UK Among the Top 5 in World's Most Powerful Passports - Latest Global | IaM (Immigration and Migration)

UK Among the Top 5 in World’s Most Powerful Passports – Latest Global Ranking July 2024

In an impressive climb, the UK's passport has secured fourth place on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world's best passports based on the number of countries where they are allowed visa-free entry. This is the UK's highest position on the list since 2017, putting it alongside Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.

The Henley Passport Index ranks countries by the number of nations their citizens can visit without a visa. For the past five years, Singapore has reigned supreme, topping the Henley Passport Index, which lists passports by the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free. The July 2024 edition of the ranking reaffirms Singapore's dominance.

In contrast, the United States continues to slide down the rankings. Currently, an American passport allows visa-free travel to 186 places. A decade ago, in 2014, the UK and the US shared the top spot on the index, with the UK also dominating the list in 2013 and 2015.

One of the most noteworthy developments this year is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) breaking into the top 10 for the first time, with its passport now allowing visa-free access to 152 destinations. This remarkable leap highlights the UAE's increasing global influence and connectivity.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry is set for significant growth in 2024. Airlines are expected to connect nearly 5 billion people across 22,000 routes on 39 million flights. Additionally, air cargo is projected to reach 62 million tonnes, facilitating a staggering $8.3 trillion (£6.4 trillion) in trade.

These developments underscore the importance of passport power in an increasingly interconnected world, where ease of travel plays a crucial role in global mobility and economic activity.

The Top 10 Global Passports 2024

1. Singapore – 195 visa-free destinations

2. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain – 192 visa-free destinations

3. Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden – 191 visa-free destinations

4. Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom – 190 visa-free destinations

5. Australia, Portugal – 189 visa-free destinations

6. Greece, Poland – 188 visa-free destinations

7. Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta – 187 visa-free destinations

8. United States – 186 visa-free destinations

9. Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates – 185 visa-free destinations

10. Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 184 visa-free destinations

To see the full rankings, visit henleypassportindex.com.

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