Who owns the world's most powerful passports?
Instagram@ Gone Sun Where
Most powerful passports in the world
It's 2023 and with the start of a new year comes new travel opportunities. As well as updates on travel legislation.
Global travel is now at around 75% of pre-pandemic levels so travel is well and truly back on for travel lovers and Bloggers alike.
I've just heard the news that for the fifth year running, Japan has the world's most powerful passport. According to the Henley Passport Index's 2023 rankings.
Japanese citizens can now visit 193 countries visa-free. Amounting to 85 per cent of the world and 98 per cent of the global economy!
However, as the world gets more globalized, the ability to move freely and efficiently becomes a luxury for more and more aspiring travellers.
A passport represents much more than just an ID card; it’s a symbol of a country’s powerful influence in the international community.
Having a powerful passport can open up many doors and opportunities. It can grant access to more countries without the hassle of long visa processing times or hefty visa fees.
Let's discover which other passports are the most powerful?
United States
The United States has one of the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest rankings from the Henley Passport Index.
The passport also grants its holder access to a number of benefits, including free healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in the United States.
While the US passport has moved from the top spot in the last few years. Their position has come under pressure from a number of other countries. In particular, countries in Europe and Asia are making fast progress in expanding their global travel networks.
So what makes a passport powerful? It’s a combination of factors, including the number of countries it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to, as well as how easily holders can obtain visas for popular destinations such as the US, UK, and Canada.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom also has one of the most powerful passports in the world. UK citizens can travel to many countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. They also have access to preferential treatment in many areas, including education and employment.
If you're due to renew your British passport. You'd better hurry, as British passport application and renewal fees are set to rise next month from February 2023.
Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Sweden all tie at fifth place. While France, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom come in at number 6.
Canada
Canada has one of the most powerful passport in the world.
A Canadian passport is valid for 5 years for adults and 10 years for children under 16. To apply for a passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and have proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, citizenship card, or naturalization certificate.
You will also need 2 photographs that meet specific requirements, identification documents, and proof of travel plans.
If you lose your passport while overseas, you can get an emergency travel document from the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. You will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship, as well as 2 photographs that meet specific requirements.
Japan
As the second largest economy in the world, it's no surprise that the Japanese passport is currently the most powerful in the world.
In addition, Japan is home to many world-renowned brands and attractions, from sushi and sake to Mt. Fuji and samurai castles. Whether you're looking to explore new cultures or sample delicious cuisine, Japan is an excellent choice for your next adventure.
The New Zealand passport
New Zealand passports are some of the most powerful in the world according to the Passport Index.
There are a few reasons why New Zealand passports are so powerful. Firstly, the country is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This alliance gives New Zealand passport holders access to greater security and intelligence resources than other countries.
Secondly, New Zealand is a member of the International Whaling Commission, which allows its citizens to travel to countries that are not members (such as Japan) for business or research purposes. Finally, New Zealand has strong diplomatic relations with many countries around the world, which makes it easier for its citizens to obtain visas.
The Japanese passport
There are many different types of passports in the world, but the Japanese passport is definitely one of the most powerful.
Some of the countries that you can visit with a Japanese passport include: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
As you can see, with a Japanese passport you have access to some of the best travel destinations in the world.
In addition to being able to travel to numerous countries without a visa, holders of a Japanese passport also enjoy other benefits such as priority boarding on flights and expedited entry into Japan.
If you're looking for a powerful passport that will allow you to travel the world with ease, then the Japanese passport is definitely worth considering.
Henley & Partner's list
The Henley and partners list is one of several passport indexes. It is created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens.
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
It's updated in real time throughout the year, as and when visa policy changes come into effect.
Conclusion
It is clear that there are many powerful passports in the world that grant holders access to different countries with relative ease.
Whether you want to get a job overseas, travel for business or leisure, or stay abroad for an extended period of time, having one of the most powerful passports in the world can make all the difference.
With technological and geopolitical developments constantly occurring around us, it would be wise to keep up-to-date on which countries have the most power passport so that your life and travels remain as convenient as possible.