Brunei’s passport has been ranked among Asia’s top 10 for travel freedom, granting visa-free access to 166 destinations worldwide, according to the October edition of the Henley Global Mobility Report by Henley & Partners.
However, when it comes to passport power, Singapore maintains a stronger position. With visa-free access to 195 destinations, Singapore holds the top spot in Asia and ranks as one of the most powerful passports globally.
Following Singapore are Japan and South Korea, offering visa-free entry to 192 and 191 destinations, respectively. The United Arab Emirates and Malaysia are also notable, ranking fourth and fifth with 185 and 183 destinations, respectively.
Other significant passports include Hong Kong (171 destinations) and Brunei (166 destinations). In contrast, countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives, and China offer access to fewer destinations, ranging from 85 to 107.
Here is a list of Asian countries ranked by the strength of their passports in 2024, based on the Henley Passport Index:
- Singapore – Visa-free access to 195 destinations.
- Japan – Visa-free access to 192 destinations.
- South Korea – Visa-free access to 191 destinations.
- United Arab Emirates – Visa-free access to 185 destinations.
- Malaysia – Visa-free access to 183 destinations.
- Hong Kong – Visa-free access to 171 destinations.
- Brunei – Visa-free access to 166 destinations.
- Qatar – Visa-free access to 107 destinations.
- Kuwait – Visa-free access to 99 destinations.
- Maldives – Visa-free access to 94 destinations.
- China – Visa-free access to 85 destinations.
Countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan have the most restricted passports, with access to fewer destinations due to stringent visa requirements.
The Henley Passport Index, which evaluates 199 passports based on the number of visa-free destinations, offers a valuable insight into global mobility and shifts in visa policies.
