The Henley Passport Index for 2024 has unveiled its latest rankings, revealing which passports offer the most global freedom. In this year’s list, Indian passport is ranked 82nd, allowing its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries. This position places Indian passport holders among nations like Senegal and Tajikistan, demonstrating a moderate level of global mobility.
Singapore Leads with the World’s Most Powerful Passport
Topping the 2024 rankings is Singapore, with its passport offering an impressive visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 countries. This dominant position highlights Singapore’s significant influence in global travel freedom. The Singaporean passport has consistently held the top spot, reflecting the country’s strong international relations and efficient visa policies.
Top-Ranking Passports: France, Germany, and Japan Secure Second Place
Following closely in second place are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Citizens of these countries can travel to 192 destinations without the need for a visa. This high ranking underscores the robust diplomatic and economic relations these countries maintain globally, facilitating smoother international travel for their citizens.
Third Place: A Multi-Nation Tie with Access to 191 Destinations
In third place, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden have all achieved visa-free access to 191 destinations. This tier reflects a high level of global mobility and ease of travel for their citizens, highlighting their strategic global partnerships and international agreements.
The United Kingdom and Others in Fourth Place
The United Kingdom, along with New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland, is ranked fourth. These passports provide access to 190 countries, reflecting the strong international relationships and economic ties these nations have with the rest of the world.
Australia and Portugal Share the Fifth Spot
Australia and Portugal have secured the fifth position, with their passports offering visa-free access to 189 destinations. This ranking emphasizes their strategic global alliances and the ease with which their citizens can travel internationally.
United States Drops to Eighth Place
The United States, which was once at the top of the list, has now fallen to eighth place. U.S. passport holders can access 186 countries without a visa. This drop in rank highlights a shifting landscape in global mobility and changing international relations.
India’s Position and Regional Comparisons
India’s passport, ranked 82nd, provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries, including popular destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This position reflects a modest level of global mobility compared to the top-ranking passports. For context, neighboring Pakistan is ranked 100th, offering access to 33 countries, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list with access to just 26 destinations.
Insights from the Henley Passport Index
Christian Kaelin, chair of Henley and Partners, noted the growing global mobility gap. “The global average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been,” he remarked. This widening gap underscores the disparity in global mobility and access among different nations.
The Role of the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index has been tracking global freedoms in passports for the past 19 years, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is recognized as the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource for passport rankings, reflecting visa policy changes in real-time. The index continues to be a valuable tool for understanding global mobility trends and the relative strength of passports worldwide.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Henley Passport Index remains a crucial resource for travelers, policymakers, and international relations experts, providing insights into the evolving landscape of global travel freedom.
Also read: RAMEN BARUAH MISSING: SEARCH ENTERS DAY 4 WITH NO BREAKTHROUGH
