German Passport Is The World's Most Powerful Passport In 2016

"Generally, there was significant movement across the board with only 21 of the 199 countries listed remaining in the same rank," said Henley & Partners. "

"Four countries in particular made huge gains; Tonga rising 16 spots, Palau by 20, Colombia by 25 and Timor-Leste being the highest climber with an increase of 33 ranks.

"Malta, the EU member country which runs the world’s most successful citizenship-by-investment program has gained visa-free access to another two countries since 2015, making it the 8th most powerful passport in the world. The leading country in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda, meanwhile ranked 30th and its passport-holders may now travel to 134 countries visa-free.

"Portugal, which holds the most attractive residence-by-investment program through its Golden Visa Program, has taken 6th position in the 2016 Index, gaining two countries to total 172 countries its citizens may travel to visa-free.The global progress in travel freedom looks set to continue for citizens of all countries."

Germany, 177
Sweden, 176
Finland, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, 175
Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, United States, 174
Austria, Japan, Singapore, 173
Canada, Ireland (Republic of), Korea (Republic of, South), Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, 172
Greece, New Zealand, 171
Australia, 169
Malta, 168
Hungary, Czech Republic, Iceland, 167
The world's least powerful passports
Afghanistan, 25
Pakistan, 29
Iraq, 30
Somalia, 31
Syria, 32
Libya, 36
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Nepal, Palestinian Territory, Sudan, 37
Kosovo, South Sudan, Yemen, 38
Bangladesh, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Lebanon, Sri Lanka, 39
Burundi, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of, North), Myanmar, 42