Revealed: World’s most powerful passports in 2024; see where India ranks

This year’s Henley Passport Index is out, which ranks the world’s most powerful passports for 2024. Singapore rockets to the top spot, with citizens enjoying visa-free access to a whopping 195 countries, in 2024. This impressive feat makes Singaporean passports the most powerful in the world.

Hot on Singapore’s heels is a compelling five-way tie for second place. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain all share the number two ranking, with their passports granting visa-free entry to 192 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index offers more than just a top-10 list. This year’s ranking unveils some fascinating trends. Despite recent tensions, India (ranked 82nd) finds itself with fewer visa-free destinations compared to the Maldives (ranked 58th).

Another noteworthy observation is the continued decline of the United States passport. Once a frontrunner, the US now sits at number eight, granting visa-free access to 182 countries. This downward trajectory sparks questions about the nation’s diplomatic standing in the current global landscape.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports (July 2024):

1. Singapore (195 countries)
2. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain (192 countries)
3. Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden (191 countries)
4. Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190 countries)
5. Australia, Portugal (189 countries)
6. Greece, Poland (188 countries)
7. Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta (187 countries)
8. United States (182 countries)
9. Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates (185 countries)
10. Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia (184 countries)

Out of the top 10 countries listed, only UAE offer visa-on-arrival entry to Indian passport holders, and that too only for 14 days.

Despite recent tensions, India (ranked 82nd) finds itself with fewer visa-free destinations compared to the Maldives (ranked 58th) (Express Archives)

How is the Henley Passport Index calculated?

Imagine a world map where some countries let you waltz right in, while others require a special invitation (visa) to visit. The Henley Passport Index is like a ranking system for these invitations! Here’s how it works:

• They use info from a giant travel database to see where you can go with your passport without needing a visa beforehand. This could include visa-free entry, getting a visa on arrival, or getting an electronic travel permit online.
• Each destination your passport grants easy entry to gets you 1 point.
• The passport with the most points (most easy-entry destinations) takes the top spot!
• The ranking gets updated every few months to reflect any changes in visa rules.

Remember, this ranking only considers how easy it is to get into a country, not things like how wealthy a country is or how good their relationships are with other countries.

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