Singapore now boasts the world’s most powerful passport, according to a recent ranking by London-based Henley & Partners.
This ranking shows Singapore surpassing France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with Singaporean passport holders gaining visa-free access to a record 195 global destinations.
Last year, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain held the top spot but have now moved to second place, sharing it with Japan.
For the first time, the Henley Passport Index shows seven countries sharing the third spot: Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden. Passport holders from these nations can enter 191 destinations without a visa.
The United States has dropped to eighth place, continuing its decline in the rankings, while the United Kingdom now holds the fourth spot.
In contrast, Afghanistan’s passport remains the weakest globally, allowing visa-free entry to only 26 destinations.
The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most accurate travel information database.
Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized the economic significance of a visa-free regime, stating, “The ability to travel visa-free to a wide array of destinations is no longer merely a convenience. It’s a powerful economic tool that can drive growth, foster international cooperation, and attract foreign investment.”
