Singapore's passport holds more power than Germany's in global travel terms
In the realm of international travel, the latest rankings from the "Henley Passport Index" and Arton Capital have shed light on the vast disparities in global mobility. The rankings, which are published annually, offer a fascinating insight into the travel freedom enjoyed by citizens of various countries.
According to Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, the rankings underscore the enormous differences in global mobility. Kaelin emphasizes that as climate change, political instability, and conflicts force more people to flee, we need new approaches to understand migration not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity.
Henley & Partners, a leading global citizenship and residence advisory firm, relies on IATA data for its evaluation. On the other hand, Arton Capital uses the official figures of the 199 UN member states. Despite these differences, both rankings highlight some striking trends.
In the latest "Henley Passport Index," the USA ranks ninth, a persistent decline attributed to a restrictive visa policy. The USA's visa-free entry is limited to only 46 nations, a factor that is hindering its ranking, according to Henley & Partners. This decline is in stark contrast to the rise of countries like the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Singapore.
The United Arab Emirates have risen significantly in recent years, with 185 visa-free travel destinations. Japan ranks second with 193 visa-free destinations, while Singapore currently holds the top spot, offering visa-free access to 195 of 227 possible travel destinations.
The German passport, once one of the most powerful, now ranks third in the latest "Henley Passport Index." Several EU countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, have fallen back two places, according to the index.
Afghanistan once again lands in last place with only 26 visa-free destinations, a reflection of the country's ongoing crises and limited global connections.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates currently have the most powerful passport according to Arton Capital, while Germany shares third place with several European countries according to Arton Capital.
Our website, a German-language service and news portal, provides comprehensive information on these global mobility trends, the most desirable citizenship-by-investment programs, and the top global mobility and migration trends in 2024. Additionally, it offers insights into the business travel dominance of countries like Singapore, China, and Japan in the APAC region.
Citizenship, according to Kaelin, can decide between prosperity and restricted freedom in a world full of crises. As we navigate these challenging times, understanding the implications of global mobility and the power of a passport has become more crucial than ever.
