The 2021 Henley Passport Index recently released its annual ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, showcasing which passports allow holders to travel to the most countries visa-free. This year’s ranking once again highlights the significant disparities in global mobility and access that exist between different nationalities.
Topping the list once again is Japan, which continues to hold the title of the world’s most powerful passport. Japanese passport holders can travel to an impressive 193 destinations without the need for a visa. This is largely due to Japan’s strong diplomatic ties and high levels of security and stability. Singapore comes in a close second, with visa-free access to 192 countries, followed by Germany and South Korea in joint third place with access to 191 countries.
The rankings are determined by the number of destinations that passport holders can travel to without obtaining a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. Factors such as bilateral agreements, security risks, and political relations all play a role in determining a passport’s global mobility.
While Asian countries continue to dominate the top spots, European countries also fare well in the rankings. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain all hold joint fourth place with access to 190 countries. Denmark and Austria are in joint fifth place, with access to 189 countries. The United States and the United Kingdom, on the other hand, are tied in seventh place, with visa-free access to 186 countries.
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the rankings, with passport holders only able to travel to 26 destinations without a visa. Other countries with limited global mobility include Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global mobility, with many countries closing their borders and implementing travel restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. This has led to a shift in the rankings, with some countries experiencing a decline in the number of destinations their passport holders can travel to without a visa.
However, as the world begins to reopen and travel restrictions are gradually eased, the rankings are expected to shift once again. Countries that have successfully managed the pandemic and have strong vaccination programs are likely to see an increase in their global mobility rankings.
The disparities in global mobility highlighted by the Henley Passport Index underscore the importance of diplomacy and international relations in today’s interconnected world. While some nationalities enjoy the privilege of visa-free travel to a wide range of destinations, others continue to face barriers and restrictions that limit their ability to travel and explore the world.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and works towards a more inclusive and equitable global community, the rankings of passports in the world serve as a stark reminder of the inequalities that exist and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal access and opportunities for all.
