JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images
A passenger waits in line with her passport 23 January, 2007 before her Mexicana Air flight out of Chicago O'Hare International airport in Chicago, Illinois.
There’s a widening gap between the global north and the global south when it comes to travel freedoms, says the first 2022 report by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners.
The firm’s Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has been regularly monitoring the world’s most travel-friendly passports since 2006.
It says that increasing travel barriers that have been introduced over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the widest global mobility gap in the index’s 16-year history.
The index doesn’t take temporary restrictions into account, so leaving actual current travel access aside, holders of the passports at the top of its ranking — Japan and Singapore — are able, in theory, to travel visa-free to 192 destinations.
That’s 166 more destinations than Afghan nationals, who sit at the bottom of the index of 199 passports, and can access just 26 countries without requiring a visa in advance.
Europe dominates
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Germany has the highest-ranking European passport.
Further down the top 10, the rankings remains virtually unchanged as we enter the first quarter of 2022. South Korea is tied with Germany in second place (with a score of 190) and Finland, Italy, Luxembourg and Spain are all together in third place (with a score of 189).
EU countries dominate the top of the list as usual, with France, Netherlands and Sweden climbing one spot to join Austria and Denmark in fourth place (with a score of 188). Ireland and Portugal are in fifth place (with a score of 187).
The United States and the United Kingdom, which held the top spot together back in 2014, have regained a little ground. They’ve risen one ranking to No.6, alongside four other nations with a history of isolationism or neutrality: Switzerland, Norway, Belgium and New Zealand.
At No.7 we have Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Greece and Malta. Eastern European countries make up the rest of the top 10. Hungary and Poland have risen to eighth place, Lithuania and Slovakia have climbed to No. 9, and Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia are in tenth position.
Positive inward migration
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images
An employee of Hitachi demonstrates the new passport identify system developed by Hitachi and Glory Industry during a press preview at Hitachi's headquarters in Tokyo, 6 November 2003.
The latest report notes that the appearance late last year of the Omicron variant shone a light on a growing divide in international mobility between wealthier countries and poor ones, pointing towards the tough restrictions introduced against mainly African nations that U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as being akin to “travel apartheid.”
Pandemic aside, overall travel freedom levels have hugely expanded over the past couple of decades. The Henley Passport Index found in 2006 that, an individual could, on average, visit 57 countries without needing to acquire a visa in advance. Today, that number is 107 — almost double.
However, these new freedoms are primarily enjoyed by Europe, North America and richer Asian nations — passports holders from nations such as Angola, Cameroon and Laos are able to enter only about 50.
Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners and creator of the passport index concept, says opening up migration channels will be crucial for post-pandemic recovery. “Passports and visas are among the most important instruments impacting on social inequality worldwide as they determine opportunities for global mobility,” he says. “The borders within which we happen to be born, and the documents we are entitled to hold, are no less arbitrary than our skin color. Wealthier states need to encourage positive inward migration in an effort to help redistribute and rebalance human and material resources worldwide.”
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A photo illustration shows a Singapore passport in Singapore on March 29, 2020 as authorities has imposed tough measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The best passports to hold in 2022 are:
1. Japan, Singapore (192 destinations)
2. Germany, South Korea (190)
3. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain (189)
4. Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden (188)
5. Ireland, Portugal (187)
6. Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (186)
7. Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece, Malta (185)
8. Poland, Hungary (183)
9. Lithuania, Slovakia (182)
10. Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia (181)
The worst passports to hold
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
There's a widening gap between the global north and the global south when it comes to travel freedoms, says the first 2022 report by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, and pictured, counterfeit passports at San Francisco International Airport June 14, 2002 in California.
Several countries around the world have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries. These include:
104. North Korea (39 destinations)
105. Nepal and Palestinian territories (37)
106. Somalia (34)
107. Yemen (33)
108. Pakistan (31)
109. Syria (29)
110. Iraq (28)
111. Afghanistan (26)
Other indexes
Henley & Partner’s list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens.
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It is updated in real time throughout the year, as and when visa policy changes come into effect.
Arton Capital’s Passport Index takes into consideration the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories — ROC Taiwan, Macau (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican. Territories annexed to other countries are excluded.
Its 2022 index has the United Arab Emirates in in the top spot, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 160.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
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If you’ve been to the airport lately, you’ve noticed that people are on the move again. Even with the rise of the omicron variant, air travel is seeing an uptick every day, with travel numbers getting close to what they were before the pandemic.
Despite rising concern due to new variants, research shows that travelers are still feeling positive about the future. Destination Analytics — a research firm that is studying how the coronavirus impacts people’s perception of travel safety — recently reported Americans’ travel outlook for 2022 as “promising,” with 76% of American travelers in a ready-to-go state of mind. One-third of American travelers report they will take more leisure trips in the next year, and nearly 25% say they are planning to increase their international travel.
And it’s not only individuals who are feeling optimistic. Many airlines are finally removing aircraft from storage and relaunching the international routes we’ve all missed. With Australia finally opening after two years of border closure, Qantas has restarted many of its long-haul flights, including their most popular routes to Sydney from London (LHR) and Los Angeles (LAX).
