Who knew a little book full of stamps could be so impactful? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down the 20 most powerful passports in the world in early 2024.
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00:00 Oh, but I do have...
00:02 [MUSIC]
00:04 My passport.
00:06 Welcome to WatchMojo.
00:08 And today we're counting down the 20 most powerful passports in the world in early 2024.
00:13 This is Passport Wars, and today we're comparing the passports of two Euro 2024 rivals, France and the Netherlands.
00:21 This list is primarily based on the leading Henley Passport Index,
00:25 which updates its rankings throughout the year as circumstances change.
00:28 These rankings are heavily weighted in terms of total visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations,
00:34 and many nations end up tied in their scores, which means some rather prominent names didn't make the cut.
00:40 Number 20. Greece.
00:42 A Greek passport grants its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 190 destinations in 2024.
00:49 Again, lump-sum tax programs. You could live in Italy, you could live in Switzerland, you could live in a number of different places.
00:55 This remarkable power draws strength from the country's historical significance and its own booming tourism industry.
01:01 Greece attracts millions of visitors annually, and this translates into international recognition and trust,
01:07 further elevating the value of its passport.
01:09 It's a life-changing experience!
01:13 Its membership in the European Union further simplifies journeying within the Schengen Area,
01:18 which is a zone of more than two dozen European countries that have abolished passports at their mutual borders.
01:24 Number 19. Australia.
01:26 Boasting access to 190 visa-free destinations, the Australian passport stands tall.
01:32 Firstly, Australia's robust economy, underpinned by strong trade ties and a stable political system, inspires respect around the world.
01:40 In the year 2024, Australia enjoys a noteworthy ranking, demonstrating its power in the global arena.
01:47 Additionally, Australia's membership in the Commonwealth and close partnerships with key players like the US and UK further enhance its standing on the international stage.
01:56 Australians often indulge in their island nation identity, flocking to neighboring tropical paradises like Fiji and Bali.
02:03 So in today's video, I'm going to tell you everything about how I planned my trip from Sydney to Bali.
02:08 However, their wanderlust extends far beyond, with many Australians opting for long journeys around the world with stops in many countries.
02:17 Number 18. Portugal.
02:19 Portugal is one of the most renowned tourist magnets in all of Europe, but the Portuguese love to get around as well.
02:25 The Portuguese passport carries the weight of centuries, reflecting the nation's remarkable history as a maritime power and cultural influencer.
02:33 What many people don't realize is that tempura was actually a dish that was created in Portugal, who introduced the yummy meal to the Japanese in 1543.
02:41 This legacy now fosters extensive international relations, paving the way for visa-free travel to 191 destinations.
02:49 This commonly includes tours of southern European nations like Spain, France and Italy, as well as former colonies like Brazil.
02:57 "We said we just were in Brazil for two months, and we can say confidently that it is one of our favorite countries ever. It's probably top three for us."
03:06 "Yeah, definitely top three, I would say."
03:07 Number 17. Norway.
03:09 With access to a remarkable 191 destinations visa-free, holding a Norwegian passport means impressive mobility.
03:17 "I will share to you a good news, that I've already received my Norwegian passport, so it means that I am already a Norwegian citizen."
03:27 Norway's wealth and good governance play crucial roles in elevating the passport's power.
03:32 Renowned for its responsible resource management and commitment to sustainability, it boasts a strong and stable economy.
03:39 This strong reputation allows Norwegians to seamlessly travel to numerous countries worldwide.
03:44 While Norwegians often explore their own stunning landscapes, their preferences extend far beyond, often to sunnier climates.
03:52 "Yay!"
03:53 Number 16. Belgium.
03:55 Yes, even Belgians get tired of their peerless beer selections, beautiful historic sites and crisp frits, and want to go abroad.
04:02 And that's very easy for them. The Belgium passport unlocks a world of possibilities with access to 191 visa-free destinations.
04:11 "And of course it's new and shiny, you have the crest, the country and bell."
04:16 Belgium's geographical heart in Western Europe, bordering major players like France, Germany and the Netherlands, grants it undeniable strategic value.
