The world is a global village. The tourism industry is growing as various countries of the world have signed treaties removing the need for travelers to apply for visas in advance amongst themselves. This has eased foreigners who have lesser formalities to adhere to, thus giving them visa-free travel.
The number of flights is increasing and so is the number of travelers and yes, you can actually now enjoy travel to various countries without applying for visa in advance. But how? All you have to do is to own that coveted little book namely”Passport”. You can also enroll for citizenship in many countries.
European countries have the most powerful passports in the world associated with a special benefit of freely traveling access within the EU member states. Becoming a citizen from any of the EU or EEA member states including Switzerland has an obvious and automatic privilege that you can live, study, work or do business. In short, you can ideally spend 30 years of your life and retire. While passport holders from other countries can travel freely only.
30 Most Powerful Passports In The World in 2023:
Here we have listed the top 30 Strongest Passports in the world for 2023 according to Henley & Partners
1. Japan (193 Countries)
How about a country that not just offers beauty, but also gives you the hidden benefit of traveling to whopping 193 countries of the world? Yes, it is none other than Japan that has certainly consolidated its economy by opening various job opportunities for the citizens.
Well, it obviously answers the query, Why Japan’s passport is visa-free? Likewise, it has also made it among the Most Powerful passports in the world
The law of Japan entitles the foreigner to at least live five consecutive years. Your conduct needs to be checked. It shouldn’t go against the local law or the government. Japan doesn’t give dual citizenship. You can’t apply for U.S. citizenship in the future.
Learning the Japanese language isn’t difficult. You need to know about the laws and culture of Japan. So keeping in mind all the aspects, the answer to the query, “Who has the strongest visa?”, it is going to be Japan.
2. Singapore (192 Countries)
Singaporean passport appeal that people who are looking to travel the world. Yes, it is the luxury of traveling to whopping 192 countries where you don’t need a visa in advance.
That makes it the Most Powerful passport in the world. Yes, one is able to travel freely which creates a positive impact on travelers who are motivated for the same. This fact also improves tourism. After all, facilities galore, when you actually own one of the Top 10 most powerful passports
3. South Korea (192 Countries)
South Korea gives you the power to travel to 192 countries thus making them one of the Most Powerful passports in the world. Yes, you heard it right that you don’t need Visa in advance. Traveling is a phase that removes boredom, your mind refreshes and so do your heart and soul. So, it is a blessing considering the country which facilitates you to travel without the burden to undergo visa formalities right before undertaking the trip.
4. Spain (190 Countries)
Spanish passport holders can travel to 190 countries while in 34 countries, Visa on Arrival is required. The issues of documentation, visiting embassies, and wasting time in the process are a thing of the past, literally, thus making it as of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
So, when you own one of the most powerful passports in the world, then you indirectly own ‘happiness’ and ‘excitement’ for sure. You feel good that you have taken the right decision as it is amongst the Most Powerful passports in the world.
5. Germany (190 Countries)
Considering the dominance, which EU enjoys, another one of the Most Powerful passports in the world has to be from Germany. A traveler is intelligent enough to acquire a passport from any one of the EU countries. You can travel to 190 countries without the need to arrange Visa first.
That will give them the space, freedom, and choice to visit the countries they always wish to visit, live or work in. So, opportunities galore are not just for you, but for your family and friends. Amongst the EU countries, options for these countries are naturally waiting for you as they have the Top 10 most powerful passports and you can’t deny for sure.
6. Luxembourg (189 Countries)
Another one of the Most Powerful passports in the world is said to be of the countries namely Luxembourg. They help you travel to not just a few, but whopping 189 counties across the world.
You have a totally refreshing, new, and awesome perspective about changing your life in a way that promises to give you a handsome living standard that you may have heard or watched online through dramas. Now you can be a part of the lifestyle, thanks to having one of the Top 10 most powerful passports in the globe.
7. Italy (189 Countries)
Among the countries with architectural significance, Italy is also a hub of tourists who like to visit the country for sightseeing. There is another great news for those who are looking for passport holders of the country, as it has given visa-free destinations to a whopping 189 countries.
In 33 countries you get Visa on arrival. Yes, no visa in advance means, no paperwork, no long formalities, and time-consuming visit to embassies. That’s why the Italian passport is amongst the most powerful passports in the world as literally a big part of the world is open to you to travel freely. Thanks to the convenience which the country has for the people, Italian is considered one of the Most Powerful passports in the world.
