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New Zealand passport most powerful in the world
New Zealanders are granted visa-free access or allowed visa-on-arrival in 129 countries.
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New Zealanders are granted visa-free access or allowed visa-on-arrival in 129 countries. (Shutterstock/File)
New Zealanders should be proud as their country's passport has been named the world’s most powerful in a new ranking.
According to real-time global ranking tool The Passport Index, New Zealand passport overpowers 192 other passports of United Nation countries.
The index came at a time when borders between countries were mostly closed and traveling became more challenging for many across the globe.
"COVID-19 has caused a historic dive in the World Openness Score (WOS); Passport Index’ benchmark of open travel between countries," said the passport ranking organization. "Although active visa agreements were not changed, temporary entry bans and border closures resulted in a staggering decrease in the WOS. It has currently backtracked nearly half a decade [...] a 65 percent decline within months."
New Zealanders are granted visa-free access or allowed visa-on-arrival in 129 countries. It is said to be one the most successful countries in containing the virus.
Meanwhile, citizens of Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, South Korea, Japan and Australia can have seamless travel experience in 128 countries.
On the other hand, Afghanistan and Iraq are the countries with the weakest passports, having scored only 31. Syria, Somalia and Yemen passport are slightly better, scoring 34, 35 and 36 respectively.
In the top-10 ranking of countries with the most powerful passports are Sweden, Belgium, France, Finland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Lithuania, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Poland and Hungary, among others.
Indonesia is ranked 49 on the list. Its passport holders can travel to 61 countries without applying for a visa prior to arrival. (gis/wng)
