The world’s most powerful passports for 2024 have been revealed, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) topping the charts for the fourth year in a row. The global ranking indicates the number of countries citizens around the world can enter visa-free. Those living in the UAE have access to more than 90 per cent of the world and are able to visit 133 countries visa-free and 47 by virtue of a visa on arrival.
The rest of the top 20 is dominated by European countries, with 19 of the top 20 most powerful countries located in Europe. Spain overtakes Germany to become the second most powerful passport in the world, while Finland jumps into third place ahead of France, Belgium, and Italy. France’s passport remains the strongest of the G20 nations.
The UK continues to slide down the ranking, dropping 10 places from 22nd to 32nd in 2024. UK passport holders are able to visit 125 countries visa-free and 49 by virtue of a visa on arrival. The USA also sees its passport fall further in the index, falling from 27th to 38th. U.S citizens can visit 123 countries without a visa and 50 by virtue of a visa on arrival.
Arton Capital, which produced the ranking, says in a statement: ‘With the new Trump administration incoming, it remains to be seen what steps the U.S will take to stop the downgrade of its once-great passport. Currently the weakest passport in the G7 group of nations, Trump’s incoming administration has all the motivations to make the U.S passport great again.’
However, the American passport remains more powerful than its ‘greatest competitor’, China, whose passport ranks at 110 in the power index.
MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS
1. UAE (most powerful)
2. Spain
3. Finland
4. France
5. Germany
6. Belgium
7. Italy
8. Denmark
9. Netherlands
10. Luxembourg
11. Austria
12. Portugal
13. Norway
14. Switzerland
15. Greece
16. Ireland
17. Sweden
18. Poland
19. Hungary
20. Czech Republic
South Korea’s passport is the strongest in Asia, despite falling from 17th to 21st, compared to last year’s ranking. Japan (25th) and Singapore (30th) are the next most powerful Asian passports.
Further west in central Asia, Kazakhstan (114th) and Uzbekistan (140th) each climb this year’s ranking, in a trend continued from previous years.
In the Middle East, conflict continues to negatively impact the mobility scores of the countries in the region, remarked Arton Capital, with governments tightening travel restrictions and visa issuances.
Earlier this year, the statement points out, Schengen nations warned citizens against travelling to and from Israel and Palestine, while Israel temporarily stopped issuing visas to humanitarian workers.’
Hrant Boghossian, co-founder of the ranking, says: ‘The World Openness Score remained flat this year – the post-Covid recovery jump we noticed in the past few years is truly over.
‘Unsurprisingly, European passports are overwhelmingly the best ranked, ahead of larger economies like the United States and China. Nearly all countries in the Balkans experienced growth in their mobility this year, a positive trend in the region we hope will continue.
‘Geopolitical factors including elections and conflicts continue to influence global mobility. Despite this, we are still seeing countries collaborate and governments recognise the opportunities that visa-free agreements represent.’
HOW DOES THE PASSPORT RANKING WORK?
‘When countries possess equal scores, countries are ranked from then on in order of their Human Development Index (HDI) data that is set by the United Nations Development Programme. The HDI is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Countries with higher HDI scores tend to have stronger passports, offering more visa-free access due to better living standards and a stronger international reputation.’ Arton Capital
Conclusion
The ranking highlights the importance of visa-free travel in today’s globalised world. As countries continue to navigate the complexities of global mobility, it is clear that the power of a passport can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to travel and engage with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Global Passport Power Index?
A: The Global Passport Power Index is an annual ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, based on the number of countries citizens can visit visa-free.
Q: Who produces the ranking?
A: The ranking is produced by Arton Capital, a global citizenship and residency advisory firm.
Q: How is the ranking calculated?
A: The ranking is calculated based on the number of countries citizens can visit visa-free, as well as the Human Development Index (HDI) of each country.
Q: What is the significance of the ranking?
A: The ranking highlights the importance of visa-free travel in today’s globalised world and provides a snapshot of the global mobility landscape.
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