Enhanced Standing of South African Passport in Global Ranking - Implications for Travelers
In the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, Singapore has taken the top spot as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to an impressive 193 out of 227 destinations globally [1][2][3]. The index, created by Henley & Partners, is the original and authoritative ranking of global passports, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) [4].
The Henley Passport Index, the only one of its kind based on IATA data, has been tracking passport power for 19 years [5]. It ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa [6]. The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations [7][8].
While the exact rankings for positions 2 to 5 were not detailed in the latest update, countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy are usually top contenders [2]. The dominance of Singapore underscores its strong diplomatic relationships and travel freedom.
Meanwhile, the South African passport has seen a notable improvement. After moving up three spots, South Africans can now travel to 103 destinations without a visa, according to the updated rankings [9]. This upgrade in passport power has propelled South Africa to the 48th position on the Henley Passport Index [10].
For the complete and exact list of the top 5 passports in 2025, consult the full Henley Passport Index report or official website for comprehensive data. The index is updated regularly to reflect changes in travel restrictions and passport power [11].
[1] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56254406 [3] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/20/singapore-tops-the-2021-henley-passport-index-with-visa-free-access-to-193-destinations.html [4] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2021/04/20/singapore-tops-2021-henley-passport-index-as-worlds-most-powerful-passport/?sh=4d9989c33e2a [6] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index [7] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index [8] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-20/singapore-tops-henley-passport-index-as-world-s-most-powerful-passport [9] https://www.iol.co.za/travel/more-destinations-for-sa-passport-holders-as-ranking-improves-37760465 [10] https://www.iol.co.za/travel/more-destinations-for-sa-passport-holders-as-ranking-improves-37760465 [11] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index
Singapore's strong financial management and diplomatic relationships have led to its most powerful passport, the highest rank in the Henley Passport Index, providing visa-free access to 193 destinations globally. On the other hand, an improvement in the South African passport's power, with a move up three spots and visa-free entry to 103 destinations, indicates a significant boost in its holders' lifestyle, allowing for more travel opportunities.
