Singapore Reclaims Title of World’s Most Powerful Passport

Singapore has once again solidified its position as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The country’s citizens can now enjoy visa-free access to an impressive 195 destinations around the world.

Also read: Singapore Ranked Safest City for Tourists According to New Survey

Shared top spot for world’s most powerful passport in 2023

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Previously in 2023, Singapore shared the top spot with Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, all of which are now joint second place with visa-free access to 192 destinations. This latest ranking marks a significant achievement for Singapore, and its rise to the sole number one position highlights the nation’s strong diplomatic relations and global standing.

In third place came a seven-nation tie consisting of Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden — all with visa-free access to 191 destinations. The UK passport is currently ranked fourth with access to 190 destinations, while the US is in eighth place with 186 destinations.

What made Singapore rise to the top

Henley & Partners also noted that Singapore is significantly more open than the five countries in second place. According to Henley & Partners’ Openness index, which ranks all 199 countries worldwide according to the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a prior visa, Singapore ranks 15th, meaning travellers from 164 nationalities out of 199 can arrive without a visa. By contrast, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are in 49th position, only allowing 93 countries visa-free access, while Japan comes in at the 65th position, giving visa-free access to just 70 other nations.

Also read: Malaysia vs Singapore: Which Southeast Asian Country Should You Visit First?

The ability of Singaporean citizens to travel visa-free to nearly all corners of the world is a testament to the nation’s strong international relations. As the gap between passport holders at the top and bottom of the index widens, Singapore continues to be a prime example of passport power and travel freedom.

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