The annual study by citizenship and planning firm Henley & Partners looked at how many countries can be visited without applying for a visa.

They found that the world’s most powerful passport is that held by German cizitens.

German passport holders can travel to 177 of the possible 218 countries hassle free.

Thankfully, British passports didn’t fall far behind.


Britons with a valid passport can visit 175 countries, whilst US citizens with a passport can enter 174.

The UK topped the chart in 2015, alongside Germany. But it was knocked off the top spot after several countries relaxed visa restrictions against Germany.

Sweden swooped into second place leaving the UK joint third with France, Italy, Spain and Finland.

Henley & Partners said: ”No country, however, dropped more than three positions, indicating that overall, visa-free access is improving around the world.”




They added: “Four countries in particular made huge gains; Tonga rising 16 spots, Palau by 20, Colombia by 25 and Timor-Leste being the highest climber with an increase of 33 ranks.

"Malta, the EU member country which runs the world’s most successful citizenship-by-investment program has gained visa-free access to another two countries since 2015, making it the 8th most powerful passport in the world.

“The leading country in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda, meanwhile ranked 30th and its passport-holders may now travel to 134 countries visa-free.

"Portugal, which holds the most attractive residence-by-investment program through its Golden Visa Program, has taken 6th position in the 2016 Index, gaining two countries to total 172 countries its citizens may travel to visa-free.The global progress in travel freedom looks set to continue for citizens of all countries."

The top ten list of most powerful passports:

Germany, 177 countries can be visited without a visa

Sweden, 176

Finland, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, 175

Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, United States, 174

Austria, Japan, Singapore, 173

Canada, Ireland (Republic of), Korea (Republic of, South), Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, 172

Greece, New Zealand, 171

Australia, 169

Malta, 168

Hungary, Czech Republic, Iceland, 167

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