapore leads with a remarkable 169 destinations more than Afghanistan, which holds the index’s lowest score at just 26 destinations.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, emphasized the broader trend toward increased global travel freedom over the past two decades. He noted that while the average number of visa-free destinations has nearly doubled since 2006, disparities in mobility have also grown significantly.
In addition to Singapore’s dominance, the report highlighted significant shifts in global mobility patterns. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) entered the top 10 for the first time, marking a rapid ascent driven by strategic initiatives to boost tourism and business. Meanwhile, China and Ukraine saw substantial improvements in their rankings over the past decade, reflecting broader geopolitical and economic dynamics.
However, not all countries experienced positive trends. Venezuela witnessed a notable decline, facing economic and political challenges that have impacted its passport strength. Similarly, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, and Bangladesh were among the biggest fallers, illustrating varied impacts of global mobility policies on different regions.
The report also delved into visa rejection rates, particularly focusing on African applicants for Schengen visas. Prof. Mehari Taddele Maru’s research highlighted disparities in visa approval rates, with African countries facing significantly higher rejection rates compared to global averages. This disparity underscores ongoing challenges in achieving equitable access to global mobility.
Looking ahead, the Henley Passport Index underscores the interconnectedness between visa policies, economic prosperity, and geopolitical relations. As global travel dynamics evolve, stakeholders continue to navigate complexities in visa regulations and mobility rights, shaping future mobility landscapes.
The July 2024 edition of the Henley Global Mobility Report provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of global travel and its impact on economic and social dimensions worldwide.
