In the latest Henley Passport Index rankings, Singapore once again defends its title as the world's strongest passport. According to data released in October by the London-based global citizenship and residency consultancy, Singapore passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide.
The Henley Passport Index, which is updated in real-time every three months based on the number of countries that can be visited without a visa, has become an internationally recognized benchmark for measuring global mobility.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia ranks second after Singapore as the country with the strongest passport. According to the Henley Passport Index, Malaysian passport holders have visa-free access to 183 countries, ranking it fifth in the world.
Thailand (61st) and Indonesia (65th) follow with 82 and 76 visa-free destinations respectively. Vietnam dropped three places to 90th, with visa-free access to 51 countries.
Reigning Champion: The Secrets Behind Singapore's Passport Power
Singapore's passport offers exceptional global mobility, allowing its holders to enter 195 countries without complex visa requirements. This broad accessibility facilitates travel for Singaporean citizens for a variety of purposes, including business, leisure, and education.
This success is the result of the government's ongoing efforts to build strong diplomatic relationships with partner countries. Over the past decade, Singapore has successfully increased the number of visa-free destinations by 25 countries.
The country's strong economic stability has been a key factor in Singapore's rise in the passport rankings. As a global financial center with a high per capita income, Singapore has been able to build a positive international reputation.
The high level of trust in Singapore's economy has encouraged other countries to grant Singaporean citizens easier access. In addition, the reputation of Singaporeans as responsible travelers with strong purchasing power further strengthens the global position of the Singapore passport.
Read also: Explore Singapore for Free: 8 Must-Visit Destinations Without Spending a Dime
Why Are Some Passports More Stronger Than Others?
The Henley Passport Index uses a relatively simple methodology to determine the ranking of global passports, based on the number of countries that passport holders can visit without complex visa requirements. Each country that offers visa-free access, visitor permits or electronic entry permits adds one point to the passport's ranking.
While this methodology seems straightforward, complex social, political, and historical factors significantly influence a country's position in the index.
In particular, the African continent has a relatively low level of visa-free access compared to other continents. Although factors such as long-term visa requirements and asylum claims contribute to this data, a study by Professor Mehari Taddele Maru in the Henley Global Mobility 2024 report suggests that cultural and racial biases underlie these disparities.
On the other hand, while geopolitical factors play an important role, some countries have managed to improve their passport rankings in a short period of time through careful diplomatic strategies, such as visa waiver agreements.
