Global Passport Wealth Ranking 2024

[editor]

The latest Passport Strength Ranking for 2024 unveils a fascinating perspective on global access privileges based on GDP. This ranking system assesses passports based not just on the number of visa-free destinations they offer but also on the economic significance of those destinations. Here are the key findings:

1. San Marino Leads the Pack: Topping the list is San Marino, boasting access to 181 visa-free destinations. While this number is less than Japan, which sits in third place with 198 destinations, San Marino shines in terms of the quality of countries its passport holders can visit.

2. United Kingdom and United States: Notable entries include the United Kingdom at 38th place with an impressive 80.3% visa-free access, and the United States at 42nd place with 79.3% access. European nations dominate the top 30 rankings, with Finland securing the 8th spot. Malta stands out as the highest-ranking country with a citizenship investment program, securing the 12th position.

3. Weakest Passports: On the other end of the spectrum, some passports provide limited access to the world's economic powerhouses. Pakistan holds the 194th position, offering visa-free access to around 50 countries but with limited appeal due to the strength of their economies, granting access to just 2.2% of global wealth. Nigeria is even lower, ranking 196th with a meagre 2.1% visa-free access.

This unique ranking system takes into account the GDP or wealth of each country accessible with a passport, providing an overall percentage score – the percentage of global GDP accessible to citizens with a specific passport.

Here's a snapshot of the top and bottom of the ranking:

Top 5 Passports by GDP Access:

1. San Marino: 96.1% access to global GDP, 181 visa-free destinations.
2. Singapore: 96.0% access, 196 destinations.
3. Japan: 95.1% access, 198 destinations.
4. Brunei Darussalam: 92.2% access, 179 destinations.
5. Bahamas: 90.1% access, 167 destinations.

Bottom 5 Passports by GDP Access:

1. Somalia: 2.2% access, 45 visa-free destinations.
2. Nigeria: 2.1% access, 54 destinations.
3. Iraq: 2.1% access, 40 destinations.
4. Yemen, Rep.: 2.0% access, 46 destinations.
5. Afghanistan: 1.5% access, 38 destinations.

In conclusion, the Passport Strength Ranking for 2024 offers a unique perspective on passport power, focusing on the quality of access rather than just quantity. San Marino emerges as the leader, highlighting the growing importance of assessing passports in terms of their economic significance in a globalized world.

Certainly, here are some pros and cons of the Passport Strength Ranking system based on GDP for assessing passport power:

Pros:

1. Economic Significance: This ranking system emphasizes the economic importance of visa-free access, which aligns with the interests of many passport holders, including business travellers and investors. It provides a more nuanced view of passport power.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on the number of visa-free destinations, this system prioritizes the quality of those destinations based on GDP. This is beneficial for travellers seeking access to economically strong and developed countries.
3. Real-world Impact: The percentage of global GDP accessible to passport holders can have a tangible impact on their ability to do business, seek employment, or invest in various countries, making it a more practical measure of passport strength.
4. Citizenship by Investment: It highlights the value of citizenship by investment programs in countries like Malta, where investors can gain access to a wide array of economically significant destinations.

Cons:

1. Simplification of Complex Factors: While GDP is a valuable metric, it doesn't capture the full complexity of visa-free access. Other factors such as political stability, safety, and cultural ties can also influence the desirability of a passport.
2. Inequality Within Countries: GDP-based rankings may overlook disparities within countries. Not all citizens of a nation benefit equally from visa-free access, as some may have stronger passports than others.
3. Changing Economic Landscapes: GDP is subject to change over time, and the economic fortunes of countries can shift rapidly. A high-ranking passport based on GDP today may not hold the same status in the future.
4. Exclusivity: This system may perpetuate global inequalities, as citizens of economically powerful countries inherently have stronger passports. It may not fully address the needs of individuals from less economically fortunate nations.

In summary, the Passport Strength Ranking system based on GDP offers a unique perspective on passport power with a focus on economic significance. However, it should be viewed as one of several metrics to consider when assessing the value of a passport, as it doesn't account for all the factors that influence a traveller's experience and opportunities.