A brand new study has named the Japanese passport because the “strongest on the planet.” The Henley Passport Index measures what number of countries each passport allows its holders visa-free access.
Singapore was the leader, but due to the brand new agreement with Myanmar, Japan now leads with 190 visa-free countries.
In the newest edition of the rating, Germany ranks third, just behind South Korea and France. These three countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 188 countries.
Germany, which began 2018 in first place, is now in third place with 188 destinations, together with France and South Korea. Uzbekistan lifted the visa requirement for French residents on October 5, after granting visa-free travel to residents of Japan and Singapore in early February.
South Korea gained visa-free travel to Myanmar on October 1, while Paraguay lifted visa requirements for Singapore passport holders in 2017.
Fourth place is taken by Denmark, Finland, Italy, Sweden and Spain.
At the opposite end of the dimensions are Afghanistan and Iraq, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 30 jurisdictions.
The biggest move since 2006 was recorded by the United Arab Emirates, which moved up from 62nd to twenty first place. It also recently signed a visa waiver agreement with Russia, which is predicted to enter into force in the approaching months. China recently gained access to Saint Lucia and Myanmar and currently ranks 71st, after rising 14 places because the starting of 2017.
Russia dropped to forty seventh place though it received support in September when Taiwan announced visa waivers for Russian residents.
In a press release, Dr. Christian H. Kälin, CEO of Henley & Partners Group, stated that the information comes from the International Air Transport Association.
“It is an important tool for measuring not only the relative strength of global passports, but also the extraordinary results that countries can achieve when they work hand in hand with their global counterparts to build a more connected and collaborative world.”
“China and the United Arab Emirates exemplify this kind of progress, with both countries among the highest climbers compared to 2017, solely due to the strong relationships they have built with partner countries around the world.”
For Southeast Asian countries, the rating has not modified.
Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is a rating of all of the world’s passports by the number of nations to which their holders can travel with no visa. The rating is predicated on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information, and is reinforced by extensive internal research.
The index is updated in real time as visa policy changes come into effect. With the Henley Passport Index you’ll be able to assess where you might be on the worldwide mobility spectrum and learn tips on how to maximize your freedom to travel through post-investment citizenship. Together with the Henley & Partners – Kochenov Nationality Quality Index, this indicator is taken into account probably the most reliable reference standard for global residents.
