In the great game of passports, France, once crowned with the title of the most powerful passport in the world, must now cede its throne. Indeed, rival nations have taken a leap forward, breathing new life into this international competition. But what determines the power of a passport? Between the freedom to travel without a visa and the ease of entry into foreign countries, each sesame has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article, let’s dive into the fascinating world of passports together, unveiling the emerging trends and unexpected rankings that are redefining the importance of each document, while examining France’s decline. Prepare for a captivating world tour where the power of a simple passport proves to be the key to limitless horizons.
The rise of global passports #
In a world whereInternational mobility has become essential, passports play a crucial role in determining the ease with which citizens can travel. Recently, a ranking was published by Henley & Partners, revealing the most powerful passports on the planet. This ranking is based on the accessibility to a considerable number of destinations without requiring a visa, a real asset for modern travelers.
The notable performances of the Singaporean passport #
Singapore recently took the lead in the rankings, allowing its nationals to reach an impressive total of 195 destinations without visa. This figure is particularly striking, especially when considering the intense competition in the field of passport powers. The Singaporean passport offers unrivaled access, giving its holders significant prestige on the world stage.
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The return of the French passport to reality #
France has long been synonymous with freedom of travel, but the latest update saw this famous passport move from first to second place, with 192 countries accessible without visa. Although this remains an enviable result, this slight drop raises questions about the competitiveness of European passports. France is still among the leaders in this ranking, but it now has to compete with countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain, which join it with the same number of destinations.
European countries at the top of the list #
The global ranking of passports is largely dominated by European countries. The data shows that:
- Countries such asAustria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, South Korea And Sweden occupy third place with 191 destinations.
- Countries like Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand And Norway follow closely with 190 destinations.
- In fifth place are theAustralia and the Portugal with 189 destinations.
A growing travel freedom gap #
The general trend is increased freedom of travel over the last two decades. The average number of destinations that can be visited without a visa has almost doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the gap between nations offering high travel freedom and those offering little has become more pronounced. While countries like Singapore offer a true travel diary, others like Afghanistan find themselves left behind, only having access to a handful of destinations.
The lowest ranked and mobility challenges #
On the opposite end of the spectrum, passports from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan are notable for their low strength. Nationals of these countries can travel to only:
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- Iraq : 26 destinations
- Syria : 28 destinations
- Afghanistan : 31 destinations
This situation illustrates the major challenges these nations face in terms of international mobility, making travel difficult for their citizens.
