The Portuguese passport has once again been ranked 5th in the world, allowing its holders entry into 187 countries, according to the ‘Henley Passport Index: Q3 2023 Global Ranking’.
In terms of passport power, this places Portugal alongside six countries like Belgium, the Czech Republic, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, the most powerful passport on the list belongs to Singapore, with its citizens enjoying visa-free entry to 192 out of 227 destinations worldwide. Singapore has surpassed Japan to claim the top spot in the ranking, followed by Germany, Italy, and Spain. The United States ranked 8th and Canada 7th respectively.
The least effective passports in the world are issued by Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan with less than 30 visa-free destinations.
In the previous year, the Portuguese passport was ranked sixth among the most “powerful” passports, sharing the spot with France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. In 2021, it held the fifth position, and in 2020, it was ranked seventh.
Portugal’s inclusion in the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries with abolished passport and border control at mutual borders, allows for free movement within the area for its citizens.
Non-citizens looking to obtain a Portuguese passport must first acquire Portuguese citizenship and reside in Portugal for at least five years. Applicants may undergo interviews and Portuguese language tests as part of the process. Notably, both Portugal and the United States of America permit dual citizenship. Holders of U.S. passports can enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, provided their passport remains valid for at least three months beyond their stay.
The Henley Passport Index relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has been monitoring the world’s most travel-friendly passports since 2006. The index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The database is constantly updated throughout the year as visa policies change.
PAJ/Saff
