Passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to a total of 155 countries.

Hong Kong moves up one place in the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index to snag 21st place in the list of the world’s most powerful passports.

Passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to a total of 155 countries.

“Whilst 2017 has witnessed several major geopolitical events impacting global connectivity and mobility, the concept of the global citizen and the increasing demand for greater travel freedom are alive and well,” said Henley & Partners Hong Kong managing partner Jennifer Lai. 

Germany holds the world’s most powerful passport for the fifth year in a row with holders enjoying visa-free access to 177 countries. 

This is closely followed by Singapore passport holders who enjoy visa-free access to 176 countries. 

Countries in Southeast Asia have remained generally stable with Singapore remaining the best-performing country in the region after achieving its highest ranking in the index in 10 years. 

Malaysia ranks 2nd in the region, and 12th globally, as its nationals enjoy visa-free access to 166 countries. Indonesia similarly moved up the ranking by seven places and is now ranked 72nd globally, after sealing visa agreements with Qatar, St. Kitts and Nevis. 

Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden and UK are tied at third place with visa-free access to 175 countries whilst Austria, Belguim, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spoain and Switzerland are at fourth with access to 174 countries.

The United States shares fifth place with Ireland, Portugal and South Korea as its nationals enjoy visa-free access to 173 countries. 

The Henley Passport Index is an authoritative passport index which derives exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.

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