04:24 This translates into strong regional ties and visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area.
04:29 "So when you are traveling and say you are in this area, you get to just travel freely through the 27 countries."
04:35 "Nothing to worry about. No stamps, no nothing."
04:38 And, Belgians do often indulge in European explorations, savoring the cultural richness of neighboring France, Italy and Spain.
04:46 Number 15. The United Kingdom.
04:49 Carrying the historical weight of many centuries, the UK passport reflects the nation's remarkable history as an empire.
04:56 "As a full British citizen, you have a concept known as right of abode, which is a similar principle to freedom of movement."
05:02 This legacy fosters diplomatic ties and cultural connections worldwide, paving the way visa-free to 192 countries across continents.
05:11 Additionally, the UK's membership in the Commonwealth further expands its network and facilitates movement within former colonies.
05:18 However, it's important to note that with the UK's exit from the European Union, British citizens no longer enjoy automatic visa-free travel within the aforementioned Schengen zone.
05:28 So from March, the UK will begin issuing a new passport to mark their exit from the European Union.
05:34 Despite this change, the UK passport remains a powerful tool for mobility.
05:39 Number 14. Luxembourg.
05:41 Despite its diminutive size, the Luxembourg passport packs a mighty punch with no visas needed for a hefty 192 destinations around the world.
05:51 "The Luxembourg passport consistently ranks as one of the best passports in the world for global travel."
05:57 Renowned as a financial center with a robust banking sector and high GDP per capita, the country's international standing translates into seamless travel, opening doors to a vast swath of countries across the globe.
06:09 Its strategic location at the heart of Europe, bordering major players like Germany, France and Belgium, also grants it an undeniable geographic advantage that translates into strong regional ties.
06:20 "Germany and Luxembourg share the river north of France. It is a condominium."
06:24 And Luxembourgish citizens often indulge in European explorations, savoring the cultural richness of neighboring countries.
06:32 Number 13. Ireland.
06:34 The Irish definitely are not limited to just their island home. Gorgeous and renowned as it may be, the Irish passport unlocks a world of possibilities with visa-free access to 192 destinations.
06:46 "I'll explain how you know if you're one of the lucky ones eligible to get an Irish passport and how to apply."
06:51 Despite its past historical challenges, Ireland's economy has, over the years, transformed into a hub for technology, finance and innovation.
06:59 "So it looks like there should be a lot to learn from this country that could potentially be adopted to our own economies so that we too may share in the luck of the Irish."
07:07 This widespread economic success lays the groundwork for Irish citizens to be mobile and pursue opportunities worldwide.
07:14 It doesn't hurt that renowned for their wit, storytelling and cultural awareness, they're seen as desirable visitors by many countries.
07:21 "Oh, there we go!"
07:22 Number 12. Denmark.
07:24 Renowned for its cutting-edge technologies, strong social safety net and commitment to sustainability, Denmark boasts a robust and stable economy and thus a powerful passport.
07:35 "About a month ago, I realized it was time for me to renew my passport."
07:38 Moreover, Denmark's focus on innovation aligns with global values, further enhancing the positive image associated with the passport.
07:46 This reputation for open-mindedness and responsible engagement definitely enhances the passport's value.
07:52 "Did you know that Denmark is nominated as the happiest country in the world? Well, that is because of their beliefs, culture and the comfortable lifestyle that always sets them apart and raises their spirits."
08:05 While Danish citizens frequently explore their own scenic landscapes and vibrant cities, as well as nearby Germany, Danes also venture across the world.
08:15 Number 11. Austria.
08:17 The power of the Austrian passport reflects the nation's storied history as a key player in the Holy Roman Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire.
08:25 "Austria, today one of the world's best and richest nations, has given a lot of good to the world."
08:29 Austria also has a strong and well-diversified economy, excelling in sectors like tourism and manufacturing.
08:36 The cultural presence of Austrians adds another dimension to the nation's passport's power.
