The Henley Passport Index, the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports has just released its latest ranking for the year 2021 with many interesting developments. The list, which can be found through Henley & Partners website here, was made by ranking the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without having to apply for a visa first.
In 2019, Singapore and Japan held the joint top spot as the world’s most powerful passport but in 2020 as well as this year, Japan has managed to edge out Singapore and claimed top spot for its own. For 2021, Japan’s passport offered the highest travel mobility, whereby its holders can travel to a total of 193 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
As for Singapore, the country has to settle for second place for another year running but it sure is close because its passport holders can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to a total of 192 countries – just one short of Japan!
So what made the difference? Well, both Singapore and Japan gained easier travel to Oman and Iraq this year, but Japan has had easier travel access to Saudi Arabia since 2020.
So what about Malaysia? Well, our country’s passport ranking climbed two places from 14th last year to the 12th most powerful passport in the world. With the Malaysian passport, we can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to a total of 179 countries in the world.
Currently, we are tied in 12th place with the European country Liechtenstein. Not too shabby, right?
Well, do note that this ranking is just theoretical, should travel restrictions are not in place. Currently, the world is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which have made international travel almost impossible, regardless how powerful one’s passport is.
What do you guys think of the passport ranking? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: M’sian Mum Shares How She Did Her Children’s Passport Pictures At Home All By Herself!
