by Stephen Hall, Writer, Formative Content
For World Economic Forum
Image: Unsplash/Nicole Geri
“The passport you hold determines your fate and dramatically impacts the options you have,” said Dr Christian Kaelin, chairman of Henley and Partners and inventor of the passport index concept, earlier this year.
Recent global shocks such as the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have shifted the passport power landscape. This is altering opportunities for many, according to the latest rankings from Henley and Partners, which gathers data from the International Air Transport Association.
The world’s most powerful passports
Asian countries currently hold the three highest passport rankings in 2022, with Japan taking the top spot. Before the pandemic, European nations dominated the rankings, signalling the lingering impact of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions on the region.
Japanese citizens now hold the most passport power, as they are able to enter 193 nations visa free, or with visa-on-arrival. South Korea and Singapore hold joint second place, with both countries’ passports enabling their citizens to access 192 nations without restrictions.
Germany, which was previously at number 2, is now in group 3 alongside Spain. Elsewhere, Brexit has had a significant impact on the value of the British passport over the last few years. The UK now holds sixth position in the rankings alongside France, Ireland and Portugal. Back in 2015, pre-referendum, the UK held the top spot alongside Germany, according to the Passport Index.
