Japan
Topping the list is Japan, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries. It is the third time in a row that the country has ranked first in the quarterly index.
Singapore
Singapore ties with Japan yet again for the top spot on the list. Some of the countries where Singapore passport holders still face restrictions include Bhutan, Pakistan and Russia.
South Korea
Joining Japan and Singapore at the top, South Korea has risen in the ranks to enjoy greater access – to 189 countries. Previously tied with Germany and France in third place, South Korea owes its jump to India, with whom it now has a visa-on-arrival agreement.
Germany
Previously holding top position at the beginning of 2018, then moving to third in January 2019, Germany now sits at second place with access to 188 countries, thanks to its visa exemption from Uzbekistan.
Other notable changes include China’s leap of almost 20 places in just two years, rising from 85th in 2017 to 67th this year with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 74 countries. The United Arab Emirates has also improved its ranking, starting at 61st in 2009 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 52 nations, and moving up to 21st this year with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 165 countries.
The Henley Passport Index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations and is compiled by global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority.
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A version of this story appeared in the March 2019 issue of SilverKris
