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In a landmark achievement, six countries secure the top spot in the 2024 Henley Passport Index, boasting unparalleled visa-free access to a record-breaking number of global destinations. The index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reveals that four European Union member states—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—have collaboratively claimed the most powerful passports globally, joining forces with Japan and Singapore. Citizens of these nations can explore an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 worldwide without the need for a visa. Japan and Singapore maintain their stronghold on the 1st place for the fifth consecutive year.India’s rank has improved from last year by four spots. In 2023, India was ranked 84th; this year, the country is ranked 80th, with its passport having visa-free access to 62 destinations around the world.
Dr Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman, Henley & Partners, notes that despite the historical trend towards increased travel freedom, the global mobility gap has now reached unprecedented levels. He points out that the average number of visa-free destinations for travellers has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as the new year begins, the top-ranked countries enjoy access to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free compared to Afghanistan, which holds the bottom position in the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa.
South Korea, often referred to as the Asian tiger, shares the 2nd position with Finland and Sweden, boasting visa-free travel to 193 destinations. Additionally, four EU nations—Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands—secure the 3rd place with access to 192 destinations. The Top 10 is prominently occupied by European nations, with the UK climbing two ranks to secure the 4th position, offering visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to 188 the previous year. Australia and New Zealand passport holders have also ascended in the rankings to claim the 6th place with 189 visa-free destinations. The US maintains its 7th place with access to 188 destinations without the need for a prior visa, marking a decade since the UK and the US jointly held the 1st place in 2014.
Indian residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) planning trips to Europe can now benefit from more affordable airfares and faster processing times for Schengen visas, with wait times averaging two weeks or less. During the recent winter travel season, there was a notable increase in UAE and GCC residents traveling to European holiday destinations.
Among the notable climbers and fallers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as the most significant gainer over the past decade. Having added an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, the UAE has leaped a remarkable 44 places in the ranking, now positioned at 11th place.
Ukraine and China emerge as Top 5 countries with the most improved rankings over the past decade, each gaining a net total of 21 places. In the past year alone, Ukraine has climbed to the 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations, while China secured the 62nd position with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa, a considerable increase from 44 in 2014. Despite a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, Russia’s visa-free score and ranking have seen minimal shifts since 2017, currently holding the 51st place with access to 119 destinations.
Frédéric Léger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services, emphasises the need for continued optimisation and enhancement of airport processes as passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040. He underscores the importance of automating the checking and verification of travel documents, with the new version of Timatic AutoCheck offering online solutions for travellers to ensure compliance with all travel requirements before heading to the airport.
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