Which passport opens the most doors? Every year the Henley Passport Index ranks the world’s passports by the number of destinations their holders can enter without arranging a visa in advance. The 2024 edition, reported in Israel by Shimon Yaish, tourism correspondent for Israel Hayom, produced a record six-way tie at the top.
How the ranking works
The Henley Passport Index is compiled by the citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). A passport scores a point for every destination its holders can visit without a visa, or with a visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorisation. The more points, the stronger the passport.
The strongest passports in the world: the 2024 ranking
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and Singapore – 194 destinations
- Finland, South Korea and Sweden – 193 destinations
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands – 192 destinations
- United Kingdom, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg and Norway – 191 destinations
- Greece, Malta and Switzerland – 190 destinations
- Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand and Poland – 189 destinations
- United States, Canada and Hungary – 188 destinations
- Estonia and Lithuania – 187 destinations
- Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia – 186 destinations
European countries dominate the list, reflecting the reach of the Schengen Area and the EU’s many visa-waiver agreements. Asian powerhouses Japan, Singapore and South Korea also sit near the top.
Where does Israel rank?
In the 2024 index, the Israeli passport was ranked 21st in the world, with visa-free access to 166 destinations. Israel had joined the US Visa Waiver Program in late 2023, allowing Israelis to travel to the United States with an ESTA electronic authorisation instead of a visa.
Why a strong passport matters
A strong passport means less paperwork, lower costs and more spontaneous travel. Even so, “visa-free” does not always mean “no formalities” – many countries now require an online travel authorisation before you fly, such as the US ESTA or the UK ETA, and entry rules can change at short notice. Always check the current requirements for your destination before booking.
Before you travel
For a more recent picture, see the 2025 global passport rankings. And wherever you are going, check how many months of passport validity you need – many countries will refuse entry if your passport expires within six months of arrival.
