Central Asian nation, Kazakhstan, climbs global passport ranking, securing the top spot among its regional counterparts.
Kazakhstan Makes Significant Gain in Henley Passport Index
The latest update of the Henley Passport Index has revealed that Kazakhstan has made a significant leap, climbing three positions to rank 63rd. This improvement in Kazakhstan's passport strength is noteworthy as it provides visa-free access to 79 countries for its passport holders.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations that their passport holders can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access, covers a total of 227 global destinations. The index is updated quarterly to reflect real-time visa policy changes based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Singapore continues to hold the top position in the index for the second consecutive year, with access to 193–195 destinations without a visa. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China are noted as rising in the rankings due to active diplomacy and expanding bilateral agreements. However, China remains behind the top leaders. The United States ranks 10th, tied with Lithuania and Iceland, providing visa-free access to 182 countries.
European countries continue to dominate the top ten of the Henley Passport Index. The rise in Kazakhstan's position reflects its expanding diplomatic ties, making it the highest among Central Asian countries in the index. Uzbekistan is ranked 74th, with 62 visa-free destinations, while Tajikistan is ranked 80th, with 56 visa-free destinations. Afghanistan ranks 99th in the index, with access to only 25 countries.
Kazakhstan's improved global standing in the Henley Passport Index may attract more international travel to the country. It is considered a safe destination for international travel, making it an attractive option for tourists and businesses alike. This improvement in Kazakhstan's passport strength is a testament to the country's growing international relations and its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for visitors.
References:
[1] Henley & Partners. (2023). Henley Passport Index. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/
[2] The Economist. (2023). The Henley Passport Index. Retrieved from https://graphics.economist.com/2023/03/08/the-henley-passport-index
[3] International Air Transport Association. (2023). Destination Access. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/passenger/passenger-journey-facilitation/destination-access/
[4] The New York Times. (2023). The Most Powerful Passports in the World. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/08/upshot/the-most-powerful-passports-in-the-world.html
[5] Forbes. (2023). The World's Most Powerful Passports. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenjacobs/2023/03/08/the-worlds-most-powerful-passports/?sh=49d3c7a15590
- The improved position of Kazakhstan in the Henley Passport Index might encourage a shift in their lifestyle, making travel to a broader range of destinations more accessible.
- While the Henley Passport Index covers a wide spectrum of topics such as travel, politics, and general news, it is primarily recognized for its impact on the lifestyle decisions of passport holders.
