Move Over, Japan: This Country’s Passport Is Most Powerful In World

The latest Henley Passport Index shows that Singapore has displaced Japan as the world’s most powerful passport, providing visa-free entry to 192 global destinations.

According to the list published by London-based immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, Japan fell to third place after five years at the top as the number of locations its passport may enter without a visa fell.

The United States, which once topped the list nearly a decade ago, has dropped two spots to eighth position.

Following a Brexit-induced decline, the United Kingdom jumped two positions to fourth, a position it last held in 2017.

Singapore is a magnet for riches, with a recent surge fueled by China’s assault on the private sector and concerns about geopolitical tensions.

However, obtaining the right to use the city-state’s travel document isn’t easy. The 5.6 million-person nation gave citizenship to approximately 23,100 people last year, and authorities earlier this year ruled out doing so based on individuals’ economic worth.

Henley’s ranking is based on the International Air Transport Association. The methodology is different from other passport indexes, such as one released by financial advisory Arton Capital last year that ranked the United Arab Emirates first.

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