The Henley Passport Index, a renowned metric for measuring the strength and global mobility afforded by the passports of various countries, has unveiled its rankings for 2024. This year, France leads the pack, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 194 countries, a testament to the country’s robust diplomatic relations and its citizens’ global mobility.
France, along with Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, stands at the pinnacle of passport power, each providing their citizens visa-free access to 194 countries. This elite group represents a diverse cross-section of global leaders, underscoring the importance of soft power and the benefits of international cooperation.
The Henley Passport Index 2024 reveals interesting shifts and trends in global mobility. While India saw a slight decrease in its rank, slipping to 85th with visa-free access to 62 countries, its maritime neighbour Maldives ranked 58th, enjoying access to 96 countries. China improved its standing slightly to 64th, as it seeks to rejuvenate its tourism sector by extending visa-free access to many European countries.
The United States moved up to 6th position, reflecting its strong passport despite the nation’s contentious anti-immigration policies. This year’s index also highlights a remarkable growth in global mobility compared to two decades ago, with the average number of countries accessible visa-free nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024.
The table below outlines the top rankings on the Henley Passport Index for 2024, offering a clear view of how different countries compare in terms of the travel freedom afforded to their citizens:
| Rank | Country(s) | Visa-Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain | 194 |
| 2nd | Finland, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden | 193 |
| 3rd | Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, United Kingdom | 192 |
| 4th | Belgium, Norway, Portugal | 191 |
| 5th | Australia, Greece, Malta, New Zealand, Switzerland | 190 |
| 6th | Canada, Czechia, Poland, United States | 189 |
| 7th | Hungary, Lithuania | 188 |
| 8th | Estonia | 187 |
| 9th | Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia | 186 |
| 10th | Iceland | 185 |
| 85th | India | 62 |
The rankings not only reflect the travel convenience enjoyed by citizens of these countries but also signify the diplomatic clout and international relations strength. Countries with stronger passports enjoy a higher degree of soft power, influencing international affairs through cultural and economic means rather than military might.
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