“Breaking Borders: A Look at the World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2023”
In today’s globalized world, the power of a passport can mean the difference between a world of opportunities or a world of limitations. This is why citizenship and residence consultancy firm Henley and Partners has created the Henley Passport Index, which ranks country passports based on the number of destinations that a passport holder can visit without a pre-travel visa application.
According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index, Japan has been named the world’s most powerful passport for the fifth straight year. With a Japanese passport, individuals can travel to 193 out of 227 countries around the world without a pre-approved visa. Singapore and South Korea tied for second place, with a score of 192 on the visa-on-arrival/visa-free scale. Spain and Germany came in third, with access to 190 countries.
On the other hand, Afghanistan holds the title of the weakest passport in the world, with citizens only being able to travel to 27 countries without a pre-approved visa. Pakistan also holds a weak passport, ranking 106th on the list with the ability to travel to 32 nations without a visa.
But it’s not just about travel restrictions, the index also links Passport Index data with World Bank GDP data and in terms of percentage of global GDP access. The US and China have 25% and 19% access respectively, but American passport holders can access a further 43% of the world’s economic output visa-free, bringing their total to 68%, whereas Chinese passport holders can only access an additional 7% visa-free, taking their total access to just 26% of global GDP.
It’s clear that the power of a passport extends far beyond travel, it also opens doors to economic opportunities and global connections. So, whether you’re planning a trip around the world or looking to expand your business, be sure to check out the Henley Passport Index to see where your passport ranks in 2023.