THE highly prestigious Henley Passport Index, which regularly ranks passport based on the number of countries their holders can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, has just released its latest report, stunningly revealing Singapore’s ascent to the top spot.
In a monumental milestone, Singapore has officially surpassed Japan in having the world’s most powerful passport, signaling a major shift in global passport rankings and opening up new horizons for Singaporean citizens.
Singaporean passport holders now enjoy seamless travel to a record-breaking number of countries, granting them visa-free access to an extensive 192 destinations worldwide. This remarkable feat showcases Singapore’s commitment to international relations and its growing prominence on the global stage.
For years, Japan held the coveted position of having the world’s most powerful passport, and its citizens could travel visa-free to numerous countries. However, Singapore’s strategic diplomatic efforts and extensive bilateral agreements have allowed its passport to surge ahead, granting its citizens greater freedom and ease of travel across borders.
The Singaporean government’s emphasis on maintaining strong diplomatic ties, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, and promoting economic cooperation has undoubtedly contributed to this historic achievement. The lion city’s reputation as a reliable and respected global player has played a pivotal role in securing this new milestone.
The prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, expressed his pride in the country’s achievement, stating, “This is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to engaging with the international community and fostering strong relationships with nations across the globe. Our nation’s success is a result of the collective efforts of our citizens, government, and partners worldwide.”
The news has been met with widespread celebration among Singaporeans, who now have an unprecedented level of travel freedom. The new passport ranking not only enhances travel opportunities but also reflects positively on the nation’s overall global standing and influence.
As the world emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this development is expected to have significant implications for tourism, trade, and business, as Singaporeans can explore a broader range of countries with ease.
While Japan may have been overtaken this time, it remains a strong contender, with its passport granting access to 188 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. The competition between the two Asian powerhouses for the top spot showcases the increasing importance of passport strength in the context of global mobility and connectivity.
Meanwhile, the United States passport ranked 8, with a decline of two places from last quarter.
A Skift report citing Annie Pforzheimer, a former U.S. Department of State career diplomat, suggested that America’s static state of affairs is likely to remain due to the lack of demand from the inside U.S. for a change in policy, the extreme political risk for any group or politician who unwittingly facilitates travel by a terrorist, and the fact that tourism has surged post-pandemic anyway, even with a restrictive visa waiver program.
She also said and quote, “Unfortunately, that status quo, over time, may well contribute to a decline in US soft power if businesses struggle to invite partners to trade shows and meetings, tourists encounter needless application delays and look elsewhere, and open xenophobia erodes the public reputation of the US as a world leader”
As the world continues to evolve, passport rankings are likely to remain a dynamic and closely watched metric, reflecting a nation’s global relationships and influence. For now, Singapore takes center stage, basking in the glory of its newfound title as the possessor of the world’s most powerful passport.
