Europe continues to set the pace in global travel freedom, placing 30 countries among the world’s most powerful passports. Yet, for the second consecutive year, the top position belongs to Singapore, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
Singapore Holds On To First Place
Singapore once again leads the ranking, with its passport granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations worldwide.
Close behind, Japan and South Korea share second place, offering access to 188 destinations.
The index, now in its 20th year, is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association and measures how many destinations passport holders can enter without securing a visa in advance.
Europe’s Strong Showing In The Top Tiers
Five European countries share third place, each providing access to 186 destinations:
- Spain
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Just below them, with access to 185 destinations, is a large European group including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway.
Overall, Europe accounts for the vast majority of the top 10 positions, reinforcing its long-standing dominance in global mobility.
Passports Still Lagging Behind
Despite Europe’s overall strength, significant disparities remain.
Passport holders from Belarus have visa-free access to only 79 destinations, placing the country 60th globally. Kosovo ranks 59th, with access to 81 destinations, tied with China and Botswana.
That said, Kosovo has recorded notable progress, climbing 38 places since 2016, reflecting gradual gains despite remaining below the global average.
Big Movers Beyond Europe
The most dramatic long-term rise belongs to the United Arab Emirates, now ranked fifth after climbing 57 places over the past two decades. The UAE’s ascent has pushed the United Kingdom down to seventh place.
The United States remains in 10th position, with access to 179 destinations, unchanged from last year but still marking its lowest ranking since the index began.
Mobility As A Measure Of Power
Commenting on the findings, Dr Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said passport strength now plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity and security.
While average global access continues to rise, he noted, the true advantages of mobility are becoming increasingly concentrated among countries with strong economies and political stability, underlining how freedom of movement is fast becoming a marker of global inequality rather than a universal right.
Source: euronews