8. Denmark, Sweden (188 Countries)
Considering the Most Powerful passports in the world, the holders for the countries namely Denmark, and Sweden let you travel to 188 countries with ease. Important thing is that all of them come in the purview of EU citizenship, so you naturally enjoy the facilities laid down.
They are not just “freely able to travel”, they can also able to live, work, study, do business as well as retire so that they can live happily in the later part of their life with ease. That’s the craze of one of the Top 10 most powerful passports which give you a totally different perspective towards life.
9. Austria (188 Countries)
Austrian passport is similar to the beautiful landscape of the country, ‘captivating’ and ‘adorable’. Yes, the passport is liked by people thanks to the authority it gives in free-visa travel to 188 countries and visa on arrival to 33 countries.
So, obviously, it has a charm of its own, where the traveler is saved from the monotonous and herculean task of doing paperwork first in order to apply for the visa. It is also considered one of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
10. United Kingdom, France, Ireland, And Portugal (187 Countries)
Another one of the Most Powerful passports in the world which can help you freely travel to EU countries are Portugal, Ireland, and France. These countries have the preview and facilities as dedicated and laid down by the EU except the United Kingdom.
So, the holders are able to live, work, study, do business and finally retire. However, when it comes to the UK passport, even though technically it may be considered as one of the strongest passports belonging to substantially an improved economy, you can only travel freely but won’t be entitled to study, work, live, do business in the mentioned or designated 30 countries which come in the purview of EU, EEA as well as Switzerland.
Overall, considering the Top 10 most powerful passports, these countries on a larger scale have shown an easy out for not just the travelers, but also for those who are looking to settle down professionally for the rest of their lives.
11. United States of America (186 Countries)
When the world’s superpower is in the picture, then the query “What rank is a US passport?” is obviously asked. It ranks 6th. The authority and sophistication can be reflected in the passport too. Yes, considered as the Top 10 most powerful passports, travelers don’t need visas in advance to travel in 186 countries of the world. For 42 countries they require Visa on arrival.
Americans can enjoy free visas and free visas on arrival to countries such as Canada, Brazil, European Union, Peru, Taiwan, Japan, and many others in the global world. as travelers can now plan their journey without having to undergo the taxing process of applying for a visa first. This makes it the Most Powerful passport in the world.
4. Czech Republic, Canada, Malta, And Greece (186 Countries)
The network of these four countries is an interesting mix since they belong to both EU and Commonwealth countries. The reason why citizens can boast of owning one of the Most Powerful passports in the world is that they help you travel to 186 countries.
Yes, you don’t need a visa in advance, that is your journey won’t be hampered since you don’t have to do any sort of paperwork right from before. This is such a beauty that the passport is rightly regarded to be one of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
13. New Zealand, Norway, Belgium and Switzerland, the US (186 Countries)
Considering the list of Most Powerful passports in the world, if you have a passport from New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, or the US, then you know you are in for a pleasant surprise. Since no advance visa is required for you to travel to 186 countries.
Now, talking specifically about holding a Norwegian, Belgian, or Swiss passport, you can have free travel to the EU as well as EEA with the exception of US and New Zealand passport holders. Likewise, decisions that are taken at the right time have an added benefit, and as you own one of the Top 10 most powerful passports, you are literally all set to travel a big part of the world freely.
14. Greece (185 Destinations)
The passport holder of Greece knows the reason why it is considered the Most Powerful passport in the world. It ranks high on being able to give you free access to 185 countries of the globe.
One can visit the dream destination relating to countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and many others. Visa on arrival is required for 34 nations though. That just makes it amongst the top 10 most powerful passports which have various associated perks with it.
15. Australia (185 Countries)
The Australian passport gives you the convenience to travel to 185 counties whereas, in 44 countries, you require Visa on arrival. Holding a passport is similar to having one of the Most Powerful passports in the world. It is a fact that traveling freely is an obvious perk, but being able to make the country your home for the rest of your life supersedes all the other perks even clubbed together.
16. Hungary (184 Countries)
If you hold a Hungarian passport, then it is similar to owning one of the Most Powerful passports in the world. You are eligible to travel to whopping 184 countries. Yes, you heard it right, where you don’t require a Visa in advance.
The citizens fall in line with the parameters of the EU, so, you will enjoy all the facilities, where you can freely enjoy and move to all the countries marked in the zone. After all, such is the craze and associated benefits of holding one of the Top 10 most powerful passports. Isn’t it?
