UK passports have become less powerful in global rankings following a major post-Brexit tumble.
Since the British public voted to leave the European Union in 2016 the country's travel documents have had a serious fall in fortunes. While they may be a rich, patriotic blue following Brexit, they are of less practical use.
Now the British passport sits in 22nd place in the Passport Index by Arton Capital, which looks at how many nations people from a given country can visit with and without visas.
The UK passport gives access to 126 visa-free, 49 with a visa on arrival and 26 with a visa acquired before travel. Many EU countries now sit above the UK in the rankings, including Poland in 14th place. Back in 2014 the UK sat third in the table.
With new EU rules set to come into force in 2025 that mean Brits will need a permit to enter EU destinations, it could be that the nation falls further in the rankings in coming years.
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At the top of the pile is the United Arab Emirates which has dominated in recent years. Those lucky enough to have the passport only need to a visa before travelling to 18 different countries.
Different countries have different visa rules (NurPhoto via Getty Images)Countries in the Middle East involved in serious conflicts since the turn of the millennium sit at the bottom of the table. Syria is in last place, followed by Afghanistan and Iraq. Just eight countries let Syrians come in without a visa and 32 require one on arrival, severely limiting the travel prospects of those with the travel document.
When a visa is required ahead of travel, there is no guarantee that it will be given once an application is made. Travelling for people in many African and Middle Eastern countries is far more complex than for most people in the West, as they will be rejected outright when they apply for a visa.
The latest passport rankings have seen major European powers improve their standings. The passport power of countries including France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands all rose in 2023. Countries the world over are looking to take advantage of this by streamlining the ability of European passport holders to travel abroad for leisure and work, according to Arton.
The largest gain in passport power seen in Europe came from Albania. One of the strongest growers of 2023, Albania’s international profile has risen in recent years thanks to superstars like Dua Lipa, who holds Albanian citizenship.
Demand for its famously hardworking citizens has dramatically increased, with governments queuing up to make it easier for Albanians to live and work in their countries. As tourists look for budget-friendly holiday destinations amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and with an increasing World Welcoming Score, governments seem keen to strike reciprocal deals with Albania.
Other Balkan countries look set to follow Albania’s example – a visa-free agreement between the EU and Kosovo, which boasts Rita Ora amongst its citizens, has recently come into effect as of 1st January 2024. Kosovo’s mobility score has rocketed by 34 points as a result. Arton predicts that 2024 could be the year that Albania makes a similar agreement as the country looks to continue its rapid rise up the rankings.
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