Last Updated on June 26, 2023
Generally, a powerful passport refers to a passport whose holders can travel to a maximum number of countries around the world, either visa-free or with the visa issued upon arrival. The Henley Passport Index ranks the top 199 passports depending on the number of countries that holders can freely travel to.
For three consecutive years, the Japanese passport has enjoyed the prestigious reputation of being the most travel-friendly passport. Let’s review the 15 most powerful passports in the world that every traveler should know about.
1. Japan
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 191
Validity Period: 5 or 10 years
The Japanese passport is the world’s most travel-friendly passport, allowing holders to travel to up to 191 countries visa-free or with a visa issued upon arrival. Besides being the most travel-friendly passport, the Japanese passport also has a relatively longer validity period. The passport can be valid for either 5 or 10 years, based on the age as well as the registration fees paid by the applicant.
Japanese citizens by birth, family ties, or investment automatically qualify for this passport. The next easiest way to qualify for the Japanese passport is to acquire citizenship by residing in the country for a minimum of five years. Fortunately, Japan also enjoys a significantly high rate of citizen acceptance, which currently sits around 90% for eligible candidates. On the flip side, Japan doesn’t allow dual citizenship, which means that you would need to renounce your current citizenship if you wish to become a citizen of Japan.
2. Singapore
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 190
Validity Period: 5 years
Singapore follows Japan closely in terms of the number of countries that Singaporean passport holders can travel to, visa-free. One of the best things about the Singaporean passport is that you enjoy assistance from the Singaporean Consular Officials. Part of that assistance includes logistical support and protection from unfair treatment.
Singaporean passports are issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, upon meeting a raft of prequalification criteria. Being one of the world’s friendliest countries to travel and do business in, you wouldn’t mind becoming a citizen of Singapore and enjoy hassle-free travel experiences with the Singaporean passport.
3. South Korea
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 189
Validity Period: 1, 5, or 10 years
A South Korean passport allows holders to travel to 189 countries visa-free. One of the most outstanding things about the South Korean passport is its detailed nature. In addition to the holder’s date of birth and nationality, the passport also captures other crucial details like their resident registration number.
Though it’s usually printed by the Korean Minting & Security Printing Corporation, the South Korean passport is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Germany
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 189
Validity Period: 6 or 10 years
Not only does the German passport let you explore hundreds of travel destinations across 189 countries. It also comes with an extra advantage in that you can freely move within the European Union countries.
Needless to mention, Germany is one of the world’s most technologically advanced, economically stable, and inexpensive countries to live in, which is all the more reason to acquire the German passport. The German passport is valid for six years for applicants under 24 years and 10 years for older applicants.
5. Finland
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 188
Validity Period: 5 years
Finland has steadily moved up the Henley Passport Index over the years. Currently, the Finnish passport gives holders access to 188 different countries.
Just like Germany, holders of the Finnish passport can roam freely across any country within the European Union. The passport comes with a 5-year validity period.
6. Italy
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 188
Validity Period: 3, 5, or 10 years
Italy ties with Finland among the countries whose passports can take you to 188 different countries without necessarily needing a visa. Not only that, but you can also travel freely to any country that’s a member of the European Union.
The Italian passport comes with three different validity periods, namely 3, 5, and or 10 years, depending on an applicant’s age. The best part is that Italy allows dual citizenship, so you won’t need to renounce your citizenship to acquire this passport.
7. Denmark
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 187
Validity Period: 2 years and 4 months for children aged 1 year and below, 5 years and 4 months for citizens between the ages of 2 and 17, and 10 years and 4 months for citizens aged 18 and over
Denmark follows Italy closely on the 2020 Henley Passport Index, with the country’s passport holders able to travel to 187 countries. Also, the Danish passport lets you explore Switzerland and the European Union visa-free.
This passport is issued to citizens of the Kingdom of Denmark and there are different variations of the passport for nationals of Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland. For instance, Danish nationals that live in either Greenland or the Faroe Islands are allowed to choose between applying for the Danish EU passport or the non-EU passport.
8. Luxembourg
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 187
Validity Period: 2 to 5 years
This small, landlocked, European country is famous for many things, including its breathtaking landscapes and super-friendly locals. It’s also one of the four European capitals of the European Union, sharing this prestigious title with Frankfurt, Brussels, and Strasbourg. And yes, its passport is one of the most travel-friendly in the world.
Besides the Luxembourgish passport allowing to travel to 187 countries, there are additional provisions for extra freedom. Luxembourg also supports dual citizenship, which means that its passport holders are open to multiple citizenship.
9. Spain
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 187
Validity Period: 5 to 10 years
Spain rounds up the list of three countries whose passports can take you to 187 different countries. The Spanish passport is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, or Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperacion.
With this passport, you can freely travel to European Union member countries. There’s also the option of dual citizenship. However, you must declare your intention of retaining your Spanish nationality within three years of acquiring another nationality. Of course, this only applies to Spaniards.
10. France
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 186
Validity Period: 5 or 10 years
A French passport grants you access to hundreds of travel destinations spread across 186 countries. And the fact that France allows dual nationality means that that number could be way higher, depending on the countries that your current passport can take you.
The French passport is issued by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It’s valid for a period of five years for applicants younger than 18 and 10 years for applicants aged 18 or over.
11. Sweden
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 186
Validity Period: 5 years
Tying with France on the Henley Passport Index, the Swedish passport allows you to roam freely across 186 countries, including all the countries within the EU.
Foreigners seeking the Swedish passport must first qualify for citizenship, which includes holding a permanent residence permit unless you’re a citizen of a Nordic Council country. The Swedish passport comes with a 5-year validity period and allows you to retain your nationality.
12. Switzerland
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 185
Validity Period: 5 years for minors and 10 years for adults
The Swiss passport provides holders with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries around the world. Like most passports we’ve reviewed here, the main eligibility criteria for the Swiss passport is that you must be a citizen of Switzerland.
However, unlike most European countries, the Swiss passport doesn’t guarantee express access to EU member states, considering that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union.
13. Netherlands
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 185
Validity Period: 5 years for minors and 10 years for adults
The Dutch passport is also one of the strongest in the world, granting holders access to 185 countries. That includes states in the European Union, European Economic Area, as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The Dutch passport is issued to citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is valid for five to ten years, depending on the applicant’s age.
14. Ireland
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 185
Validity Period: 5 years for minors and 10 years for adults
Ireland shares the same position as Switzerland and Netherland in terms of passport strength. Holding the Irish passport allows you to travel to 185 countries, including countries that are member states of the European Union.
Issued by the Passport Office division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish passport is valid for between five and ten years. The passport is available for citizens of Ireland.
15. Portugal
Number of countries holders can access visa-free or with visa issued upon arrival: 185
Validity Period: 2 or 5 years
The Portuguese passport grants holders access to 185 countries without necessarily requiring a visa, including EU countries, the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The passport is valid for two years for children between 0 and 4 years, and five years for older citizens.
You can apply for the Portuguese passport through the country’s Departments of Citizen Cards and as you may expect, you must be a Portuguese citizen.
Final Word
Every day, millions of travelers have to go through long and arduous visa application processes before they’re allowed to explore their choice destinations. Fortunately, you can acquire a passport from any of the above countries and travel to hundreds of countries either visa-free or with a visa issued to you upon arrival.