Singapore Retains Top Spot for Strongest Passport, Israel Ranks 18th

Singapore continues to hold the title of the world's strongest passport, according to the latest quarterly ranking by British consultancy Henley & Partners. The ranking evaluates 199 passports based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measuring visa-free access to countries worldwide. Singaporean passport holders can enter 197 out of 227 destinations without a visa, an increase from 192 in January when it also ranked first.

Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place, each offering visa-free access to 188 destinations. Sweden ranks third with 187 countries. The UAE notably climbed six places from eighth in the previous ranking. Israel holds steady at 18th place, granting visa-free entry to 166 countries, though this is a decline from 170 countries last year.

At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, allowing visa-free access to only 23 destinations. Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen follow with slightly higher numbers. The top ten is dominated by European countries, with Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain all tied for fourth place, each with access to 186 countries. The United States ranks tenth with visa-free access to 180 countries.

Among other notable rankings, Cape Verde is 24th with access to 64 countries, while Iran and the Palestinian Authority share 95th place with visa-free entry to 38 countries each. The rankings reflect ongoing shifts in global mobility and diplomatic relations.