Realise it or not, citizens who travel, not only domestically but also overseas, end up obtaining a passport. A passport is not just a "book" or document. It is an important identity for a person's citizenship, connecting to economic opportunities, global mobility, and influence in the international arena.
For citizens who hold a strong passport, it means they have the privilege of crossing borders so travelling can be carried out freely and easily.
However, those who hold a less powerful passport will face some challenges. There is a long line of paperwork for a visa, and a long-awaited visa to some countries may result in differences in treatment. The next question is, what exactly makes a passport strong?
A passport is more than just a document or identification; it also means travel freedom, especially for citizens holding one of the most powerful passports in the world. The convenience will be felt far apart compared to—let's call it—the weakest passport in the world.
The country with the most powerful passport allows its citizens seamless global mobility with global opportunity. This passport is also a determinant for travellers, determining the number of destinations it grants visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival access.
In this case, frequent travellers are most affected because the more powerful the passport, the fewer travel restrictions can be eliminated. That's a great citizenship benefit.
Then, for the country, it can also be an indicator of a country's strength in terms of diplomacy and international relations, furthermore boosting a country's economy by attracting more tourists and investors.
Click2Refund delves into the rankings of the world's most powerful passports in 2025, as specified by the Henley Passport Index and the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index, with both of them using different approaches.
Starting from the Henley Passport Index, which is the original and official ranking of all world passports. The Henley Passport Index is calculated according to the number of destinations that can be accessed by the holder without a prior visa.
The data created is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Then the data is refined by the Henley & Partners research team.
Here are the top five most powerful passports in the world, ranked by the number of destinations they allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access:
Singapore held the 1st powerful and strongest passport in the world based on the Henley Passport Index in 2025. Singapore citizens enjoy visa-free access to 193 countries. Singaporean passport holders benefit from smooth travel across Europe, North America, and Asia. They can visit multiple destinations without worrying about visa restrictions, making international travel hassle-free.
Japan and South Korea ranked in second place as the most powerful passports in the world. Both citizens can visit 190 visa-free countries. Those countries also frequently top the list of the world's most powerful passports, demonstrating their reputation for mobility and travel freedom.
Ranking third in the list of countries with the strongest passports is occupied by 7 countries in the European region. Holders of passports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain can visit 189 countries with visa-free travel.
Other European countries that occupy the fourth position as the owners of the strongest passports are Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. Passport holders from each of these countries can visit 188 countries, including Asia.
Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland citizens can travel visa-free to 188 destinations, making those countries one of the top-ranked passports globally. This privilege makes it highly valuable for frequent travellers, business professionals, and individuals seeking seamless global mobility.
Unlike Henley, the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index evaluates 199 nationalities, based on five criteria: visa-free travel, taxation, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom.
These five criteria reflect the real life of modern nomads, accompanying the magnitude of global mobility. Not only that, but economic instability, geopolitical shifts, and even massive policy changes limit visa-free access for many passports.
Based on the applied criteria, here is the list of the most powerful passports in the world from first to fifth rank according to the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index:
Nomad Passport Score: 109
Ireland takes the Nomad Passport Index top spot in 2025. Irish citizens enjoy the right to
live and work freely across the EU and, uniquely, in the UK. Based on data, Ireland reached
a Travel score of 176, which means that Ireland passport holders can enter a total of 176
destinations — either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA.
Nomad Passport Score: 108.50
Despite its second place, the Switzerland passport remains one of the world’s elite
passports. Switzerland’s dual citizenship laws and high levels of personal liberty keep it
among the most sought-after passports in the world. Swiss passport holders can enter a
total of 175 destinations.
Nomad Passport Score: 108.50
Greece is ranked third according to the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index as the world's
most powerful passport holder. Greek citizens are almost always allowed to have other
citizenships and can visit 175 countries hassle-free.
Nomad Passport Score: 108.00
Portugal remains a global favourite, offering a welcoming culture, visa-free access to
destinations like South Africa and one of Europe's most expat-friendly tax regimes. For
many, it's still the EU's ultimate lifestyle passport. Greece passport holders can enter a
total of 175 destinations, without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA.
Nomad Passport Score: 107.50
Malta is one of the biggest movers and shakers in this year’s index, flying from 14th to
joint 5th. That move is powered by a significant jump in its tax score because of its non
dom tax regime. Malta passport holders can visit 171 destinations. Also, Maltese citizens
are almost always allowed to hold other citizenships.
As seen in the 2025 rankings, the strongest passports belong to countries with robust diplomatic networks, economic stability, and policies favouring global mobility. Whether it’s Japan and Singapore leading in visa-free travel or Ireland and Switzerland excelling in investment-friendly policies, these rankings highlight the importance of strategic international relationships.
For travellers, expatriates, and global entrepreneurs, a powerful passport is more than just a document—it’s a gateway to limitless possibilities. As geopolitics and international policies continue to evolve, so too will these rankings, shaping the way citizens navigate the world in years to come.
Here’s one undeniable truth: having a powerful passport opens doors—both literally and figuratively. It grants freedom, convenience, and opportunities that can shape one's global experience.
Regardless of whether you have a powerful passport or a weaker one, travel delays can happen to anyone. It's always a good idea to check for both flight compensation and the air passenger rights. Click2refund can help ensure that your vacation remains enjoyable, even in the event of a flight hiccup.