Ranking Passports for Visa-Free Destinations in 2023
Possessing a powerful passport can make a difference for foreign travelers in a rapidly globalizing world. In this blog, we will explore the rankings of the passports (as of October 6th, 2023). The ranking is based on the Henley Passport Index, which is a widely recognized & authoritative passport ranking system. These passports are checked against the IATA database and regularly updated. This ranking of the world’s passports is based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa. Let’s take a closer look at these travel documents.
- Singapore (193 destinations)
Singapore holds the top position on the list, offering visa-free access to 193 countries. Singapore is a favored destination for both frequent travelers and global entrepreneurs due to its robust passport program, which reflects its strong economy and diplomatic relations.
- Japan (191 destinations)
With access to 191 countries without a visa, Japan takes second place, demonstrating the depth of its diplomatic ties. At first, Japan held the title of passport with the most visa-free destinations, either by itself or together with Singapore. However, the shift in ranking occurred at the beginning of the year when Singapore’s passport surpassed Japan’s.
- France, South Korea, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Finland, Spain (190 destinations)
France, South Korea, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Spain share the third position, with their citizens enjoying free access to 190 countries. These countries have historically strong passports, making their citizens welcome travelers around the world.
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom (189 destinations)
Austria passport holders join five other countries in third place, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, all offering their citizens access to 189 countries without a visa.
- Belgium, Malta, Norway, Portugal (188 destinations)
In fifth place, Belgium, Malta, Norway, and Portugal, each granting their passport holders access to 188 destinations. These passports offer substantial global mobility, allowing their holders to explore numerous countries without visa requirements.
Keesing’s Role in ID Document Verification
Keesing contributes to the security and reliability of the passport verification process with its extensive experience in identity verification. In addition to streamlining ID checks for governmental organisations, Keesing enables industries, like finance, law, and many others to authenticate that the passport they present is genuine and belongs to the individual using it.
Through Keesing DocumentChecker, users can perform accurate manual id checks by this reference database with over 6000+ documents and a global coverage. Our other solution, Keesing AuthentiScan, is a swift automated solution that utilizes advanced technology like facial recognition, OCR, or optional screening against international PEP and sanction lists. For those who are building their own document verification components, Keesing DaaS (Data as a Service) offers data to be used as a reference or to train AI/ML.
Your passport is your key to the world, and Keesing, with over 100 years of experience, helps ensure it remains a secure and trusted means of global mobility. To learn more about how Keesing can streamline your identity verification process, visit our website, or contact us.
Sources: The Official Passport Index ranking. (z.d.). Henley & Partners. https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking
