What is the Most Powerful Passport in the World?

Passports
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Revenge travel is a big trend in 2023, with travelers attempting to visit as many countries as possible to make up for lost time due to the pandemic. But in order to do that, you need a fairly strong passport. Citizens of most western countries can visit other nations without a visa, but it is in the east where the true power lies. Henley & Partners has once again released its annual list of the world’s strongest passports, and the top-ranking nation is far from surprising.

For a fifth year in a row, Japan dominates the Henley Passport Index, being able to visit 193 of the 227 listed destinations without needing a visa. In contrast to 2022, however, the birthplace of sushi holds the title alone as Singapore has dropped down a spot. 

Coming in joint second are Singapore and South Korea which are able to venture to 192 countries. Following them are Germany and Spain in third, with 190 destinations, and, finally, Finland; Italy; and Luxembourg tying for fifth with 189. 

The worst country on the index? That “honor” goes to Afghanistan with a low score of just 27 countries being accessible without a visa.