Maybe you don’t realize it, but you may own the most potent passport in the world. View the 2023 ranking of the best passports from across the globe. According to this ranking, India is the 85th best country in the world. An Indian passport holder does not need a visa to enter 59 countries.
List of the 11 Most Powerful Passports in the World:
1. United Arab Emirates
According to the Henley Passport Index for 2023, a passport from the United Arab Emirates remains among the top 15. The index ranks passports based on the number of countries they may enter visa-free. New information shows that citizens of the United Arab Emirates may enter 178 of 228 countries without a visa or with a visa obtained upon arrival.
From being ranked as the 62nd most powerful passport in the world in 2006 to the 21st most powerful passport in 2018 and then to the 15th most powerful passport in 2022, this country’s passport has made a significant historical leap in ranks.
2. Germany
Germany fell to third position in the company’s rankings in 2023, tied with Spain for the weakest passport in the world. This was down from second place in January 2022. Only Japan, Singapore, and South Korea were more advanced than the nation. Singapore and South Korea tied for second place, allowing residents to visit 192 countries without a visa. Japanese citizens may visit 193 countries without a visa.
In conjunction with the ranking, the German government has released a draught of its citizenship reform, new legislation that would significantly alter the demographics of those eligible to seek German citizenship. When the legislation takes effect, which might happen as soon as the summer of 2023, the migrant population of Germany will be entitled to maintain dual citizenship with their native country. The passports of the top four countries sending the most people to Germany, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Turkey, were dispersed across the list, appearing at positions 17, 9, 18, and 52.
3. Luxembourg
About the Guide Passport Ranking Index, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s passport is now in fourth position. It allows you to visit 190 different countries without a visa. Thus, its high mobility score makes it one of the most sought-after passports in the world. Traveling to countries like Brazil, Japan, the UK, Taiwan, the UAE, the US, and the rest of the European Union is a breeze for those with a valid Luxembourg passport, thanks to visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies. On the other hand, citizens of Luxembourg need visas to access roughly 39 countries, including China, India, and Russia.
To determine where the Luxembourg passport stands in comparison to others around the world, we add up the number of countries that grant entry to Luxembourg passport holders without a visa (visa-free countries) and the number of countries that grant entry after obtaining a visa at the airport (visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization before departure (visa-on-arrival countries) (eTA). Currently, 144 countries accept Luxembourg passports without requiring a visa, while another 33 accept visas on arrival. Additionally, 13 countries accept Luxembourg passports and provide eTA services.
To sum it up, 190 countries will accept Luxembourg passport holders with or without a visa, visa on arrival, or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Thus, the Luxembourg passport is now ranked #4 globally.
4. Italy
For various reasons, Italian passports are among the most desirable in Europe and beyond. An Italian passport, if the applicant meets all conditions, is easy to get and allows visa-free travel across the European Union. See below for a rundown of the Italian passport, complete with photos showing its many features and final form.
5. Poland
Based on the latest data from the Guide Passport Ranking Index, Poland’s passport holds the eighth spot. This passport allows you to visit 186 countries without a visa. It is one of the world’s top-rated passports due to its excellent mobility score.
Visa-free travel and visas on arrival are available to polish citizens from several countries, including the UK, the UAE, Japan, and the rest of the European Union. This opens up very instantaneous travel possibilities all across the globe. However, there are roughly 43 countries worldwide that need Polish passport holders to get a visa to visit. China, India, and Australia are just a few examples of nations that need visas.
6. Czech Republic
According to the latest Guide Passport Ranking Index, the Czech Republic’s passport holds the 10th spot. It’s valid in 184 countries without the need for a visa. Because of its high mobility rating, this passport is among the most sought-after in the world.
Travel to countries like Brazil, Japan, the UK, the UAE, the US, and the rest of the European Union is almost immediate for those with Czech passports, thanks to visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies. However, there are around 45 countries where visas are required to access for anyone holding a Czech passport.
7. Malta
When a person obtains Maltese citizenship, they are granted a passport containing various biometric data. Since Malta is an integral component of the EU, a Maltese passport is an EU passport, giving you all the privileges and protections accorded to any other EU citizen.
A Maltese passport grants the holder free movement and residency rights inside the European Union, making it possible to work, study, or live in any member state. Over 160 countries, including the EU’s Schengen Zone, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, do not need a visa for Maltese passport holders.
8. Latvia
According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, the Latvian passport is now in 12th position. That is because it allows you to enter 182 countries without a visa. It is one of the world’s top-rated passports due to its excellent mobility score.
Latvia passport holders may enter the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and the European Union without a visa and get visas at their destination. This opens up very instantaneous travel possibilities all across the globe. However, there are around 47 countries that visas are required to visit as a Latvian citizen. China, India, and Australia are just a few examples of nations that need visas.
9. Croatia
International Air Transport Association data was utilized to compile the Henley Passport Index’s measures of 199 passports and 227 destinations. Regarding visa-free travel, the Japanese passport is the strongest, allowing its holders entry to 193 out of 227 countries.
Singapore is now tied for second position with South Korea regarding the number of countries that do not need a visa for visitors. After Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria, Germany, and Spain tied for fifth with 190 visa-free destinations.
In 2023, the Croatian passport will rank 18th in visa-free travel, with access to 174 countries. In the last decade, the United Arab Emirates has advanced 49 spots and has 178 countries where visitors do not need a visa.
10. Malaysia
Passport holders from Malaysia enjoy visa-free admission to 182 countries, making it the most powerful passport in the world. However, only 36 nations need a visa for entry.
11. Brazil
The Guide Passport Ranking Index places Brazil’s passport in the 21st position among all passports issued worldwide. Brazilian passport holders have access to 170 countries without a visa, making it the most powerful passport in the world. However, they will still require a visa to enter 44 nations worldwide.
The number of visa-free destinations accessible by holders of various national passports is a key factor in determining the passport’s overall ranking. Accordingly, the number of countries that accept Brazilian passports without requiring a visa is reflected in the country’s ranking. Countries that do not need visas include those where visitors may enter with a visa on arrival or ESTA (electronic travel authorization) (eTA).
Conclusion
For each passport, the index calculates a score based on the number of countries that provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to passport holders from that country. A passport with more valid entry/exit stamps is more valuable than one with fewer. The passport-rating index is continually updated with new data culled from open sources like government portals.
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