17. Poland (184 Countries)
Poland helps you to travel to 184 countries at par with convenience and the number of countries showcases the extent of popularity the passport has. That’s the reason, the Polish passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. In 34 countries, you need a visa on arrival.
In this way, you can travel to countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, European Union, United Arab Emirates, etc without the tension to have a passport in advance. Hence, it is considered among the Top 10 most powerful passports
18. Lithuania (183 Countries)
The Lithuanian passport holders have access to 183 countries, where they don’t need visas in advance to travel. While in 33 countries, they need Visa on arrival. Considering the Most Powerful passports in the world, it deserves a place in the Top 10 most powerful passports for sure.
Passport holders can travel to countries of the United Kingdom, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, European Union. Since no time is required to prepare for a visa and the related chaos arising out of visiting the embassy, so traveling becomes almost instant and of course pleasant as well.
19. Slovakia (183 Countries)
Slovakia is also on the list of countries with the most powerful passports in the world. If you have their passport, then you are free to travel to 183 countries without actually needing a visa from before. The additional perk is the complete benefits deriving from EU rights, that the citizens will enjoy.
Hence, owning one of the top 10 most powerful passports is similar to getting through to so many countries without the documentation and herculean task associated such as waiting for approval first. In short, you can freely travel.
20. Iceland (180 Countries)
Iceland is a beautiful country and the passport is loved even more by one and all. Reason? It is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world, giving the ease of traveling freely without a visa in 180 countries. Yes, you heard it right.
The travelers also get visas on arrival in 31 destinations. Hence, when there are minimal formalities, then traveling becomes easy, joyful, and hassle-free. You know that you don’t have to take tension. Hence, based on the convenience it offers to travelers, it is easily ranked and considered of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
21. UAE (178 Countries)
Everyone sometimes or the other has asked, “How strong is Dubai passport?” or “Why is the UAE passport most powerful?” Considering the list of the Most Powerful passports in the world, UAE gains prominence. Being a UAE passport holder means, you naturally qualify to freely traveling 178 countries of the world without a visa.
It is an obvious fact that it is considered amongst the top 10 most powerful passports, which has been duly recognized on a large scale and helping travelers not just ease their journey, but also give them the facility to choose other destinations.
22. Cyprus – (177 Countries)
When a traveler has minimal formalities then he/she can possibly have maximum enjoyment. Yes, that’s exactly what can be said for another one of the Most Powerful passports in the world that are of Cyprus. It lets you enjoy yourself by traveling to 177 destinations without the need for Visa while in 32 destinations, you need a visa on arrival. Categorized as one of the Top 10 most powerful passports, it has seriously given every individual the opportunity to enjoy the world.
23. Romania (175 Countries)
The greatness of the country lies in the way it welcomes and facilitates people from everywhere and travelers have an obvious liking for Romania. Why? It is because the Romanian passport is amongst the Most Powerful passports in the world.
Since it is able to give you the convenience of traveling to 175 countries without applying for a visa in advance while in 35 countries you need a visa on arrival. Yes, these passports also come with visas on arrival. Now, you don’t have to postpone your trip simply because your visa wasn’t approved or you have too much paperwork that really made you sick. In short, a Romanian passport is a blessing as it is among the Top 10 most powerful passports.
24. Croatia (174 Countries)
The Croatian passport gives you an easy, tension-free journey to 174 countries. There are other reasons why it is considered one of the Top 10 most powerful passports since the passport holder can travel without applying for a visa, but also has the convenience of getting a Visa on Arrival in 34 countries.
Based on the luxury the passport is associated with, you can visit the United Kingdom, Japan, United Arab Emirates along with European Union. Hence, it creates an awesome selection of countries from a traveler’s point of view.
25. Brazil – (170 Countries)
Welcome to another part of the world, where Brazil, the beautiful country of beaches is also proud for another reason. What’s that? Well, it holds one of the Most Powerful passports in the world. How is it considered? Well, a passport holder can freely be able to travel 170 countries, where no Visa is required in advance.
Visa on arrival is required for 39 countries. It is such a blessing to be able to get automated permission from countries right before undertaking a journey, just because you are the holder of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
26. Andorra (168 Countries)
The Andorran passport has a special liking for those who wish to travel. Yes, considering it amongst the Most Powerful passports in the world, it lets you have free-visa access to 168 countries while in 38 countries, there is a “Visa on arrival” facility.
