Singapore Tops Global Passport Ranking; India’s Position Improves

Singapore has secured the top spot in the latest Henley Passport Index, making it the most powerful passport in the world in 2024. The ranking, published by Henley & Partners, a global government advisory firm, assesses the strength of 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa.

The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updated periodically to reflect changes in visa-free travel agreements. This ranking is widely regarded as a benchmark for global mobility, with countries vying for stronger passport privileges to facilitate easier international travel for their citizens.

Singapore has topped the list due to its citizens’ visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 out of 227 global destinations. This marks a significant advantage for Singaporeans, allowing them seamless travel across the world with minimal restrictions.

Following Singapore, several European countries and Japan have also secured high positions on the Henley Passport Index. Japan, which held the top rank in previous years, has now slipped to second place. Germany, Italy, and Spain are tied with Japan in second place, all allowing access to 190 destinations.

South Korea, Finland, and Sweden hold the third spot with visa-free access to 189 destinations. The United States, which once dominated the index, has seen a decline in its ranking in recent years, now placing eighth with access to 184 destinations.

India has seen an improvement in its ranking, climbing up from previous years. The Indian passport now provides access to 62 destinations without prior visa requirements. While this is an improvement, India still trails behind other major Asian economies such as China and Thailand. The government has been making efforts to negotiate better travel agreements and visa-free access for its citizens to enhance global mobility.

A powerful passport provides significant advantages, including hassle-free travel, business expansion opportunities, and ease of relocation. Countries with stronger passports often benefit from better global mobility, boosting their economic and diplomatic reach.