Singapore has world's ‘most powerful’ passport alongside Japan: survey
Singapore citizens enjoy visa-free access to a record 180 destinations, making the Republic’s passport the most powerful in the world alongside Japan, according to the 2018 Henley Passport Index.
The German passport fell from top spot to second with access to 179 destinations for its holders.
The shifts in the top spots come after Uzbekistan lifted visa requirements for Singaporean and Japanese citizens in early February, Henley & Partners said in a media release on Wednesday (28 February).
In general, the Asian and Middle East regions have in recent months seen more activities related to visa policy, compared with their European and American counterparts.
South Korea was the only other Asian country to rank in the top 10 of the Index, which is dominated by European countries.
Dominic Volek, Managing Partner of Henley & Partners Singapore and Head of Southeast Asia, said, “The improvement in ranking for both Singapore and Japan highlight that the region has become recognised as a dominant player and that traditional power has shifted.
“The uncertainty of the EU market may encourage more focus on countries such as Singapore and Japan given their increasing economic stability and global mobility.”
The Index is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority and covers 219 countries and territories.