Pixabay
If you’ve been to the airport lately, you’ve noticed that people are on the move again. Even with the rise of the omicron variant, air travel is seeing an uptick every day, with travel numbers getting close to what they were before the pandemic.
Despite rising concern due to new variants, research shows that travelers are still feeling positive about the future. Destination Analytics — a research firm that is studying how the coronavirus impacts people’s perception of travel safety — recently reported Americans’ travel outlook for 2022 as “promising,” with 76% of American travelers in a ready-to-go state of mind. One-third of American travelers report they will take more leisure trips in the next year, and nearly 25% say they are planning to increase their international travel.
And it’s not only individuals who are feeling optimistic. Many airlines are finally removing aircraft from storage and relaunching the international routes we’ve all missed. With Australia finally opening after two years of border closure, Qantas has restarted many of its long-haul flights, including their most popular routes to Sydney from London (LHR) and Los Angeles (LAX).
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
With more routes reopening and airlines scrambling to fill their planes, now could be the right time to book a flight, especially if you can get your hands on a coveted deal for international summer travel.
Pixabay
With more routes reopening and airlines scrambling to fill their planes, now could be the right time to book a flight, especially if you can get your hands on a coveted deal for international summer travel.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
It’s unlikely that travel will be restricted between states, so it may make sense to snag domestic tickets when you find a reasonable price. If you’re planning to hit a popular destination like Florida, New York, Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Texas or a national park, you’ll want to book early. The same goes if you’re booking with points; award availability will be competitive for flights and accommodation.
Pixabay
It’s unlikely that travel will be restricted between states, so it may make sense to snag domestic tickets when you find a reasonable price. If you’re planning to hit a popular destination like Florida, New York, Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Texas or a national park, you’ll want to book early. The same goes if you’re booking with points; award availability will be competitive for flights and accommodation.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
While international travel in pandemic times is unpredictable, booking a 2022 trip outside of the U.S. is possible. Just do your research and make sure you’re protected.
While more and more countries are “open” to travelers, each has its list of rules and requirements, and they’re all subject to change. Most countries require some proof of vaccine or negative COVID-19 test before entry, and many require you to complete government-issued travel attestation forms.
It’s certainly easiest to travel internationally if you’re fully vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated and are planning to travel anyway (despite the current CDC guidance to delay travel until fully vaccinated), you’ll need to do double due diligence on your transit and destination and be prepared for a lot of nasal swabs. Some countries will not allow any unvaccinated visitors to transit or enter, while others will require quarantine or a more rigorous testing requirement for those not fully vaccinated.
Pixabay
While international travel in pandemic times is unpredictable, booking a 2022 trip outside of the U.S. is possible. Just do your research and make sure you’re protected.
While more and more countries are “open” to travelers, each has its list of rules and requirements, and they’re all subject to change. Most countries require some proof of vaccine or negative COVID-19 test before entry, and many require you to complete government-issued travel attestation forms.
It’s certainly easiest to travel internationally if you’re fully vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated and are planning to travel anyway (despite the current CDC guidance to delay travel until fully vaccinated), you’ll need to do double due diligence on your transit and destination and be prepared for a lot of nasal swabs. Some countries will not allow any unvaccinated visitors to transit or enter, while others will require quarantine or a more rigorous testing requirement for those not fully vaccinated.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
Above all, you must be prepared to pivot your plans at a moment’s notice; you never know when an illness or shutdown may prevent you from taking flight. If you can afford to tack on travel insurance to a non-refundable flight, doing so can give you peace of mind; just be sure the insurance covers COVID-related cancellations.
Pixabay
Above all, you must be prepared to pivot your plans at a moment’s notice; you never know when an illness or shutdown may prevent you from taking flight. If you can afford to tack on travel insurance to a non-refundable flight, doing so can give you peace of mind; just be sure the insurance covers COVID-related cancellations.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
Traveling in 2022 is possible, but it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Always put your health and safety first and recognize your comfort with risk. If you’re not ready for international travel, domestic travel is great. And if you aren’t ready to get on a plane yet, it’s still good to take a road trip and stay close to home. Do what is best for you as we adapt to what the new year brings.
Pixabay
Traveling in 2022 is possible, but it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Always put your health and safety first and recognize your comfort with risk. If you’re not ready for international travel, domestic travel is great. And if you aren’t ready to get on a plane yet, it’s still good to take a road trip and stay close to home. Do what is best for you as we adapt to what the new year brings.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
For 2022 travel, never forget that change is our new normal. Organize your trip like you’re going to have to cancel it at the last minute — or even change it midway through.
Pixabay
For 2022 travel, never forget that change is our new normal. Organize your trip like you’re going to have to cancel it at the last minute — or even change it midway through.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
Make sure that any flight or hotel room you book is flexible, changeable and refundable. If you’re booking with your credit card points, look up the rules of the credit card, hotel or airline program through which you’re booking to make sure you can get your points back and adjust your itinerary. And if you’re shelling out a lot of money for an organized tour, cruise or another prepaid adventure, do your homework and get yourself some travel insurance.
