According to the latest Henley Passport Index rating, Bahrain has moved up five places on the global passport rankings for the first quarter of 2023. The Kingdom now ranks 61st on the list of the strongest passports in the world, improving the 66th position it held last year.
In 2021, Bahrain ranked 69th, which means that the country has now climbed eight positions since then. Currently, Bahrainis have visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 87 destinations around the world. The Henley Passport Index is an authoritative passport index, with historical data spanning 18 years. It ranks the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index consists of 199 different passports, as well as 227 different travel destinations.
Saudi Arabia takes the 63rd rank on the index with Oman and Papua New Guinea. Saudi, Oman, and Papua New Guinea passport holders have visa-free access to 82 destinations around the world. UAE fell one spot in the rankings after holding the 15th position last year. It currently holds the 16th position, having visa-free access to 178 destinations globally. The 15th position held previously by UAE was the highest position yet achieved for the Arab nation throughout the index’s history.
Who ranks at the top?
Japan and Singapore remarkably topped the index, allowing both Japanese and Singaporeans to visit 193 destinations out of 227 around the world without a prior visa. This allows them to access 85 percent of the world without a prior visa.
Best passports
According to the Global Ranking Index, Japan and Singapore tie in 1st (193 destinations), South Korea place 2nd (192 destinations), and Germany and Spain place 3rd (191 destinations). Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg place 4th (190 destinations).
It is anticipated that Kuwait and Qatar will sign a visa-free deal with the EU this year, a move that could dramatically enhance both countries, as Kuwait scores 57 (97 destinations) and Qatar scores 56 (100 destinations). It is also reported that whilst Asian countries continue to dominate the index, the growing strength of GCC passports has been identified as a key trend in the coming year.
