World’s most powerful passports in 2024

Ever wondered how powerful your passport is? The latest figures are out for 2024, and there’s a whole host of countries tying in the top spot.

The Henley Passport Index, compiled by consultancy firm Henley & Partners, is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). According to this data, the primary deciding factor to how “powerful” a passport is is determined by how many countries are accessible and visa-free for a nation’s citizens.

This year, it’s an unprecedented tie. According to the latest data, the most powerful passports in the world are Japanese, Singaporean, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to an incredible 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free.

South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in a three-way joint second place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, while third place is a tie between Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands with 192 countries accessible.

UK passport holders are in fourth place – 191 destinations offer visa-free access, compared to 188 a year ago. Across the pond, US passport holders have a choice of 188 countries, putting them in seventh place. It has been a decade since the UK and the US jointly held 1st place on the index in 2014.

Trends and comments on this year’s report

Commenting in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2024 Q1, journalist and author Misha Glenny argued only one thing’s for sure – further uncertainty. She commented, “In 2024, 40 countries making up over 50 per cent of global GDP will undergo decisive elections, including the US and several other major powers. Political trends point to a lack of geopolitical coordination, heightening the risk of prospective shocks to an already precarious economic environment. The general trend, however, remains steady. A decline in American and European influence and a jostling for power among the Asian big boys.”