08:41 From renowned musicians and artists to skilled professionals, Austrian travelers make their mark on the world stage, and their diverse contributions strengthen the country's international image.
08:50 "20 million people visit Austria a year, and it isn't hard to see why."
08:53 Austrians often visit nearby countries like Germany, Switzerland and Italy that share linguistic ties.
09:00 Number 10. Sweden.
09:02 Emblazoned with three golden crowns, the powerful Swedish passport proudly reflects the nation's fascinating Viking heritage and influence on European trade and exploration.
09:12 "A land of liberty, innovation and art, it influences the world like no other small population country does."
09:20 Sweden boasts a robust and innovative economy, leading the way in technology, sustainability and social welfare.
09:26 And its membership in the European Union further simplifies mobility within Europe.
09:31 "Sweden is also a member of many organizations, such as the United Nations, the Nordic Council, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development."
09:44 While Swedes often stay at home for their vacations, exploring everything from the Stockholm archipelago to the Northern Lights, close to a third of Swedish tourists go abroad to scratch their itch.
09:54 Number 9. South Korea.
09:57 The South Korean passport, with access to 193 destinations without requiring a visa, reflects a nation at the forefront of innovation.
10:05 "From its infrastructure to culture, South Korea embraces technology like nowhere else."
10:10 Renowned for its world-leading technology companies, cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to research and development, South Korea commands international admiration.
10:19 This technological prowess fosters strong economic partnerships and cultural connections.
10:24 "Modern-day Koreans are still holding on to that concept of like, 'Okay, we gotta move forward, we gotta move forward, we gotta constantly improve, we gotta go get it.'"
10:33 The country's membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation further expands the reach of the passport, as does its status as a dynamic export-oriented economy, ranking among the world's most developed nations.
10:46 Koreans often choose to go to Japan, where Korean popular culture is immensely popular.
10:52 Number 8. The Netherlands.
10:54 The Dutch are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, multilingualism, and expertise in sectors like agriculture and sustainable technologies.
11:02 "The Netherlands is the second largest food producer in the world and a leader in food innovation and technology."
11:09 And this is reflected in the power of their passport, one of the most desirable in the world.
11:14 While the Dutch often explore their own charming canals, vibrant cities, and stunning countryside, they often travel far beyond,
11:21 including to former Dutch colonies like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and numerous island nations in the Caribbean like Curacao and Aruba that maintain strong Dutch ties, both culturally and politically.
11:32 "There's such a thing as the Kingdom of the Netherlands that's made up of several different countries. One of them is Aruba."
11:39 Number 7. Finland.
11:41 As Monty Python famously sang,
11:43 "Finland, Finland, Finland, the country where I quite want to be."
11:49 But Finnish citizens themselves love to get away for a vacation, often to sunnier climbs.
11:54 And that's easy with the country's high-status passport, which gives access to 193 spots around the world without any annoying need for visa applications.
12:04 "And now Finland has taken the passport technology to another level. The European nation has become the world's first country to test digital passports."
12:13 Why? Well, additionally, Finland is a member of the European Union for one.
12:18 But the country also has a high international profile relative to its size, leading the way in areas like sustainable forestry and clean technology, design, and education.
12:28 Number 6. Spain.
12:30 Like many of the nations on this list, Spain is itself one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
12:36 "This is a country that lives very much in the present, and there's a reason why 'fiesta' is one of the best-known words in the Spanish language."
12:42 From Roman ruins to Moorish architecture, beaches to tapas bars, it is a travel colossus.
12:48 And it's got the passport to match.
12:50 So while many Spanish tourists do vacay in their home country, many also venture abroad, both across Europe and particularly to countries around the world that were colonized by Spain and share linguistic and cultural ties.
13:03 "At the beginning of the 19th century, the total amount of territory to which Spain laid claim to exceeded a staggering 5 million square miles."
13:11 This includes countries in South and Central America like Costa Rica and Uruguay, as well as further north in the Americas to the many regions of Mexico.
13:20 Number 5. Singapore.
