The most powerful passports in the world in 2021, ranked
The world’s three most desirable passports are all from Asia. Passports from 16 countries provide more visa-free access than a US passport.
By Taylor Borden and Katie Warren
A passport from Japan opens more doors than a passport from anywhere else in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index.
The index is an annual power ranking of passports determined by the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without a visa.
A Japanese passport promises uncomplicated travel to 191 other countries and territories in 2021. That’s the same number of countries it allowed visa-free access to in 2020, the year it pulled ahead from its tie with Singapore to become the world’s most desirable travel document.
Singapore once again placed second this year, providing access to 190 countries, followed closely by South Korea and Germany, with access to 189 countries and territories.
The 2021 ranking remains largely unchanged from 2020 with only two exceptions: a New Zealand passport now offers visa-free access to 185 countries, one more than it did in 2020. And Australia also gained visa-free access to one additional country for a total of 184. For comparison, passports from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria — the three lowest-ranking passports on the list — offer access to fewer than 30 countries each.
Of course, travel restrictions and bans vary from country to country amid the coronavirus pandemic, with some countries requiring mandatory quarantines and negative COVID-19 test results upon arrival.
Keep reading for a look at the countries with the most powerful passports, ranked by ascending number of visa-free travel options.
The source for all information below is the Henley Passport Index.
10. Those holding a passport from Hungary can visit 182 places without a visa in 2021.
9. Those holding a passport from Canada can visit 183 places without a visa in 2021.
8. Those holding the following passports can visit 184 places without a visa in 2021: Australia, Czech Republic, Greece, and Malta.
7. Those holding the following passports can visit 185 places without a visa in 2021: Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States.
6. Those holding the following passports can visit 186 places without a visa in 2021: France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.
5. Those holding the following passports can visit 187 places without a visa in 2021: Austria, Denmark.
4. Those holding the following passports can visit 188 places without a visa in 2021: Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain.
3. Those holding passports from Germany and South Korea can visit 189 places without a visa in 2021.
2. Those holding a passport from Singapore can visit 190 places without a visa in 2021.
1. Those holding a passport from Japan can visit 191 places without a visa in 2021, making it the world’s most powerful passport.
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