Pixabay
Make sure that any flight or hotel room you book is flexible, changeable and refundable. If you’re booking with your credit card points, look up the rules of the credit card, hotel or airline program through which you’re booking to make sure you can get your points back and adjust your itinerary. And if you’re shelling out a lot of money for an organized tour, cruise or another prepaid adventure, do your homework and get yourself some travel insurance.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
If you can, book directly through the airlines or hotels where possible, rather than a third party (like Expedia or Kayak). It isn’t that third-party sites don’t have great deals — they just make it more complicated to get a refund or make a change cancellation.
Most airlines still have flexible change policies for domestic tickets and international tickets originating in the U.S. — unless you’re booking the basic or saver fare. Of course, the rules will likely keep changing, so make sure you check before you buy.
Pixabay
If you can, book directly through the airlines or hotels where possible, rather than a third party (like Expedia or Kayak). It isn’t that third-party sites don’t have great deals — they just make it more complicated to get a refund or make a change cancellation.
Most airlines still have flexible change policies for domestic tickets and international tickets originating in the U.S. — unless you’re booking the basic or saver fare. Of course, the rules will likely keep changing, so make sure you check before you buy.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
COVID-19 is still with us and is likely here to stay. Yet, airplanes are still full, business travelers are back in the skies and there are offers to be had as travel and tourism returns. If we’ve learned anything, we all know that we can never know for certain what the new year holds. But it’s my greatest wish for all of us that 2022 is an amazing year of getting back to whatever kind of travel is best for each of us.
Pixabay
COVID-19 is still with us and is likely here to stay. Yet, airplanes are still full, business travelers are back in the skies and there are offers to be had as travel and tourism returns. If we’ve learned anything, we all know that we can never know for certain what the new year holds. But it’s my greatest wish for all of us that 2022 is an amazing year of getting back to whatever kind of travel is best for each of us.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Pixabay
After a long travel hiatus, it makes sense to ensure that your travel credit card rewards strategy is optimized. An end-of-the-year rewards audit is a good way to refresh your memory of where you’ve stashed all those points you’ve earned.
Also, it may be time to upgrade those cards you’ve let lapse because you weren’t using the lounge or baggage benefits. I’m personally back to enough domestic travel that I’m ready to re-up The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. I downgraded the card in 2020, but I’m ready to access the American Express Centurion Lounge network once again.
You can also take advantage of an airline or hotel card sign-up bonus, many of which are worth enough points to get you at least one domestic return trip anywhere in the U.S. or a couple of free hotel nights for your first 2022 trip.
Pixabay
After a long travel hiatus, it makes sense to ensure that your travel credit card rewards strategy is optimized. An end-of-the-year rewards audit is a good way to refresh your memory of where you’ve stashed all those points you’ve earned.
Also, it may be time to upgrade those cards you’ve let lapse because you weren’t using the lounge or baggage benefits. I’m personally back to enough domestic travel that I’m ready to re-up The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. I downgraded the card in 2020, but I’m ready to access the American Express Centurion Lounge network once again.
You can also take advantage of an airline or hotel card sign-up bonus, many of which are worth enough points to get you at least one domestic return trip anywhere in the U.S. or a couple of free hotel nights for your first 2022 trip.
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2022
Alaska Airlines: Cancel non-refundable reservations and have the funds deposited in My Wallet or use the value in exchange. No cancellations on Saver tickets except within 24 hours of booking.
American Airlines: No change fees for domestic, short-haul international and select long-haul international flying on Premium Cabin, Premium Economy and Main Cabin fares. Basic Economy fares bought on or after April 1, 2021 are non-refundable and non-changeable.
Delta Airlines: Cancel any ticket in main cabin and above for a Delta eCredit valid for one year. Basic Economy tickets remain non-changeable and non-refundable.
JetBlue: No change or cancellation fees on fares, except Blue Basic.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest does not charge fees to change or cancel a flight in most cases.
United Airlines: United Airlines has permanently removed change fees for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean, and for international travel originating in the U.S. All other international travel won’t have change fees if the ticket is issued by January 31, 2022. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed unless issued before Dec. 31, 2021.
Source: Airlines
Alaska Airlines: Cancel non-refundable reservations and have the funds deposited in My Wallet or use the value in exchange. No cancellations on Saver tickets except within 24 hours of booking.
American Airlines: No change fees for domestic, short-haul international and select long-haul international flying on Premium Cabin, Premium Economy and Main Cabin fares. Basic Economy fares bought on or after April 1, 2021 are non-refundable and non-changeable.
Delta Airlines: Cancel any ticket in main cabin and above for a Delta eCredit valid for one year. Basic Economy tickets remain non-changeable and non-refundable.
JetBlue: No change or cancellation fees on fares, except Blue Basic.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest does not charge fees to change or cancel a flight in most cases.
United Airlines: United Airlines has permanently removed change fees for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean, and for international travel originating in the U.S. All other international travel won’t have change fees if the ticket is issued by January 31, 2022. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed unless issued before Dec. 31, 2021.
Source: Airlines
