Korean Passport Ranks 2nd in Global Passport Power
The international status of the Korean passport has significantly increased.
It has been revealed that with just a Korean passport, one can enter a remarkable 190 countries without a visa.
According to data released by the UK-based overseas citizenship consulting firm Henley & Partners, the number of countries that allow visa-free entry with a Korean passport ranks second in the world, alongside Japan, as reported by CNN on the 22nd local time. This indicates that the international influence and credibility of the Korean passport are very high.
In the global passport ranking, Singapore holds the top position. The Singaporean passport allows visa-free entry to 193 out of 277 countries and regions worldwide, making it the most powerful passport.
Strength of European Countries and Decline of the United States
European countries also occupied top positions in the passport power rankings. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Spain tied for 3rd place. Citizens of these countries can also travel to a significant number of countries without a visa.
Notably, there has been a decline in the ranking of the United States, which was once considered to have the strongest passport in the world. The US, which held the 1st position in 2014, has now dropped to a tie for 10th place with Lithuania. This decline can be seen as a reflection of changes in international dynamics and adjustments in visa policies by various countries.
Restrictions of Lower-Ranked Countries' Passports
On the other hand, some countries have passports with very limited international utility. Afghanistan ranks last at 99th place, with only 25 countries allowing visa-free entry with an Afghan passport.
Syria (27 countries) and Iraq (30 countries) also remain in the lower ranks, while North Korea is ranked 93rd, allowing visa-free entry to only 40 countries. These countries face limitations on the utility of their passports due to political instability and constraints in international relations.
Image source: News1, material photo to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
