Israel Maintains 18th Place in Global Passport Power Ranking Despite Regional Conflicts
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Israel holds steady at 18th place in Henley & Partners' global passport ranking, with access to 166 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Singapore tops the list with 192 countries, while Israel's passport strength is linked to strategic alliances despite regional instability.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel ranks 18th globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 166 countries.
- Singapore leads the ranking with access to 192 countries.
- UAE, Japan, and South Korea share second place with access to 188 countries.
- Israel is noted as an anomaly: low peace but strong passport due to strategic alliances.
- US slipped to 10th place in the passport power ranking.
- Global visa-free travel has significantly expanded over the past 20 years.
Israel has retained its position as the 18th strongest passport worldwide, according to the semi-annual ranking published by Henley & Partners, a consultancy specializing in immigration and citizenship advisory. Israeli passport holders can enter 166 countries without a prior visa or with visa-on-arrival access, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Singapore leads the ranking, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 countries. Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place, each with access to 188 countries. The UAE has notably climbed the rankings over the past decade by securing multiple reciprocal visa-free agreements, adding five new countries in the past year alone, supported by consultancy from Henley & Partners.
The report highlights Israel as an anomaly, being one of the five least peaceful countries globally yet possessing one of the top 20 most powerful passports. This strength is attributed to Israel's strategic alliances, diplomatic capital, and international trust. Meanwhile, the United States has slipped to 10th place in recent years.
Henley & Partners also emphasize a global trend toward increased freedom of movement over the last two decades. In 2006, the strongest passports (held by the US, Denmark, and Finland) allowed visa-free access to 130 destinations, whereas today Singapore leads with access to 192. The report underscores the growing ease of international travel worldwide despite geopolitical tensions.
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