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The most influential passports for 2024 have been disclosed in a fresh list, with six nations making history by tying for the number one position.
The Henley Passport Index evaluates countries’ travel documents by the number of destinations they allow entry to without a visa or with a visa upon arrival.
For five consecutive years, Japan held the top position, but now they have been joined by France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and Spain.
Each of these options provides visa-free access to 194 out of 227 destinations around the world.
Finland, Sweden, and South Korea are tied in second place for visa-free access to 193 destinations, while Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands are tied for third with 192 destinations.
This year, the UK has risen two spots to rank fourth, joining Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, and Portugal with access to 191 countries each.
The top five countries are Greece, Malta, and Switzerland, all providing 190 places for visa-free access.
The United States currently holds the seventh spot on the index, providing its citizens with visa-free entry to 188 destinations. This ranking has remained consistent for ten years, as the US and UK previously tied for first place in 2014.
On the opposite side, Afghanistan has the least influential passport, with only 28 destinations accessible without needing a visa beforehand for travel.
Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen follow it.
The difference in strength between the strongest and weakest passports has increased greatly since the inception of the index.
According to Dr. Christian H Kaelin, the creator of the passport index, the average number of countries that can be visited without a visa has increased significantly from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024.
“Moving into the new year, the highest ranked nations have the opportunity to visit an impressive 166 additional destinations without a visa compared to Afghanistan, which is at the bottom of the list with only 28 countries accessible without a visa.”
The index is compiled using data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
10 most powerful passports 2024
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194)
- Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192)
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- Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190)
- Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189)
- Canada, Hungary, US (188)
- Estonia, Lithuania (187)
- Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186)
- Iceland (185)
10 least powerful passports 2024
- Afghanistan (28)
- Syria (29)
- Iraq (31)
- Pakistan (34)
- Yemen (35)
- Somalia (36)
- Libya, Nepal, Palestinian Territories (40)
- Bangladesh, North Korea (42)
- Eritrea, Sri Lanka (43)
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45 countries: Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan
The source of the information is the independent.co.uk website.