International movement has been severely restricted over the past few months due to constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since some countries have now started to relax restrictions, it is relevant to assess the versatility of passports around the world as per the Henley and Partners’ Passport Index.
The latest results from the Henley Passport Index give us a clear picture of powerful passports. According to the quarter 2 report of Henley Passport Index 2021, Japanese passports are the most powerful in the world. The report is being brought out by the migration and citizenship consultancy Henley & Partners. They compile a list of the world’s most potent passports four times a year.
The strongest passport holders are allowed to travel widely and visa-free.
Japan topped the list with 193 potential visa-free destinations. Singapore is in second place, and Germany and South Korea are in third place.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) climbed from the 65th position to the 15th. China has also improved their position from the 90th position to the 68th.
India, in contrast, ranked 84th on the list, dropping two places compared to 2020. The Indian passport grants free visa access to 58 countries to its citizens.
Southeast Asian country Myanmar holds the 94th rank making 47th destinations accessible to its passport holders, wherein Bangladesh secured 100th position.
Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan include in the list of countries with the lowest visa-free travel capability. At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan allows visa-free travel to 26 countries.
It uses information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that does not factor in any temporary pandemic-related travel restrictions.
The passport index doesn’t take into account the currently imposed travel restrictions owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, the road to economic recovery and development widely depend on global mobility and the power of one’s passport plays a significant role in it.
