Every Year, the Henley Passport Index ranks countries’ passports as ‘strong’ or ‘weak’ in terms of allowing holders to obtain a visa-free entry, a visa upon arrival or to need a visa before travel to any one of 183 countries. Henley also publishes the Ease of Doing Business Index for all countries.
Two points to note: One, with the advent of easier travelling and more ‘mobile’ minds, entry requirements to a country are a major factor in deciding whether to go there or not. Two, there has always been a correlation between trade and unhindered travel. Globalisation is only strengthening it. Stronger passports inevitably encourage ease of doing business – more trade and financial flows – between any two countries.
The Passport Index from strongest to the weakest for 2020 (visa-free destinations) 1. Japan (191) 2. Singapore (190) 3. South Korea, Germany (189)4. Italy, Finland (188)5. Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark (187)6. Sweden, France (186)7. Switzerland, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Austria (185)8. United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Greece, Belgium (184)9. New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic, Canada, Australia (183)10. Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary (181)……….72. China (71) 84. India(58) 104. Pakistan (32).The strength of the Indian passport has fallen from 82 in 2019 to 84 this year. The Modi Government has long touted its success in promoting Indians’ increased acceptance overseas should take note.