This lets travelers visit so many nations according to their landscapes. You may spend time with nature such as snow-covered mountains in one part of the world to soaking in the sun near beaches. It offers one of the Top 10 most powerful passports.
27. Israel – 159 Countries
It is considered a technologically advanced country that is also known for having one of the Top 10 most powerful passports. Yes, if you have a passport, then you are free to travel to as many as 159 countries without the need for formalities. In short, you don’t require Visa.
This has been the biggest freedom for travelers and it also boosts the tourism industry, considering the free passage to selected nations. In 33 nations a visa on arrival is required, thereby giving the chance for travelers to visit the beauty of the world, its landscapes, mountains etc.
28. Vatican City – 154 Countries
Vatican City is one of the oldest places on earth that has religious and architectural significance. It is also now popular for having the Top 10 most powerful passports. Why? Because, the passport lets you travel to whopping 154 countries across the globe, thereby giving your journey peace of mind, away from the chaos of preparing your documentation, etc.
Similarly, there are 33 countries that require Visa on arrival. Based on the list of countries for free travel, you can accordingly make plans. So, no wonder that it has one of the Most Powerful passports in the world.
29. Trinidad and Tobago (151 Countries)
Life may have struggles, but traveling is easy for sure. How? Well, if you hold a passport from Trinidad and Tobago, then you are eligible to travel to 151 countries of the world. The fact that this is a reality where a traveler experiences such ease. While for 26 countries, you need Visa on arrival. That makes it one of the Top 10 most powerful passports
30. Antigua and Barbuda (151 Countries)
The list includes Antigua and Barbuda, considering the passport empowers you to travel across 151 countries across the globe. In 28 countries, you need Visa on arrival. One can enjoy a free visa as well as a visa on arrival to various nations such as Brazil, Singapore, Russia, United Kingdom along with the European Union.
It is among the Most Powerful passports in the world. Thanks to the easy opportunity to just pack your bag and book the flight tickets and there you go. No need to frequent the Embassies to take their consent to visit. Since you know that you have automatically been approved, this is what the charisma of the passport is associated with.
What Is The Most Powerful Passport And What Makes A Passport Strong?
The powerful passport is considered to be the one where you don’t have to apply for a visa as it is acceptable in specific countries. This gives you tension-free moments where you feel blessed to be enjoying your stay as less documentation means that you have fewer worries to keep with yourself.
Owning this passport is indirectly getting free access to various countries of the world and that in itself fulfills your aim of accessing a big number of nations freely. Yes, you don’t have to undergo even basic formalities of paperwork or wait with high expectations to get approval only to be told later on by the embassy that you don’t qualify.
What Is Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index is the parameter to rank the passports in relation to the countries they can access without visas. Henley and Partners come up with the data every year which is derived from International Air Transport Association (IATA). HPI offers the ranking as it is able to give the travelers access to another country in the event of having any of the following:-
- Passport only
- Visa on arrival
- Online visa waiver/ Electronic travel authorization
The data is informative, meaningful, and accurate as it takes into account 199 passports across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Kerala is the state which has most passport in India
No, the Indian Government doesn’t allow 2 passports or dual citizenship.
Red Passport is one which is issued only to Individuals who are Indian diplomats. The passport which is red in color acts as a difference, signifying their status while going abroad for official meetings and representing the Government of India
7.2% of Indians have valid Indian passports till 12th December 2022.
SMOM passports, which is the abbreviation for Sovereign Military Order of Malta are considered to be the rarest passport. There are only 500 passports in existence.
Afghanistan has the weakest passport
Pakistani passport is at 106th place signifying that its ranking is quite down.
Conclusion:
As you have checked the aforesaid post, you now know the list of the strongest passports in the world. People can now travel without the need to have a visa in advance. Countries have come closer as it benefits everyone with the rise in tourism and employment.
Fewer formalities have given rise to more tourists visiting the countries. It is a positive signal that can potentially spread love where people can live peacefully away from the war which will only destroy the world.
I am Afzal Zaheer , a freelance content developer with over 13 years of experience. ‘Choice of Words’ are important to bring the exact meaning and I am passionate to bring the ‘best’ for binding the interest of readers. I always aim to guide the budding content developers as a way of giving back to the love and respect I have got in my journey.
