If you are a savvy traveller, you might want to know how powerful your passport is and what countries allow visa-free travel. Truth is, some passports offer more freedom than others. This is usually ranked depending on the quality of life, investments, and mobility index of a specific country.
Also, not all countries have forgiving rules. If you wish to travel to any of the visa-free countries, make sure to check the entry requirements thoroughly and satisfy them all before packing your bags and heading there.
The world’s strongest passports
According to the Arton Capital’s Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates holds the world’s strongest passport in 2022. It allows visa-free or visa-upon-arrival to 160 destinations, making it the most powerful passport in the world.
Coming in at second place is Sweden, Finland, and Italy, allowing visa-free access to up to 153 destinations to date. A lot of countries have tied for third place, including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, and Portugal, which allow access to 153 countries. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, made it to 5th place, and the United States on 6th, with 149 destinations allowing visa-free access to its passport holders.
Visa-free vs. visa on arrival vs. visa required
There are three types of visa requirements when visiting a foreign country.
- Visa-free – This refers to the ability to travel to a foreign destination without the need for a visa.
- Visa on arrival – This implies that the country requires a visa, but you can obtain it upon arrival.
- Visa required – This means the passport holder must secure a visa before leaving their place of origin.
Documents required to enter a country visa-free
In most cases, you can enter and exit a country with only a valid passport in hand. However, there are destinations that require more documents before allowing entry. For UK citizens, here are the standard required when travelling internationally.
- Proof of traveller’s health insurance
- Proof of financial capacity to support their stay in the country
- Proof of accommodation
As of January 2021, UK citizens are also required to bring ETIAs, an online authorisation for entering the Schengen Area.
Some countries may also require proof of vaccination for diseases or illnesses that are normal in that location. If you are travelling with a child, presenting a notarised authorisation from the other parent is mandatory.
Application process
The application procedures may vary from one country to another. But typically, most of them follow these procedures:
- Complete the visa application form.
- Gather the necessary documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Attend a visa interview and submit the necessary documents.
You need to check the visa procedures, along with the visa rules in the country you wish to visit, prior to the schedule of your trip. Keep in mind that the procedures can be very specific and subject to change.