The world’s most powerful passports in 2022: Japan top for fifth year in a row, as Asian countries dominate
- The Henley Passport Index ranks the most powerful passports based on how many nations and territories their holders can visit without an advance visa
- Japanese passport holders can visit 193 countries, compared to the US’ 186 and China’s 80; Singapore and South Korea tie for second place on 192
Asia once again dominates the rankings of countries with the most powerful passports, according to a report from the Henley Passport Index.
The index is an annual power ranking of passports determined by the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without having to obtain a visa in advance and is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority. It includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations.
Japan topped the list for the fifth year running: Japanese passport holders can arrive in 193 destinations without a visa, two more destinations than in last year’s report.
Singapore and South Korea tied for second place, both with access to 192 destinations. Close behind them are Germany and Spain, with 190.
Passports from 20 other countries provide better access than those of the United States – four more countries than last year. The US held its seventh-place ranking along with Belgium, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.