Finally, there is a positive announcement for the passionate wanderers of Japan, as the nation surpasses Singapore and emerges as the possessor of the world’s most influential passport. According to the most recent report from Henley Passport Index, Japanese citizens now have the advantage of traveling to 189 countries without the need for a visa.
According to the Henley reports published on 28th February 2018, Japan and Singapore tied with 180 countries, while Germany secured second place in terms of granting visa-free access to 179 countries.
Now that Japan triumphs in the competition for the world’s most influential passport, Singapore and Germany are tied for second place in terms of granting visa-free access to 188 countries.
In this battle for the title of the most influential passport, while other countries are striving to reach the pinnacle, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced the fastest ascent, now ranking at 23rd place after climbing 38 positions since 2008. The country’s rise has been substantial since it began obtaining new visa waivers in 2018 for its citizens.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
This Passport Index is issued by Henley & Partners, which is a worldwide citizenship and residence advisory firm. It is an authenticated report that evaluates the influence of a passport based on the number of countries a citizen can visit without a visa. This assessment is further based on data generated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Key Points from the Recent Henley Passport Index, 2018
- Nations such as South Korea, Finland, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden occupy the third position on the index, while the United States and the United Kingdom are tied for fourth place.
- Greenland, Faroe Islands, Monaco, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Palestine, Vatican City, and San Marino are some of the territories and micro-states that Henley has included in its list.
- While Asian nations hold the top ranks, Russia has announced the exemption of visas for tourists holding FIFA World Cup tickets, as the country is hosting the event this year.
- Saudi Arabia has declared its intention to issue tourist visas for the first time, while Uzbekistan and Belarus are considering eliminating visa requirements to boost tourist numbers.
Do you believe that Singapore will manage to reclaim its original rank on the Passport Index? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Category: Nippon, Popular
