Powerful passports: The six strong nations of 2024
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Singapore and Japan are the six most powerful passport-issuing states in 2024, with 194 visa-free destinations (out of 227 worldwide). Henley & Partners has established its annual Henley Passport Index based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
European countries are making a notable breakthrough, with 4 out of 6 countries topping the ranking. Finland and Sweden come 2nd with 193 destinations accessible without a visa. Austria, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands are 3rd (192 nations). Luxembourg, Belgium, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom are 4th (191 destinations). Greece and Malta are 5th (190 destinations). Therefore, Europe is dominant, and there are narrower gaps between countries than in 2023. Barely 3 non-European countries feature in the top 5: Singapore, Japan (1st), and South Korea (2nd).
Japan thus retains its first place, but in 2023, it was the only country to hold the most powerful passport, with 193 destinations accessible without a visa. Singapore was second with South Korea (192 destinations). European countries remained in a good position. They were in the top 10 countries with the most powerful passports, with 190 to 183 destinations accessible without a visa. Some of them, such as Malta and Greece, rose from the bottom to the middle of the top 10. In 2023, both are tied in the 8th position, with 185 destinations open without visas. Belgium rose from 7th to 4th place.
A widening gap with Southern Hemisphere countries
The gap is widening as far more countries in the northern hemisphere issue powerful passports. This observation was already established in 2023. According to experts, the health and energy crises have only widened the gap between the North and the South. In 2023, no Southern country made it to the top 10, except for New Zealand (7th) and Australia (8th), just like this year. New Zealand and Australia improved their position and reached the 6th place. Several Latin American countries are also well placed: Chile (15th), Argentina (16th), Brazil (17th) and Malaysia (12th).
On the other hand, Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia seem pretty aloof from the visa exemption agreements. Saudi Arabia ranks 61st, with 89 visa-free countries. India comes 80th (62 destinations), Côte d'Ivoire 83rd (59 destinations) and Egypt 87th (55 destinations). Needless to say, the countries affected by wars and/or strong political and economic instability are those issuing the weakest passports; for example, Iran, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Nigeria are 95th, with 45 destinations open without a visa. Yemen is 100th (35 destinations open without a visa). Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan rank 101st, 102nd, 103rd, and 104th, respectively, with 35 to 28 destinations open without a visa.
These differences have a direct impact on international mobility. The end of visa formalities, saving time and money, increased travel, etc., are good for tourism and business. Powerful passports make it easier for people to travel to more countries. They can consider staying there for the duration of their visa exemption to test the waters before actually making the move.
The challenges for visa exemptions in a year of global elections
The world's most powerful passports ranking has a tangible economic impact. Many visa exemptions are agreements with partner states. Therefore, a State with a powerful passport ensures its economic influence with all partner countries. This influence can be observed both at the diplomatic and macroeconomic level (foreign direct investment, establishment of large companies, etc.) and the microeconomic level (movement of individuals, expatriation)
While significant gaps remain between regions of the world, the Henley Passport Index highlights the remarkable breakthroughs of several countries. Between 2014 and 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) moved up 44 spots, the highest increase in 10 years, from 55th in 2014. It ranks just after the top 10 (11th) this year. The UAE remains well ahead of its rival Saudi Arabia and continues to invest to maintain its position as a "stronghold" for foreign nationals. Colombia, Ukraine, Timor-Leste, China, Kosovo, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Peru, and Grenada also recorded strong gains over the past decade, rising between 24 and 13 places.
On the contrary, Venezuela, Nigeria, Yemen, Turkey, Syria, Russia, Senegal, South Africa and Mali recorded the most considerable declines, losing 12 to 21 places. This means fewer visa exemptions for countries marked by a major economic crisis, political unrest, wars or threats of conflict, or a weakened position on the international front.
What should we expect in 2024?
2024 is going to be the year of major elections, with elections planned in more than 60 countries, and more than 3 billion voters are expected at the polls. Uncertainty remains high for experts, who anticipate major consequences, not only for the economies but, above all, for democracy. Because behind powerful passports and weak passports lies a fundamental freedom: the freedom of movement.
