The 13 Most Powerful Passports in the World
All passports are not created equal. Some offer access to more countries than others in addition to different hassle levels and checks when crossing borders. In determining the most potent passport, the primary consideration is the number of countries one can easily access, and on that basis, here are 13 of the most powerful passports in the world.
Singapore
Singapore has for quite a while featured in the top passports list, even sharing the number one spot with Germany last year. Recently, Paraguay did away with visa requirements for Singapore nationals which propelled the country’s passport to the top position with access to 157 countries. Singapore is also among the wealthiest nations in the world.
Germany
Germany comes second place with a visa that actuates access to 158 countries. Thus, it is the European country with the most potent passport. With a population of over 81 million – the highest in the European Union – more Germans are likely to be travelling at any particular moment compared to only Japan which has the biggest population in this list.
Sweden
Sweden is another perpetual in the most powerful passports list. At some point, it held the number one position and with a Swedish passport offering access to 158 countries, the difference in passport power between the top three nations is negligible. Judged on the factor of price, a Swedish passport is also among the cheapest.
South Korea
South Korea shows how far Asian countries have come regarding having recognition on the world stage. The country’s visa avails visa-free travel to 157 countries, just like Sweden. Considering South Korea’s long history of conflict, its positions both in passport power and economic power (12th worldwide) become all the more impressive.
Denmark
Denmark, at fifth, spotlights a pattern in European Union member states holding several of the top spots in passport power. The passport grants access to 156 countries, and it is also reasonably easy to obtain. Thus far in this list, Denmark has the second smallest population, at 5.6 million with only Singapore having a smaller population at 5.5 million.
Finland
The third Scandinavian country’s passport on the list gives access to 156 countries. Finland has an almost equally sized population to Sweden at 5.4 million. The country is facing the challenge of an aging population, along with several other Scandinavian countries, which has led to the loosening of immigration rules. This has led to reciprocation by other nations which partly explains why all Scandinavian nations feature in this list.
Italy
Italy is a tourist hotspot managing to attract over 40 million tourists annually courtesy of its rich culture and excellent cuisine. The country’s demand as a tourist destination has most likely prompted other nations to remove visa limitations for Italian nationals to improve relations. An Italian passport provides easy access to 156 countries.
France
A French passport offers access to 156 nations. As with Italy, France’s popularity as a tourist destination in addition to being a world influencer in many respects – including economics, science and particularly culture; has helped drive the institution of visa-free travel for French nationals by many other countries.
Spain
At ninth, Spain solidifies the status of EU states as the highest ranking in passport power. A Spanish passport guarantees admittance to 156 countries. Tourism and Spain’s enviable position on the world stage, likewise to the two preceding nations, have empowered the nation to get better visa arrangements.
Norway
Norway completes the Scandinavian coup on the top ten most powerful passports in this list. In possession of a Norwegian passport, one can travel visa-free to 156 countries. Globally, Norway scores highly for better life quality, and neutrality.
Japan
With a population of over 126 million, Japan is the most populous country in this list. It is also among the world’s most technologically advanced and literate countries with its economy ranking third on the global map. The country’s position on the world map is also reflected in the Japanese passport which provides hassle-free travel to 156 countries.
The United Kingdom
U. Ks influence globally is considerable politically, culturally, economically and scientifically. It has played a role in almost all the notable humanity achievements including motoring, banking, manufacturing, aerospace, seafaring, among others. The nation’s passport provides access to 156 countries even though many are apprehensive that the power may dip following the departure from the European Union.
Switzerland
Switzerland is world renowned for precision equipment, but many do not know that is also among the wealthiest countries in the world based on GDP per capita. Officially recognized as the Swiss Federation, a Swiss passport offers access to 155 countries. It has a high quality of life, and it features in the top 5 of many “best countries in the world” lists.
The most obvious absentee from this list is the USA. Previously, the U.S was a mainstay but Trumps stiffer immigration rules have soured foreign ties leading to negative reciprocation by other countries in an expression of discontent. Other states with powerful passports include Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, and Portugal.