A passport is a government-issued official travel document that contains a person’s identity and nationality.

It allows its holder to travel to and from foreign countries as well as receive consular assistance while abroad.

How are passports ranked

There are numerous factors that influence travel freedom and passport strength. Henley & Partners’ Henley Passport Index (HPI) is widely regarded as the authority on passport strength.

HPI ranks every passport in the world based on the amount of travel freedom it provides.

The more countries a traveler can visit without a visa, the more powerful their passport.

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The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations holders can visit without a visa (including both embassy visas and online visas).

The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.

The HPI gives a passport a high rating if it allows the holder to visit multiple countries with any of the following entry criteria:

Only a passport
Online visa waiver / electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Arrival visas

Most powerful passports in the world

Japan (193 destinations)

According to the HPI, the Japanese passport is the most powerful passport in the world in terms of travel freedom in 2022.

A Japanese passport entitles the holder to enter 193 different countries and territories without the need for a visa.

Singapore, South Korea (192 destinations)

Singapore and South Korea are second on the list with 192 destinations. These countries’ passports allow visa-free travel to 192 countries.

Germany, Spain (190 destinations)

European countries; Germany and Spain are next on the list with 190 destinations.

Finland, Italy, Luxembourg (189 destinations)

With a passport from Finland, Italy and Luxembourg you get to access 189 destinations.

Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden (188 destinations)

Fifth on the list are Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden.

France, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom (187 destinations)

4 countries at tied at number six for the most influential passports in the world.

Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United States (186 destinations)

New Zealand and the United States make an appearance at No.7, alongside Belgium, Norway and Switzerland.

Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece, Malta (185 destinations)

Next on the list with access to 185 destinations are Australia, Canada, Czech Republic and Malta.

Hungary (183 destinations)

Hungary’s passport grant its holders access to 183 destinations.

Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia (182 destinations)

Number 10 on the list for most powerful passports are Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia with access to 182 countries.