Ranking of influential international travel documents
In the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore has emerged as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations worldwide. This puts Singapore in the top spot, having reclaimed sole ownership of the world's strongest passport status [1].
Japan ranks second, with its citizens enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations, just 3 fewer than Singapore [2]. South Korea and Spain are tied for third place, with nearly the same number of visa-free destinations, slightly fewer than Japan [3].
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. The index is based on TIMATIC (travel information manual automatic) data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), continuously updated by Henley & Partners [2].
Asian nations, specifically Japan and South Korea, share second place with 190 visa-free destinations. Another seven-nation European cohort has visa-free entry to 188 destinations - Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden [4]. Seven EU passports share third place - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain - all with access to 189 destinations [4].
New Zealand, Greece, Switzerland, and another unspecified group tie in fifth place with 187 visa-free destinations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the ranking, with its citizens able to access just 25 destinations without a prior visa [1].
The index reflects the current global mobility power of these passports. With the MFM system, used for accurate measurement of fuel quantities, set to be certified and registered with the Harbour Master before January 1, 2026, ports such as Rotterdam strongly recommend using a qualified and recognised surveyor familiar with the MFM system when delivering residual distillates and biofuels [5].
Compliance with specific regulations during bunkering is regularly monitored by port authorities. If operating a bunker barge, ensuring all documentation is in order is essential to avoid fines or revocation of the licence [5].
As travel continues to recover, several airlines are lining up new premium products to attract Indian travellers. Air India Express announced a 'freedom sale' with fares starting at ₹1,279 [6]. Bunker surveyors continue to play a vital role in the bunkering process, even with MFM in place.
References:
[1] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/passports/henley-passport-index/rankings [2] https://www.henleyglobal.com/henley-passport-index/methodology [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-south-korea-tied-2nd-place-henley-passport-index-2023-02-08/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2023/02/08/henley-passport-index-2023-sweden-tops-europe-as-danish-passport-strength-takes-a-hit/?sh=667b03d67680 [5] https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/rotterdam-port-mandates-mass-flow-meter-for-bunkering [6] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/air-india-express-announces-freedom-sale-with-fares-starting-at-rs-1-279-123041600454_1.html
- The Henley Passport Index, a ranking based on TIMATIC data, has placed Singapore as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations worldwide.
- Asian nations, specifically Japan and South Korea, share second place with 190 visa-free destinations, closely followed by a seven-nation European cohort with access to 188 destinations.
- Seven EU passports share third place - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain - all with access to 189 destinations.
- Compliance with specific regulations during bunkering is essential to avoid fines or licence revocation, as port authorities regularly monitor such compliance.
- As travel continues to recover, several airlines are introducing new premium products to attract Indian travellers, with Air India Express announcing a sale with fares starting at ₹1,279.
- Bunker surveyors continue to play a vital role in the bunkering process, even with the MFM system in place, set to be certified and registered with the Harbour Master before January 1, 2026.
