Ranking of the Most Potent Travel Documents Globally: An Overview of the Eight Most Influential Passports
In the latest Passport Index ranking for 2020, Belgium has made a strong showing, securing a spot among the top eight most powerful passports globally. The ranking, which takes into account the ease of travel and entry into any given country, is based on the visa requirements for each other's citizens.
Belgium's high ranking can be attributed to several factors. As a member of the European Union, Belgium benefits from strong diplomatic relations and visa-free agreements negotiated collectively by the EU. This grants Belgian citizens access to a vast number of countries without advance visas.
Another significant factor is Belgium's international reputation. Recognised for its stable governance, strong rule of law, and participation in international institutions, its passport is considered highly reliable, which encourages other countries to offer visa-free access to Belgian citizens.
Moreover, Belgium's participation in numerous bilateral and multilateral agreements—facilitated through both the EU and its own diplomatic efforts—ensures broad mobility for its passport holders.
Despite challenges related to terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues have not significantly impacted Belgium’s passport ranking. Passport strength is primarily determined by international agreements and diplomatic relations rather than internal security or health crises.
Last year, Belgium was ranked 18th in the Passport Index, but this year, it has climbed significantly. The top 8 most powerful passports this year are from Belgium, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, and New Zealand. Sweden, France, Finland, Italy, Spain, and Australia follow closely behind.
Interestingly, the United Arab Emirates, last year's first place, has fallen to 14th place in the 2020 Passport Index. The UAE allows visa-free travel to 57 countries, while Belgium's citizens can travel to 124 countries, with access to the largest number of visa-free countries: 91. In contrast, the United States is ranked much further down with 84 countries their citizens can travel to.
**Summary Table: Comparison of Passport Rankings (Recent Years)**
| Passport | Henley Index 2024 Rank | Number of Destinations (Visa-Free/Visa on Arrival) | |---------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Japan | 1st | 194 | | Singapore | 1st | 194 | | Germany | 2nd | 193 | | France | 2nd | 193 | | Belgium | 4th | 190 |
It is worth noting that, despite its current high ranking, Belgium has never risen to the top spot in passport rankings such as the Henley Passport Index or Global Passport Power Rank for 2020. Specifically, for 2024, the Belgian passport ranks 4th in the Henley Passport Index, with access to 190 countries and territories visa-free or with visa on arrival.
In conclusion, Belgium's high passport ranking is due to its EU membership, robust diplomatic relations, and participation in international agreements—not because it has ever held the top spot. The concerns about terrorism and COVID-19 have not diminished its passport power, as these do not influence international mobility agreements significantly.
With its EU membership, strong diplomatic relations, and international reputation, Belgium's lifestyle allows for extensive travel opportunities, securing a spot among the top eight most powerful passports globally. This high ranking is not solely based on travel ease but also on the number of countries that offer visa-free access to Belgian citizens, currently totaling 124.
