The power of a passport is a significant asset, offering its holders various levels of global mobility. The Henley Passport Index, which ranks countries based on their citizens’ travel freedom, highlights which passports provide the most access to other nations without the need for a prior visa.
An analysis of the Henley Passport Index from 2014 to 2024 reveals some remarkable shifts, with several countries making significant strides in enhancing their global mobility. The UAE, Timor-Leste, China, and Georgia exemplify how strategic international engagements can lead to substantial improvements in passport power.
Read also: Nigeria among those who fell the most on Henley passport index since 2014
As the world evolves, the pursuit of greater travel freedom remains a crucial aspect of national policy for many countries, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation.
Here are the top 8 countries that have climbed the highest from 2014 to 2024
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates has made a tremendous leap, climbing 46 places from a rank of 55 in 2014 to 9 in 2024 with access to 145 countries. This rapid ascent can be attributed to the UAE’s strategic diplomatic efforts and numerous bilateral visa agreements. The country has consistently worked on strengthening its global ties, enhancing its citizens’ ability to travel to a vast number of countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival options.
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has seen significant improvement, rising 27 places in the index from a rank of 77 to 50 with access to 97 countries. The country’s progress can be linked to its ongoing efforts to establish stronger international relationships and ease travel restrictions for its citizens. As Timor-Leste grows and develops its diplomatic footprint, its global mobility has correspondingly improved.
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China
China has also made notable strides, advancing 24 places from 83rd to 59th with access to 85 countries. This progress is largely due to China’s expanding international presence and its proactive approach to securing more visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements with various countries. As China continues to bolster its global influence, the benefits extend to its citizens’ travel freedoms.
Georgia
Georgia has climbed 24 places in the Henley Passport Index from 68th to 44th with access to 122 countries. The nation’s significant improvement is a result of its strategic reforms and successful negotiations for visa-free travel with numerous countries, particularly within the European Union. Georgia’s efforts to integrate more closely with European and international communities have paid off in enhanced travel freedom for its citizens.
Read also: Nigerian passport has access to only 1.5% of world’s GDP, limits holders
Kosovo
Kosovo’s climb of 24 places from 87th to 63rd with access to 79 countries, reflects Kosovo’s dedicated efforts to improve its international standing and travel access for its citizens. Although still a young nation, Kosovo has been actively working to gain recognition and establish visa agreements, which has positively impacted its position in the Henley Passport Index.
Ukraine
Ukraine has moved up 23 places from 53rd to 30th with access to 148 countries. The country’s ascent in the index can be linked to its closer ties with the European Union and successful visa liberalization agreements. Despite geopolitical challenges, Ukraine has managed to secure more visa-free travel opportunities for its citizens.
Read also: 10 most developed countries and their passport access
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has climbed 20 places from 43rd to 23rd in the Henley Passport Index with access to 157 countries. The improvement in its rank is a testament to its proactive diplomacy and successful efforts to negotiate more favourable travel terms for its citizens, thus enhancing their global mobility.
Peru
Peru has advanced 17 places from rank of 50th to 33rd with access to 141 countries, reflecting the country’s strategic diplomatic efforts to open up more travel opportunities for its citizens. Peru’s improved rank in the Henley Passport Index highlights its growing influence and the effectiveness of its international engagements.
