Japan’s passport strength slips to third place, Singapore takes top spot
WASHINGTON (Kyodo News Agency) – Japanese passports fell from first to third place in terms of the number of places their holders can enter visa-free, with Singapore holding on to the top spot, according to a survey recently released by a consulting firm.
Japan has been considered the most powerful passport since 2018, but its holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 locations, while Singaporean passport holders can visit 192 destinations visa-free.
Japan is tied for third with six other countries, including South Korea and France, according to a passport power ranking released Tuesday by Henley Partners Holdings Ltd.
Germany, Italy and Spain tied for second, with passports allowing visa-free travel to 190 countries. Afghanistan finished last with 27 places.
While the consultancy says there is more freedom to travel, it also acknowledges that there is a growing gap between passports that allow visa-free travel and those that don’t.
The ranking is based on independent research data from IATA and Henley & Partners, covering 199 passport types and their ability to qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival status in 227 destinations.