World's most powerful passport rankings [2024]

Discover the world's most popular passports as per the Henley Passport Index 2024. Find out global passport rankings in 2024

By Forbes India

Published: Mar 13, 2024 07:00:58 AM IST

Updated: Apr 4, 2024 05:50:05 PM IST

In international travel, the power of a passport is not to be underestimated. After all, it almost single-handedly determines the ease with which its holder can cross borders and explore new horizons. The Henley Passport Index is a worldwide list that ranks countries based on their citizens' travel freedom. It offers a detailed summary of the world’s most powerful passports! The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of countries that their holders can visit without the need for a visa before arrival. The ranking is determined by data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), which maintains the most extensive and precise database of travel information worldwide.

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The Methodology Behind Passport Ranking

The passport ranking in the Henley Passport Index is based on a comprehensive methodology that considers several factors. These include the number of countries a passport holder can access without a visa, the country's diplomatic relations, and its international agreements.

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The Role of International Relations in Passport Power

International relations play a significant role in determining the power of a passport. Countries with strong diplomatic ties and positive international relations often have powerful passports that offer their citizens extensive visa-free access to other countries.

World’s Most Powerful Passports: Passport Rankings 2024

The power of a passport can significantly impact an individual's life, making the Henley Passport Index a valuable resource for understanding global mobility.

The most powerful passports of 2024 include those from countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, offering extensive visa-free or visa on arrival travel and seamless global mobility.

The world’s most powerful passports, according to the Henley Passport Index 2024 (as of March 13, 2024), are as follows:

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Passport	Rank in 2024	Access (visa-free & visa on arrival)
France	1	194
Germany	1	194
Italy	1	194
Japan	1	194
Singapore	1	194
Spain	1	194
Finland	2	193
Netherlands	2	193
South Korea	2	193
Sweden	2	193
Austria	3	192
Denmark	3	192
Ireland	3	192
Luxembourg	3	192
United Kingdom	3	192
Belgium	4	191
Norway	4	191
Portugal	4	191
Australia	5	190
Greece	5	190
Malta	5	190
New Zealand	5	190
Switzerland	5	190
Canada	6	189
Czechia	6	189
Poland	6	189
United States	6	189
Hungary	7	188
Lithuania	7	188
Estonia	8	187
Latvia	9	186
Slovakia	9	186
Slovenia	9	186
Iceland	10	185

India Rank in Passport Index

Coming to the India passport ranking as per the Henley Passport Index 2024, India is ranked at the 82nd position, with access to 62 countries.

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India's passport ranking in the global passport rankings 2024 reflects our global standing and the citizens' ease of access regarding international travel.

World’s Least Powerful Passports in 2024

While some passports open doors to numerous countries, others offer limited travel freedom. The least powerful passports in the Henley Passport Index 2024 have the least travel freedom. Holders of these passports have to go through the process of obtaining a visa before travelling to most countries.

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The least powerful passports in the world are as follows:

Passport	Rank in 2024	Access
India	82nd	62
Gabon	83rd	61
Sao Tome and Principe	83rd	61
Tajikistan	83rd	61
Burkina Faso	84th	60
Madagascar	84th	60
Cote d'Ivoire	85th	59
Guinea	85th	59
Mauritania	85th	59
Togo	85th	59
Equatorial Guinea	86th	58
Senegal	86th	58
Niger	87th	57
Algeria	88th	56
Cambodia	88th	56
Guinea-Bissau	88th	56
Jordan	88th	56
Mali	88th	56
Bhutan	89th	55
Central African Republic	89th	55
Chad	89th	55
Comoro Islands	89th	55
Egypt	89th	55
Haiti	89th	55
Vietnam	90th	54
Angola	91st	53
Cameroon	91st	53
Congo (Rep.)	92nd	52
Turkmenistan	92nd	52
Burundi	93rd	51
Laos	93rd	51
Liberia	93rd	51
Djibouti	94th	50
Myanmar	95th	48
Congo (Dem. Rep.)	96th	47
Ethiopia	96th	47
South Sudan	97th	46
Iran	98th	45
Lebanon	98th	45
Nigeria	98th	45
Sudan	98th	45
Sri Lanka	99th	44
Eritrea	100th	43
Bangladesh	101st	42
North Korea	101st	42
Palestinian Territory	102nd	41
Libya	103rd	40
Nepal	103rd	40
Somalia	104th	36
Yemen	105th	35
Pakistan	106th	34
Iraq	107th	31
Syria	108th	29
Afganisthan	109th	28

Challenges and Implications for Holders of the Least Powerful Passports

Holders of the least potent passports face several challenges, including limited travel opportunities and the need for extensive visa applications. These challenges can significantly impact an individual's life, making the power of a passport a critical factor in global mobility.

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The Power of Asian Passport

Asian countries have dominated the Henley Passport Index for several years now. Countries like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea consistently rank in the top spots among the world’s most powerful passports, offering their citizens visa-free access to many countries. This is a testament to the diplomatic relations these countries have established and maintained with countries worldwide.

Notability, the power of a passport is not only a reflection of the identity and nationality of its holder but also a tool that can provide access to global opportunities, freedom of movement, and an enhanced quality of life.

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FAQs

1. Is a US passport strong?

Yes, a US passport is considered vital. It offers visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries as per Henley Passport Index 2024. The exact ranking of the US passport can vary from year to year. Still, it consistently ranks within the top 20 of the powerful passport rankings.

2. Has the US passport lost value?

In the last decade, the US has lost ground in the global passport rankings, and in 2023 it has lost two more spots as compared to 2022. According to global passport rankings 2024, the US now sits at the 8th spot with visa-free access to 187 destinations.

3. How strong is the India passport ranking?

The Henley Passport Index 2024 ranks Indian passport at 83, with visa-free access to just 58 countries. The India passport ranking is admittedly weak compared to the world’s most powerful passports ranked within the top 5. However, the consistently improving global relations may take our nation to stronger passport rankings with every passing year.