7 Passports You Wish You Had

The report analyses visa regulations of all countries and territories in the world and presents an index which ranks each by the number of other countries that their citizens can travel to without having to obtain a visa.

We’ve put together a small selection of some of the most powerful passports in the world this year.  Here are some of the passports at the top of the list, the passports you wish you had:

1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks right at the top of the list, joined by Finland, Sweden, Germany and the United States, with visa-free access to 174 countries.

Aside from being able to travel to the vast majority of the world’s countries without the hassle of visa documentation, UK citizens also have access to free healthcare and a range of government-paid benefits.

UK passport holders have access to all 28 European Union countries and may easily travel within the Commonwealth.

The European Union countries are:  Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

2. Canada

Bearers of a Canadian passport are entitled to live outside of Canada with no time limits, whereas those with permanent residence status must live in Canada for at least two years within every five year period. Citizens may also pass their Canadian Citizenship on to first generation children born outside of Canada.

According to the HVRI 2014, Canadian passport holders are second on the list (joined in the same position by Denmark) and may travel to 173 countries visa-free. But their passport also comes with the benefit of easier travel to and the right to seek employment in the United States.

3. Portugal

Portugal is a full member of the European Union and therefore residence here allows you to travel visa-free, and to work, live or study in all EU countries including the notoriously difficult Schengen area countries.

Holders of Portuguese passports, according to the HVRI, may travel visa-free to 172 countries, joined in third place on the HVRI by Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, The Republic of South Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.

4. Norway

Not only is Norway’s newly-designed passport already considered innovative and classic, it’s also placed at number four in the HVRI – joined there by Austria and Ireland. Not only do the Norwegians have their hands on one of the best looking passports in the world, but it also gives them visa-free access to a grand total of 171 countries.

The passport was created by Oslo-based design company Neue, who won a competition to redesign the national document with their modern, colourful design featuring the Norwegian landscape.

And as an additional touch, a touch of magic, the pages reveal the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which is not just beautiful, but a security feature.

The jury which chose the winning design said the design “illustrates the Norwegian identity as well as making sure the passport will be viewed as a document of high value”.

5. Switzerland

Swiss Citizens may work, live, study or purchase real estate anywhere within the EU as well as the additional countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

In fifth place on the HVRI 2014 with the ability to travel freely to 170 countries, joined by Singapore and New Zealand in the same spot, is Switzerland. This is where the Henley & Partners Forum 2015, covering key developments in the area of residence and citizenship planning, will take place in Zurich in early May.

6. Australia

Australian passport holders may travel freely to 168 countries, taking seventh place on the HVRI. Unlike residents, citizens do not need to worry about return visas when leaving the country sought after by many South Africans.

Citizens are entitled to assistance when they are overseas if they encounter any trouble while travelling, with full consular assistance. And children of Australian citizens, even if born outside of Australia are entitled to register as a citizen thereby obtaining all privileges of a citizen. They can also apply for financial support for tuition fees for Australian universities.

7. Malta

Malta’s passport also gives access to the European Union, allowing Maltese passport holders the opportunity to live and work in Europe, attend European educational institutions and travel visa-free access to 166 countries.

For Malta, citizenship can be achieved through investment with the Henley & Partners Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP), which offers citizenship to suitable individuals and families who hold resident status in Malta for a period of twelve months immediately preceding the day of issuing of the certificate of naturalization and who qualify under the very strict due diligence regime. To gain citizenship, all applicants must make a significant contribution to the National Development and Social Fund established by the Government.