The UK has dropped another place in this year’s ranking of the most powerful passports. Henley and Partners revealed its annual Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations based on how easily they can travel throughout the world without visas.
Despite topping the rankings in 2015, the British passport dropped another place to sixth, with visa-free access to 186 destinations. The US, which ranked first in 2014, dropped to its lowest ever position since the ranking started 20 years ago, placing tenth with access to 182 destinations. Henley and Partners consultancy attributed the decline to restrictive entry policies in both countries.
Singapore topped the ranking for the second consecutive year, with visa-free access to 193 destinations, and Japan and South Korea came joint second with 190 destinations.
European countries largely dominated the top spots on the ranking, which uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Seven European countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — placed third, with visa-free access to 189 destinations. Seven more European countries ranked joint fourth, with access to 188 destinations.
Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China gained ground on the ranking, which was attributed to expanding visa-waiver agreements and easing entry requirements.
Dr Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer at Henley & Partners, said: “Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally.
“As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we’re witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security.”
