Passport strength refers to the level of access a passport provides its holder to enter other countries without the need for a visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. A passport with higher strength allows its holder to travel to more countries without the hassle of obtaining visas in advance, while a passport with lower strength may require its holder to apply for visas before traveling to many countries.
The strength of a passport is determined by factors such as diplomatic relations between countries, security concerns, economic factors, and immigration policies. Generally, passports from economically strong and politically stable countries tend to have higher strength, as these countries have more favourable diplomatic relations and are perceived as lower security risks.
Passport strength can tell us several things about global politics:
-
Diplomatic Relations: Countries with strong passports often have good diplomatic relations with other nations, leading to agreements that facilitate visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival arrangements.
-
Economic Power: Passport strength can reflect the economic power and stability of a country. Wealthier nations may have stronger passports due to their ability to negotiate favourable travel agreements and their perceived lower risk of citizens overstaying visas or engaging in illegal activities.
-
Soft Power and Influence: A strong passport can also be a reflection of a country’s soft power and influence on the global stage. Countries with significant cultural, economic, or political influence may have passports that provide easier access to other countries as a means of fostering goodwill and enhancing their international image.
-
Security Concerns: Conversely, countries with weaker passports may face security concerns or be perceived as higher risks for various reasons such as political instability, conflict, or terrorism. As a result, other countries may impose stricter visa requirements on travellers from these nations.
-
Immigration Policies: Passport strength can also be influenced by a country’s immigration policies. Some countries may have strict visa requirements for citizens of certain countries due to concerns about illegal immigration, security threats, or reciprocity.
Overall, analysing passport strength can provide insights into the complex dynamics of international relations, economic power, and security concerns shaping global politics.
Check out the rankings below to see where your passport stands. This highlights inequality across the world, with the West having the greatest strength