How powerful is your passport? Passport power is ranked according to the number of countries the passport holders can visit visa free.
As 2018 started, Germany was ranked as the most powerful passport but the end of the year is bringing new surprises. Japan now has the most powerful passport in the world!
Many do not know, but passports can be more than just visa holders, they can actually grant you access without even a visa. This is why people seek to change their passports or, if deemed impossible for them, try to get the world's most powerful passports for their children.
This creates more opportunities for them and exposes them to a life of travel freedom.
In October, global citizenship and residence advisory firm, Henley & Partners released its 2018 Henley Passport Index, which is a comprehensive ranking of the most powerful passports in the world. Japan topped the list with access to 190 countries, a recent development since Myanmar was the latest country to give Japanese citizens access to its country visa free.
This development knocks Singapore to second position with access to 189 countries and Germany, France and South Korea in third position with 188 countries.
Here are the countries in the top 10 positions of most powerful passports in the world:
| World ranking | Countries | Visa-free access |
| 1. | Japan | 190 countries |
| 2. | Singapore | 189 countries |
| 3. | Germany, France and South Korea | 188 countries |
| 4. | Denmark, Finland, Italy, Sweden, Spain | 187 countries |
| 5. |
Luxemborg, Austria, United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, United States, Portugal |
186 countries |
| 6. |
Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada |
185 countries |
| 7. |
Australia, Greece, Malta |
183 countries |
| 8. |
New Zealand, Czech Republic |
182 countries |
| 9. |
Iceland |
181 countries |
| 10. |
Hungary, Slovenia, Malaysia |
180 countries |
In Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa hold the title for most powerful passports on the continent. Though not as many countries as the top ranking, it is a feat for these countries and their citizens.
The Nigerian passport, in all its glory, is ranked 94th, with access to just 47 countries. This does not look bright for the country as policies keep changing against our favour. The other day, Tanzania withdrew its visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian travellers.
These are the top ranking passports in Africa.
| World ranking | Country | Visa-free access |
| 25. | Seychelles | 152 countries |
| 31. | Mauritius | 146 countries |
| 52. | South Africa | 102 countries |
| 63. | Botswana | 82 countries |
| 69. | Namibia | 76 countries |
| 71. | Lesotho | 74 countries |
| 73. | Kenya, Swaziland, Malawi | 71 countries |
| 74. | Gambia, Tanzania, Zambia | 68 countries |
| 75. | Tunisia | 66 countries |
| 76. | Cape Verde | 65 countries |
Do you see your country on any of the lists? If not, check out the cheapest countries to buy citizenship from.