Israeli Passport Ranks 18th Globally Despite Security Challenges and Low Peace Index

The Israeli passport remains one of the world's strongest despite ongoing security tensions, war, and international criticism, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday. Israel ranks 18th globally in passport strength, measured by the number of countries its holders can enter without a prior visa. This stands in stark contrast to its position on the Global Peace Index, where Israel ranks 159th out of 163 countries, placing it among the least peaceful nations worldwide.

Henley Passport Index highlights Israel as a significant outlier, noting that its passport's strength results from decades of diplomatic capital, geopolitical influence, economic importance, and international trust in its institutions and travel documents. The report emphasizes that passport power is not solely determined by a country's internal peace or security but also by its political standing, international relations, and economic strength.

The report also points out that the United States shares a similar pattern, ranking 134th on the Global Peace Index but holding the 10th strongest passport globally. Both countries are described as the most notable statistical exceptions, maintaining powerful passports despite low peace rankings.

Singapore leads the passport rankings this year, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea with access to 188 countries. The report notes a significant increase in global travel freedom over the past two decades, with the strongest passports now allowing access to many more countries than in 2006. Conversely, Afghanistan remains last, with access to only 22 destinations.

The Henley report concludes that passport strength reflects the value other nations place on bilateral relations in trade, investment, security, and cooperation, extending well beyond a country's peacefulness or conflict status.