France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain hold the title for the most powerful passports globally in 2024, providing visa-free access to 194 destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index.
European nations have risen in the rankings this quarter, with Finland, Sweden, and South Korea tied for second place, offering access to 193 destinations. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands secured the third position, allowing passport holders entry to 192 destinations.
India’s passport is ranked 80th on the list, permitting travel to 62 countries without a visa, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. India shares its current rank with Uzbekistan, while neighboring Pakistan is positioned at 101st.
Christian H Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, noted the widening global mobility gap, emphasizing the increasing disparity between top and bottom-ranked countries. Despite an overall trend toward increased travel freedom, the gap has reached an all-time high.
Mr. Kaelin highlighted that top-ranked countries can travel to 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which occupies the bottom spot on the list with access to only 28 countries without a visa. Syria, with visa-free access to 29 destinations, holds the second-lowest position, followed by Iraq with 31 and Pakistan with 34.
