Japan took the title for the world’s most powerful passport, granting access to 193 countries, according to the Henley Passport Index. Singapore ranked second place, with access to 192 destinations. 

Tied for third are Germany and South Korea, while Italy, Spain, Luxembourg and Finland shared the fourth spot. The United States remained in the seventh spot, with access to 187 countries, falling behind France, Portugal, Netherlands and Ireland.

In 2015, the United States ranked second for the most powerful passport, trailing the United Kingdom. 

The Henley Passport Index rankings don’t take into account the varying COVID-19 restrictions and border closures from some countries. 

The best passports in 2021:

1. Japan (193 destinations)

2. Singapore (192 destinations)

3. Germany, South Korea (191 destinations)

4. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain (190 destinations)

5. Austria, Denmark (189 destinations)

6. France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden (188 destinations)

7. Belgium, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (187 destinations)

8. Czech Republic, Greece, Malta, Norway (186 destinations)

9. Australia, Canada (185 destinations)

10. Hungary (184 destinations)

According to usatoday.com. Source of photo: internet