World’s most powerful and desirable passports – post COVID-19
Airplanes are grounded but which passports offer the most access in 2020?
Before the global pandemic struck, the world enjoyed the freedom and we could travel anywhere.
People have been saving up to travel and the average passport-holder could enjoy visa-free access to 107 destinations.
However, travel bans kicked in.
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The Henley Passport Index, which periodically measures the world's most travel-friendly passports, has released its third report.
It is still easiest to travel to Asian countries. Japan is at the top spot, offering visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. If you watched the Rugby World Cup in 2019, you would know it is easy!
Christian H. Kaelin, inventor of the passport index concept says, “The pandemic's impact on travel freedom has been more drastic and long-lasting than initially anticipated, and there is more upheaval to come."
The best passports to hold in 2020 are:
1. Japan (191 destinations) (and NZ)
2. Singapore (190)
3. South Korea, Germany (189)
4. Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg (188)
5. Denmark, Austria (187)
6. Sweden, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland (186)
7. Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium (185)
8. Greece, New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic (184)
9. Canada, Australia (183)
10. Hungary (181)
The worst passports to hold
Several countries around the world have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries.
103. North Korea (39 destinations)
104. Libya, Nepal, Palestinian Territory (38)
105. Somalia, Yemen (33)
106. Pakistan (32)
107. Syria (29)
108. Iraq (28)
109. Afghanistan (26)