Portugal’s passport has been officially ranked the 4th most powerful globally, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries and territories.
The climb to 4th place places Portugal alongside other top-tier nations such as Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands, confirming its status among the world’s most travel-friendly countries.
This marks an improvement from 2024, when Portugal was tied for 5th place with access to 189 destinations — a reflection of the country’s expanding diplomatic reach and continued investment in international cooperation.
Portugal’s position at the top tier of global mobility rankings is a testament to its stability, diplomacy, and international engagement. EU passport holders are granted full rights to live, work, study, and access healthcare across 27 European countries, strengthening Portugal’s role as a gateway to Europe. In addition, Portuguese passport holders can access healthcare, social services, and job markets anywhere in the EU.
Holders of a Portuguese passport enjoy simplified access to destinations such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the entire Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that have officially abolished passports and border control at their mutual borders.
According to the Henley Passport Index, the US passport currently ranks 10th, with access to 182 destinations, the lowest position the US has held since this list was compiled. Recent restrictive entry policies are cited as the reason for the US passport drop on this list.
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, and serves as a reference for evaluating global mobility offered by passports.
PAJ/Staff
