Japan Now Has the Most Powerful Passport in the World
Japanese citizens, now's the time to take a vacation somewhere exotic.
Why? Japan has officially become the most universally accepted passport in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index.
With visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 190 countries worldwide as of 2018, Japan beat out other powerful contenders after gaining access to Myanmar. Close runner-ups include Singapore, which is currently situated close at 189, and Germany, France and South Korea — all of which are tied at 188.
The United States and the United Kingdom have both dropped down one spot as well. Having remained stagnant for the past year, both the US and the UK acquired no new access to countries and are predicted to drop further in the rankings, which is a far cry from their tie for first place in 2015.
At the bottom of the Henley list are Afghanistan and Iraq. The two countries are tied for last place with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to only 30 jurisdictions.
The Henley Passport Index uses information taken from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). According to Group Chairman of Henley & Partners Dr. Christian H. Kälin, index "is an important tool for measuring not only the relative strength of the world's passports but also the extraordinary results that states can achieve when they work hand in hand with their global peers to build a more interconnected and collaborative world."
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app