Revealed: The world’s most ‘powerful’ passports in 2016

German and Swedish citizens have the most “powerful” passports in the world, with visa-free travel to 157 countries worldwide, a new report has found.

The 2016 edition of the Passport Index released by Arton Capital ranks passports from 199 countries based on three factors: visa-free travel, visa on arrival ratio, and the country’s score as attributed by United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index.

The ranking reveals “the power of each passport” on the holder’s identity, opportunity, mobility and overall quality of life, according to Arton.

Regionally, the United Arab Emirates’ passport ranks at the top of the Gulf Cooperation Council and 27 in the world, with a visa-free score of 120. The country’s rank is mainly boosted because of its Schengen visa waiver obtained in 2015, the report said.

Kuwait comes second with a rank of 49, followed by Qatar (51), Bahrain (55), Saudi Arabia (58) and Oman at 59.

The overall index also includes rankings for the most and least welcoming countries in the world.

President of Arton Capital Armand Arton said: “Many people around the world consider their passports a barrier to their opportunities in life and choose to empower their identity and global footprint by obtaining a second citizenship through investment.

“In an age of increasing mobility, becoming a global citizen has never been more desirable. Investing in a second residency or citizenship is a liberating and empowering privilege, which comes with a responsibility to the world.”

MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS IN THE WORLD

1. Germany

Visa-free score: 157

Sweden (Shared)

Visa-free score: 157

2. Finland

Visa-free score: 156

Italy (Shared)

Visa-free score: 156

Switzerland (Shared)

Visa-free score: 156

France (Shared)

Visa-free score: 156

Spain (Shared)

Visa-free score: 156

United Kingdom (Shared)

Visa-free score: 156

3. Denmark

Visa-free score: 155

Netherlands (Shared)

Visa-free score: 155

Belgium (Shared)

Visa-free score: 155

South Korea (Shared)

Visa-free score: 155

Norway (Shared)

Visa-free score: 155

To find out where your passport ranks, click here