Planning to see the world? Your passport can either open doors or create hurdles. Whether you’re a globetrotter, digital nomad, or luxury traveler, holding a powerful passport makes international travel smoother, cheaper, and more convenient.
In 2024, Global Citizen Solutions released its Global Passport Index, ranking the world’s top 25 passports based on enhanced mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life.
These passports offer the most visa-free access, the best living standards, and global travel freedom. Curious where your country stands or considering a second citizenship?
Check out the list of the most travel-friendly passports in the world and see which nations lead the way.
1. Germany
Germany takes the top spot for the friendliest passport in 2024. German citizens enjoy visa-free, unlimited access to 37 countries and need a non-electronic visa for only 23 countries.
Membership in the Schengen Area gives Germans broad freedom of movement across Europe and beyond.
2. United States
The U.S. passport ranks second globally. Although Americans have visa-free, unlimited access to just four countries, they can travel visa-free with a time limit to 106 countries and apply for visas on arrival in 38 countries.
This flexibility makes the American passport highly travel-friendly.
3. Sweden
Swedish citizens can travel visa-free with no time limits to 37 countries and with limited stays to 81.
Only 23 countries require a non-electronic visa. Sweden’s passport provides excellent mobility and access to global destinations.
4. Denmark
Denmark shares similar travel privileges with Germany and Sweden, thanks to its Schengen membership.
However, it ranks slightly lower due to a less favorable investment index score, making it less attractive for relocating business professionals.
5. Netherlands
Dutch passport holders have nearly identical travel benefits to Danes, missing out on visa-free, limited access in just one less country. Their strong quality of life and international accessibility earn them a top-five spot.
6. Finland
Finland scores highest for quality of life and joins its Nordic neighbors in offering visa-free access to 37 countries.
Finnish passport holders face minimal travel restrictions and enjoy a balanced quality of life at home.
7. United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the UK passport has changed significantly. UK citizens now have visa-free, unlimited access to only seven countries, but still enjoy limited visa-free travel to 103 nations, keeping the UK in the top ten.
8. Canada
Canada remains a strong contender with similar access as the U.S. Canadians can enter 102 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival, and are required to apply for a non-electronic visa in only 24.
9. Norway
Norwegian citizens can travel visa-free with unlimited stays in 37 countries and with limits in 78 others.
They also enjoy on-arrival visa access in 31 countries, making Norway a solid passport for global mobility.
10. Switzerland
Swiss passport holders have broad travel access, including visa-free entry to 36 countries and limited access to 77.
While they must apply for electronic visas in 26 countries, Switzerland’s reputation and stability add value to its passport.
11. Monaco
Though tiny, Monaco packs a punch. Citizens enjoy visa-free, limited stays in 99 countries and unlimited access in four. Monaco also scores well for quality of life, attracting elite travelers and expats.
12. Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers similar benefits as its Schengen counterparts: visa-free access to 37 countries and only 23 requiring a non-electronic visa. Its stable economy and high living standards enhance its passport’s value.
13. Singapore
Singapore has the most powerful passport in Asia. Citizens can enter 115 countries with a limited visa-free stay, have access to seven countries without any time restrictions, and need to pre-apply for visas in only 22 countries.
14. Ireland
Irish citizens can visit 71 countries visa-free with time limits and 39 countries without restrictions.
They also have on-arrival visa access in 38 countries, making Ireland’s passport highly favorable for global adventurers.
15. France
French citizens enjoy access to 37 countries with unlimited stays and 80 with time-limited stays.
The French passport’s strength lies in its Schengen Area membership and France’s international partnerships.
16. Australia
Australians can enter 99 countries without a visa for a limited time and six without any time restrictions.
They also need to apply for an on-arrival visa in 41 countries, keeping the Australian passport highly mobile.
17. New Zealand
New Zealanders have nearly the same mobility as Australians, with limited visa-free access to 103 countries and unlimited access to five. Their passport drops slightly due to fewer countries allowing unlimited stays.
18. Liechtenstein
This microstate, nestled in the Alps, offers visa-free access to 37 countries and limited access to 75. While not an EU member, Liechtenstein benefits from its Schengen association.
19. Austria
Austrian citizens enjoy visa-free, unlimited access to 37 countries and visa-on-arrival access in 30. Like many other EU countries, Austrians only need to apply for a non-electronic visa in 23 countries.
20. Japan
Japan ranks high in travel mobility, offering access to 109 countries with limited stays and two countries with unlimited stays. Japanese citizens can also apply for on-arrival visas in 39 countries.
21. Spain
Spanish passport holders can travel to 81 countries visa-free with a time limit and 37 countries with unlimited access. Spain’s Schengen membership and strong diplomacy contribute to its ranking.
22. Belgium
Belgium offers similar access to Spain but with one fewer limited-stay country (80). Belgians can also apply for on-arrival visas in 30 countries, making their passport reliable for international travel.
23. Czech Republic
Czech passport holders have limited visa-free access to 78 countries and full access to 37. As part of the EU and Schengen Area, Czechs benefit from extensive European travel freedom.
24. United Arab Emirates
The UAE holds the most travel-friendly passport in the Middle East. Citizens can visit 103 countries visa-free with a time limit and 10 without restrictions. They also have on-arrival visa access in 42 countries.
25. South Korea
South Korea rounds out the list with limited visa-free access to 111 countries and unlimited access to two.
With on-arrival visas available in 40 countries, South Korean passport holders enjoy a broad global reach.
Alicia Richards