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The Most Powerful Passports for 2021 and What Makes Them So Strong

International travel is a part of doing business. It’s also an excellent opportunity to vacation in new spots and see a bit of the world. While 2020 has not been ideal for visiting vacation spots, things could be much different in 2021.

This means it helps to know which passports allow you the easiest access to some of the places you would like to visit.

What Sets a Strong Passport Apart?

Several factors determine the strength or power of a passport. Nations that offer Visa-free access or at least Visa-on-arrival are at the top of the list of powerful passports. These tend to have a higher Mobility Score (MS). The Mobility Score indicates the number of countries that can be accessed with a single passport. The higher the MS, the stronger the passport.

Factors such as political relations also matter. As some countries closed their borders to all but essential travel during 2020’s pandemic, health concerns became an even more significant factor in determining a nation’s passport strength.

If you’re fortunate to have a strong or powerful passport, the options are more varied. How do different passports stack up to others? Here are ten that tend to offer the most in terms of moving about with relative ease.

passport in front of a bag

1. Japan

Easily one of the most popular destinations for business and pleasure, Japan consistently tops the list of powerful passports from one year to the next. The most recent statistics indicate that those holding this passport can travel freely to a total of 191 destinations.

2. Singapore

Singapore passports give you access to 190 nations around the world. As one of the world’s commerce centers, it’s no wonder that this is a top destination for many business professionals.

3. Germany

The role of Germany in the European Union, paired with its people's welcoming nature, certainly makes the country a worthy destination for vacations or even for expats. Those who hold a German passport also have the ease of traveling to several nations within the Europe Union and other places. All told, a passport from Germany will allow you to visit 187 different countries and territories around the world.

4. South Korea

South Korea has emerged as one of the most desirable places to visit. The options for superb cuisine, the hospitality of the populace, and the rich history all combine to make this a great place to visit for work or fun. It also happens that South Koreans with passports have lots of travel options. Like Germany, a passport from South Korea will allow for easy travel to and from 187 nations around the world.

5. United Kingdom

Expats searching for a place to live and work often look for nations with robust Visa programs that grant quite a few privileges. Fortunately, a UK passport will allow you to travel to 180 countries.

Among those, people who want to live and work abroad would do well to consider Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa program. More than 50 nations are included in the program, with the United Kingdom being among them. Given the climate, the culture, and the ability to remain in the country and work, this is a destination to consider.

passports, maps and a watch laid out

6. Australia

Australia is an excellent destination for anyone who speaks English as a first language, loves the idea of warm weather during the winter months, and wants to enjoy the beauty of pristine beaches.

There are plenty of choices for citizens who would like to travel to other parts of the world. Australia’s passport is strong enough to allow easy entry into 180 nations around the globe. Whether for business or travel, Australian citizens are welcome in many countries, including some areas where citizens of western hemisphere nations would have more difficulty.

7. Canada

It’s hard to think of a more welcoming nation to visitors than Canada. Those who speak French or English as a first language will find plenty of places to feel at home while also soaking up the culture offered in Canada’s different provinces.

Canadian nationals who have the urge to travel will also find themselves welcome in many other nations. The most recent statistics indicate that a Canadian passport will allow entry to 183 destinations around the world.

8. United States

The United States continues to offer one of the strongest passports in the world. US citizens can enter 180 nations. Americans can gain entry for short business trips, vacations, and extended stays.

If you’re a US citizen interested in the latter, investigate the Belize Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. This program allows qualified individuals above 45 years old to enjoy tax exemptions on income originating outside of Belize. Add in the tropical climate, the relatively low cost of living, and the friendliness of the people of Belize, and you have compelling reasons to dust off your US passport and see what Belize has to offer.

9. Norway

If you hold a passport from Norway, much of the world is your oyster. You can use it to travel to 183 different nations, making it one of the world's strongest passports.

Feel free to enjoy summer in Spain or make a trip to the Caribbean for all the sun and celebrations that you can imagine. You’ll also find it easy to enjoy a quick holiday closer to home by visiting countries like Germany or Great Britain.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand citizens also have plenty of options when it comes to international travel. All told, a passport from this nation will allow you to travel to 180 different countries around the world. It’s a great way to travel with little fuss to nations that have always intrigued you.

Stay on Top of Passport Rankings

Keep in mind that just as the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed quite a bit of travel during 2020, the same is likely to hold true during the early part of 2021. The good news is that the development and distribution of vaccines will go a long way toward making travel for pleasure and business viable again.

Decide where you would like to go during the year ahead, check out the passport index numbers, and make those tentative plans.

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