Japan goes holds 1^stplace on the Henley Passport Index, with citizens enjoying visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations. In a further display of Asian passport power, Singapore and South Korea now sit in joint 2^ndplace, with access to 189 destinations around the globe. Germany and France remain in 3^rd place going into 2019, with a visa-free score of 188. Being able to move freely across borders is the being granted the freedom to travel and that’s a big asset.

The US and the UK continue to drop down the the list which is based on authoritative data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Both countries are now tied in 6^thplace, with access to 185 destinations. This is a significant fall from the 1^stplace position that these countries held in 2015, and while a big question mark remains over the ultimate impact of Brexit, it is unlikely that either country will reclaim the top spot anytime soon.

Dr. Christian H. Kälin, Group Chairman of Henley & Partners, says despite rising isolationist sentiment in some parts of the world, most countries remain committed to collaboration and mutually beneficial agreements. “Historical data from the Henley Passport Index over the past 14 years shows an overwhelming global tendency towards visa-openness. In 2006, a citizen, on average, could travel to 58 destinations without needing a visa from the host nation; by the end of 2018, this number had nearly doubled to 107.”

China’s steady rise up the rankings is a clear demonstration of this. In 2017, the country was ranked 85^th, with citizens able to access just 51 destinations. Going into 2019, China now sits in 69^thplace, with access to 74 countries around the world. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates continues its upward trajectory, now holding top spot in the Middle East region and 22^ndplace globally.

As in 2018, countries with citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs continue to hold their strong positions on the index. Malta sits in 9^thspot, with access to 182 destinations and St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda hold 27^thand 28^thspot respectively, while Moldova remains in a strong position at 46^thplace, with citizens able to access 122 countries.

The freedom to travel is an important asset for travellers. It gives you cheaper, faster, easier, more worry free access to the world.