Discover the world’s most powerful passports as per the Henley Passport Index 2024. Find out global passport rankings in 2024
The power of a passport for international travel cannot be underestimated. It determines the ease with which its holder can cross borders and explore new horizons. The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries based on their citizens’ travel freedom. It provides a detailed summary of the world’s most powerful passports.
The passport index ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can visit without needing a visa before arrival. The ranking is determined by data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the most extensive and precise database of travel information worldwide.
Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is the original and most authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing users with comprehensive and dependable information about their global access and mobility.
With historical data spanning 19 years and regularly updated expert analysis on the latest shifts in passport power, the index is an invaluable resource for global citizens and the standard reference tool for government policy in this field.
The Methodology Behind Passport Ranking
The Henley Passport Index ranking is determined using a comprehensive methodology that takes into account several factors. These factors include the number of countries a passport holder can access without a visa, the country’s diplomatic relations, and its international agreements.
International Relations in Passport Power
International relations play a significant role in determining the power of a passport. Countries with strong diplomatic ties and positive international relations often have powerful passports that offer their citizens extensive visa-free access to other countries.
The most powerful passport in the World
The most powerful passport in the world is the French passport, which provides visa-free access to 194 countries.
List of Most Powerful Passports: Passport Rankings 2024
The power of a passport can significantly impact an individual’s life. The Henley Passport Index is a valuable resource for understanding global mobility. In 2024, the most powerful passports will come from countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. These passports offer extensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel and seamless global mobility.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2024 (as of March 13, 2024), the world’s most powerful passports are as follows:
| Passport | Rank in 2024 | Access (visa-free & visa on arrival) |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1 | 194 |
| Germany | 1 | 194 |
| Italy | 1 | 194 |
| Japan | 1 | 194 |
| Singapore | 1 | 194 |
| Spain | 1 | 194 |
| Finland | 2 | 193 |
| Netherlands | 2 | 193 |
| South Korea | 2 | 193 |
| Sweden | 2 | 193 |
India Rank in Passport Index
According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, India is ranked 82nd, with access to 62 countries. India’s passport ranking in the global passport rankings 2024 reflects our global standing and the citizens’ ease of access regarding international travel.
World’s Least Powerful Passports in 2024
Some passports provide access to many countries, while others have limited travel freedom. According to the Henley Passport Index 2024, the least powerful passports offer the least travel freedom. Holders of these passports must obtain a visa before traveling to most countries. The least powerful passports in the world are as follows:
| Passport | Rank in 2024 | Access |
|---|---|---|
| India | 82nd | 62 |
| Gabon | 83rd | 61 |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 83rd | 61 |
| Tajikistan | 83rd | 61 |
| Burkina Faso | 84th | 60 |
| Madagascar | 84th | 60 |
| Cote d’Ivoire | 85th | 59 |
| Guinea | 85th | 59 |
| Mauritania | 85th | 59 |
| Togo | 85th | 59 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 86th | 58 |
| Senegal | 86th | 58 |
| Niger | 87th | 57 |
| Algeria | 88th | 56 |
| Cambodia | 88th | 56 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 88th | 56 |
| Jordan | 88th | 56 |
| Mali | 88th | 56 |
| Bhutan | 89th | 55 |
| Central African Republic | 89th | 55 |
| Chad | 89th | 55 |
| Comoro Islands | 89th | 55 |
| Egypt | 89th | 55 |
| Haiti | 89th | 55 |
| Vietnam | 90th | 54 |
| Angola | 91st | 53 |
| Cameroon | 91st | 53 |
| Congo (Rep.) | 92nd | 52 |
| Turkmenistan | 92nd | 52 |
| Burundi | 93rd | 51 |
| Laos | 93rd | 51 |
| Liberia | 93rd | 51 |
| Djibouti | 94th | 50 |
| Myanmar | 95th | 48 |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 96th | 47 |
| Ethiopia | 96th | 47 |
| South Sudan | 97th | 46 |
| Iran | 98th | 45 |
| Lebanon | 98th | 45 |
| Nigeria | 98th | 45 |
| Sudan | 98th | 45 |
| Sri Lanka | 99th | 44 |
| Eritrea | 100th | 43 |
| Bangladesh | 101st | 42 |
| North Korea | 101st | 42 |
| Palestinian Territory | 102nd | 41 |
| Libya | 103rd | 40 |
| Nepal | 103rd | 40 |
| Somalia | 104th | 36 |
| Yemen | 105th | 35 |
| Pakistan | 106th | 34 |
| Iraq | 107th | 31 |
| Syria | 108th | 29 |
| Afganisthan | 109th | 28 |
FAQs
1. Is a US passport strong?
Yes, a US passport is considered vital. It offers visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries as per the Henley Passport Index 2024. The exact ranking of the US passport can vary from year to year. Still, it consistently ranks within the top 20 of the powerful passport rankings.
2. Has the US passport lost value?
In the last decade, the US has slipped in the global passport rankings. In 2023, it dropped two spots compared to 2022. According to the global passport rankings for 2024, the US now holds the 8th spot, with visa-free access to 187 destinations.
3. How strong is the India passport ranking?
The Henley Passport Index 2024 ranks the Indian passport at 82, with visa-free access to just 58 countries. The ranking of the Indian passport is relatively low compared to the world’s most powerful passports, which are ranked within the top 5. However, with consistently improving global relations, our nation may see stronger passport rankings in the coming years.
4. How strong is the UK passport?
The UK passport is among the third most powerful passports, behind countries such as France, Germany and Japan. At the opposite end of the scale, Afghanistan’s passport offers its holders the fewest travel options.
