Each year, Henley & Partners releases a list of the world’s most powerful passports (The Henley Passport Index). The rankings are based on a passport’s global mobility score (the number of destinations the passport holder can visit without having to obtain a visa) and give insight into the best passports to have worldwide. The list for 2023 has been released, and we are eager to share which passports made the top of the list. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index has been around since 2006 and ranks how powerful each country’s passport is. This ranking is based on a country’s global mobility score (how many destinations the passport holder can visit without obtaining a visa first). So, the more destinations someone can visit using a passport, the more powerful it is considered to be.
Which Country’s Passport is the Most Powerful?
In 2022, Japan topped Singapore and South Korea to claim the world’s most powerful passport title. Japan’s passport had a mobility score of 193, while Singapore’s and South Korea’s passports both had a mobility score of 192. When it comes to the 2023 rankings, Japan and Singapore tied for first for the most powerful passport, with both countries having a global mobility score of 193. This means that Japan and Singapore passport holders can visit 193 different countries without a visa.
How Powerful is the US Passport?
Though the United States passport isn’t the most powerful in the world, it still ranks in the top 10. According to Henley & Partners, In 2022 and 2023, the United States tied for the 7th most powerful passport in the world, but its mobility score increased from 186 in 2022 to 187 in 2023. This year, the US has tied for 7th again. The other countries they tied with in 2023 include Belgium, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
What Are the Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World?
Wondering if your country’s passport made the world’s top 10 most powerful passports? According to The Henley Passport Index, here are the most powerful passports to have in the world based on their global mobility score:
- Japan and Singapore – 193
- South Korea – 192
- Germany and Spain – 191
- Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg – 190
- Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden – 189
- France, Ireland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom – 188
- Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, USA – 187
- Australia, Canada, Greece, Malta – 186
- Hungary and Poland – 185
- Lithuania and Slovakia – 184
How Can I Obtain a Passport For My Upcoming Trip?
If you need a new passport or passport renewal for your upcoming trip, Swift can help! You can get the application process started on our website. If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to contact us. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!