Australian passport losing its power compared to many other nations
Australia, the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore, New Zealand and England in the sixth to seventh place in the follow -up countries.
The Henley Passport Index sorts passports according to the number of places where passengers can enter without a visa or arrival visa access.
Australia now ranks seventh with Czechia, Hungary, Malta and Poland.
Singapore is the most powerful passport in the world with visa -free access from 227 to 193 destinations.
Japan and South Korea are equal to the second place and each provides citizens access to 190 arrival.
Seven countries, including France, Germany, Ireland and Italy, are third. They can access 189 destinations.
In the fourth place, there are seven countries including Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Portugal. 188 Visa -free entries to the destination.
New Zealand ranked fifth with Switzerland, while the UK ranks sixth.
The US has fallen to 10th and the index has been close to fall from the top 10 since it started almost 20 years ago.
Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, citizens can reach only 25 destinations without a visa in advance.
Australians can still enter many countries without the need for a visa.
The data show a general global shift towards more openness, mobility and passport power.
In the last decade, more than 80 passports climbed at least 10 places, and the global average number of destinations in which passengers could access without a visa increased from 58 to 2025 to 109 in 2006.
In particular, China has climbed 34 places between 94 and 60 since 2015.
Since January, China has provided more than a dozen new passport -free access and brought its total to 75.
These include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Henley and Partners CEO Juerg Stefffen said Americans led the demand for alternative residence and citizenship options worldwide and that British citizens were among the top five.
“As the United States and the UK are increasingly adopting more and more inward -looking policies, we witness a significant increase in the interest of citizens looking for more global access and security,” he said.
“Your passport is no longer a travel certificate, but a reflection of your country’s diplomatic impact and international relations.
“In the age of increasing inequality and geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.”
