With an ever more connected world, holding a powerful passport can go a long way in boosting one’s freedom of movement across borders. The most powerful passports in the world provide their bearers with widespread visa-free travel and other benefits, indicative of a country’s diplomatic power and international reputation.
The Nomad Passport Index 2025
The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 recently launched the most recent rankings of the strongest passports, assessing 199 nationalities through five essential drivers: visa-free travel, tax, global sentiment, dual nationality, and personal liberty. It is an analysis that does not just reveal where a passport gets you to, but also determinants of what makes a passport valuable in overall terms.
Top Rankings
Ireland took the first place for 2025 as the strongest passport in the world with visa-free entry to 176 nations. It is an historic win as Ireland takes the top position on its own. Its excellent international connections and pro policies help maintain a high position.
Next come Switzerland and Greece, tied at second place with access to 175 countries apiece. They are known for their strong diplomatic ties and peaceful rule, so they are very popular with worldwide travelers.
The rankings go on to include Portugal at fourth, providing access to 176 countries, followed by Malta and Italy, both ranked fifth with 171 and 175 countries to visit, respectively. Other high-ranking entries in the top ten are Luxembourg, Finland, and Norway, each of which offers top-class global mobility.
Interestingly, the top powerful passports in world also include the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, the lone non-European nations in the elite ranks. Both countries share a focus on increasing the global mobility of their citizens.
The Full List
Here’s a rundown of the world top powerful passports based on the Nomad Passport Index 2025:
| Rank | Country | Number of Destinations/Countries | Score |
| 1 | Ireland | 176 | 109 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 175 | 108.5 |
| 3 | Greece | 175 | 108.5 |
| 4 | Portugal | 176 | 108 |
| 5 | Malta | 171 | 107.5 |
| 6 | Italy | 175 | 107.5 |
| 7 | Luxembourg | 176 | 107 |
| 8 | Finland | 176 | 107 |
| 9 | Norway | 176 | 107 |
| 10 | United Arab Emirates | 179 | 106.5 |
| 11 | New Zealand | 173 | 106.5 |
| 12 | Iceland | 171 | 106.5 |
The Implications of Passport Strength
The strength of a passport can have a major impact on tourism, global business, and the capacity to attract foreign investment. Nations with strong passports tend to have better diplomatic relations and the capacity to sign good deals with other countries, opening up more opportunities for their nationals.
On the other hand, weaker passports may restrict travel opportunities and pose difficulties for expatriates and business executives who wish to conduct business overseas. This imbalance highlights the significance of comprehending passport rankings, particularly for those planning to migrate or engage in international business.
Conclusion
Overall, the rankings given by the Nomad Passport Index 2025 show us the changing picture of global mobility and the dynamics of power between nations. In the future, the importance of having a powerful passport will probably keep on increasing, determining the fate of travelers and expats alike. For a more in-depth analysis, you can see the entire list at the Indian Express here.
