The freedom of movement is a crucial commodity in a globalized economy. A new study shows, which passport takes you the furthest.
Global citizens don’t care much about borders or time zones. Today they will visit a philanthropic congress in Geneva, tomorrow they fly out to buy an apartment in Hong Kong and over the weekend they'll go skiing in Steamboat Springs in Colorado.
The problem many global citizens face is that their nationality is barring them from moving around freely. Citizens of numerous African, Asian, South American and even Eastern European countries can’t travel without acquiring a visa – and that often requires hard work.
Germany Top of the List
Henley & Partners is specialized in residence and citizenship planning. The firm knows exactly, which passports is the best to hold and at regular intervals publishes a Visa Restrictions Index.
In 2017, Germany came tops. Owners of a German passports can visit 176 countries with having to get a visa. Sweden came a close second, with 175 countries, followed by Denmark, Italy, Spain and the U.S., with 174 countries.
Switzerland follows in sixth place only, together with Canada, Greece and Portugal.
Syria or Pakistan Spells Trouble
Syria, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan are the countries, whose citizens can visit the fewest countries without visa restrictions. They can travel freely to fewer than 30 countries.
The index contains few changes at first sight. The top ten are the same as in previous years. But the drop of the U.K. to fourth place shows how geopolitical events shape the freedom of movement.
Brexit and Trump: Blocking Freedom of Movement
Christian Kaelin, chairman at Henley & Partners, said that events such as Brexit or the election of Donald Trump affected global mobility. Both will in some ways come to be seen as restrictive for the freedom of movement. And the barriers are getting higher, Kaelin added.
The Top Ten:
1. Germany
2. Sweden
3. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Spain, U.S.
4. Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, U.K.
5. Ireland, Japan, New Zealand
6. Switzerland, Canada, Greece, Portugal
7. Australia, South Korea
8. Iceland
9. Czech Republic
10. Hungary, Malta