13:22 Both a city and a state, and an undeniable punching-above-its-weight global influencer, Singapore cuts a very high-profile international figure.
13:30 Its passport, which gives its citizens incredible freedom across the globe with 194 visa-free destinations, is easily one of the world's most desirable.
13:40 "Singaporeans have access to not only travel and leisure opportunities, but also for business opportunities around the world."
13:46 This reflects Singapore's strategic positioning at the heart of Southeast Asia, serving as a crucial gateway to the region, which fosters strong trade partnerships and diplomatic ties.
13:56 "America has more invested in Singapore than it has invested in India, China and Korea combined."
14:03 Additionally, Singapore's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and close association with major economies like China and Japan further extend its reach.
14:13 Number 4. Japan.
14:15 Culturally, economically and historically, Japan is a leading world power.
14:20 From ancient shrines to cutting-edge technology, its undeniable prominence paves the way for visa-free travel across continents.
14:27 "The latest AI technologies allow machines to learn from experiences, adjust and optimize their operations and detect anomalies without any human intervention."
14:39 And like Singapore and South Korea, Japan's membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a huge boost to easing barriers across its region and beyond.
14:48 Plus, Japan's citizens are known for respectful politeness and are happily welcomed by tourist-hungry countries everywhere.
14:56 "You are going to help teach me how to be very polite and proper while I'm in Japan, yes?"
15:04 This positive reputation further elevates the passport's image, associating it with competence, dedication and cultural engagement.
15:11 Japanese tourists are also known for venturing internationally and exploring the world.
15:16 Number 3. Italy.
15:18 The Italian passport stands out as a testament to Italy's rich cultural heritage and its strategic diplomatic ties.
15:25 "Obviously an Italian passport gives you access to live in all of Europe."
15:28 Holders of this passport enjoy the liberty of strolling through the historic streets of Paris, savoring the culinary delights of Barcelona,
15:35 or conducting business in the financial hubs of Frankfurt and Amsterdam without the hindrance of visa applications.
15:41 Beyond Europe, the Italian passport opens doors to distant destinations, from the bustling markets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of New Zealand,
15:49 without the need for a visa or with the convenience of obtaining one upon arrival.
15:54 "New Zealand is an incredible destination to discover."
15:57 Number 2. Germany.
15:59 Germany's passport is a powerhouse in the realm of international travel, embodying the country's economic strength and its pivotal role in diplomacy.
16:07 "Germany has unveiled the new design of its national passport."
16:12 Germans are afforded an exceptional level of mobility with the ability to enter a vast array of countries,
16:18 over 194 to be precise, either without a visa or by obtaining one upon arrival.
16:24 The benefits of holding a German passport extend far beyond simple conveniences.
16:28 It facilitates effortless business ventures across international borders,
16:32 enabling entrepreneurs and professionals to tap into markets from Silicon Valley to Singapore without the bureaucratic tangles of visa applications.
16:40 For students and academics, this passport is a golden ticket to global education,
16:45 offering a gateway to prestigious universities and research institutions around the world.
16:50 "The Interior Ministry says all current passports will remain valid until their respective expiry dates."
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17:13 Number 1. France
17:15 Embodying the spirit of liberté, égalité, fraternité,
17:19 the French passport serves as a beacon of France's influence and its enduring historical legacy.
17:24 "And we want also to promote a more dynamic image because we're doing so much in terms of science, in terms of innovation."
17:33 With visa-free or visa on arrival access to 194 countries,
17:38 this passport is more than a key to the world's most remote corners and vibrant cities.
17:42 It symbolizes the holder's access to a life rich with opportunities.
17:46 It opens doors to cross-continental careers,
17:49 making it simpler for professionals to work in tech hubs like San Francisco or financial districts like London.
17:55 This document also embodies France's commitment to global citizenship,
17:59 encouraging its holders to engage with diverse cultures and contribute to a more connected and understanding world.
18:05 Which passport were you surprised not to see here? Let us know in the comments.
18:10 "Where are the passports and tickets?" "I put them in the microwave to dry them off."
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18:21 [Music]