Passports issued by the European Union’s top four economies now provide greater levels of visa-free travel than passports issued by any other countries worldwide, apart from Singapore and Japan, according to a recent analysis by British consulting firm Henley & Partners.
Rise of European Union Passports
Visa-free travel agreements negotiated between the E.U. countries and major global players, including China, have strengthened the power of passports issued by the bloc’s four largest economies – Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. This shift has caused these four passports to rise in the Global Passport Ranking in recent years.
Top Global Ranking in Visa-Free Travel
The travel documents issued by the top E.U. economies currently sit at the pinnacle of global rankings, alongside those issued by Japan and Singapore. These passports offer visa-free travel to an impressive 194 out of 227 countries worldwide.
U.K. and U.S. Passport Rankings
Passports issued by the U.K. were ranked fourth globally, providing visa-free travel to 191 countries. U.S. passports were listed in seventh place, allowing unrestricted travel to 188 countries around the globe.
Expanded Travel Opportunities
In comparison to the U.K. passport, travel documents issued by France, Germany, Spain, and Italy enable citizens to explore countries such as China, Iran, and Ethiopia without the need for a visa.
Germany’s passport offers even more extensive travel privileges, including visa-free entry to nations like Belarus, Brazil, China, Iran, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Similarly, Japan’s passport allows visa-free travel to countries such as Azerbaijan, India, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, while U.S. passport holders are required to obtain visas for these destinations.
Shifts in Passport Power
The 2024 rankings highlight a significant decline in the power of U.S. and U.K. passports over the past decade. Previously holding the top positions in joint ranking in 2014, both countries have experienced a decrease in their passport strength due to factors such as Brexit and stricter immigration policies in the U.S.
The Changing Landscape of Passport Power
The global landscape of passport power is undergoing significant shifts, with several key trends emerging. As we look ahead to upcoming elections in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is clear that immigration will remain a hotly debated topic. Concurrently, Asian countries are making concerted efforts to expand visa-free travel opportunities.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen a remarkable increase in the strength of its passport. In just a decade, it has leaped an astonishing 44 places in the global rankings, catapulting from 55th place in 2014 to an impressive 11th place in 2024. This surge in passport power has solidified the UAE as one of the leading countries in terms of global mobility.
Similarly, South Korea has experienced a rise in its passport ranking, moving from third place in 2023 to second place in 2024. Alongside Finland and Sweden, South Korea now offers visa-free travel access to an impressive 193 countries.
China has also witnessed a boost in passport power over recent years. Currently occupying the 62nd place, China now grants unrestricted travel to 85 countries, a significant increase from just 44 destinations a decade ago. This upward trajectory highlights China’s growing influence and its commitment to expanding international mobility.
According to journalist Misha Glenny, the global political landscape is poised for further transformation in 2024. More than half of the world’s GDP will be represented by the 40 countries set to hold decisive elections, including major powers like the United States. This shift in power dynamics is indicative of a broader trend characterized by a decline in American and European influence and a rise in influence among Asian nations.
On the other end of the spectrum, the weakest passports in the world belong to Afghanistan. Sitting at the bottom of the global rankings, Afghanistan offers visa-free travel access to a mere 28 countries. In comparison, countries like Syria and Iraq have slightly broader travel opportunities, with 29 and 31 visa-free destinations respectively.
As we navigate this ever-changing landscape of passport power, it is clear that the geopolitical influence of nations is in constant flux. With elections on the horizon and Asia asserting its prominence, the future promises to bring further shifts in global mobility.