There are a number of factors that go into determining the power of a passport. These factors can include the number of countries that the passport can be used to travel to without a visa, the amount of time it takes to obtain a visa for those countries, and the overall strength of the economy of the country that issued the passport.
According to the 2017 Henley Passport Index, Japan has the most powerful passport in the world, with access to 190 countries without a visa. Germany and Singapore tied for second place with189 countries. The United States was in sixth place with 188 countries.
The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which keeps track of how many visas are required for nationals of each country wishing to travel internationally. The IATA also measures how long it takes to get those visas.
The Most Powerful Passports 2019
18.Canada
Canadian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Canada. As of 22 May 2018, Canadian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 185 countries and territories.
17. United States
As of 9 October 2018, holders of a United States passport can travel to 186 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival. The United States passport currently ranks 5th in terms of travel freedom.
16. United Kingdom
The citizens of the United Kingdom. As of 9 October 2018, can travel to 186 countries and territories visa-free or visa on arrival access.
15. Portugal
Portugal passport holders as of 10 July 2018 Portuguese citizens can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
14. Norway
As of 10 July 2018, Norwegian citizens/ Passport holders can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
13. Netherlands
The Dutch citizens joint nationality of the four countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As of May 2018, Dutch citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
12. Luxembourg
luxembourg citizens with who have a valid passport can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
11. Austria
Austrian citizens with a legitimate passport as of May 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
10. Sweden
Swedish citizens with a passport as of July 10th, 2018, can travel to visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories,
9. Spain
The citizens of Spain with a valid passport as of October 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories,
8. Italy
Italian resident with a valid Italian passport As of May 2018, can freely travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries.
7. Finland
Finnish citizens with a valid Finland passport as of May 2018, Finnish citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories.
6. Denmark
Danish citizens with a valid Denmark passport can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories.
5. South Korea
South Korean citizens with a valid passport as of 22 May 2018, can travel had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories.
4. Germany
German citizens with a valid passport as of July 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 188 countries and territories.
3. France
French citizens with a valid passport as of May 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 188 countries and territories.
2. Singapore
Singaporean citizens with a valid passport as of 10 July 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 189 countries and territories.
1. Japan
Japanese citizens with a valid passport as of October 2018, can travel visa-free or visa on arrival access to 190 countries and territories.
Ranking the Japanese passport the strongest passport in the world in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index