Passport Index
A ranking that shows how many countries a passport allows entry to without a prior visa or with simplified formalities.
A passport index is a ranking that compares the passports of different countries by their so-called «strength»: as a rule, by the number of states their holders can enter without a prior visa, with a visa on arrival, or through other simplified procedures. Such rankings are compiled by various organisations, and their methodologies may differ.
A passport's place in a ranking reflects visa-free arrangements between countries and changes over time. The index is therefore a guide for a given moment rather than a fixed value; the specific entry conditions always depend on the destination country's rules and the purpose of the trip.
Passport rankings are often mentioned in the context of choosing a second citizenship, since a passport's «strength» affects the convenience of international travel. At the same time, visa-free access only means easier entry, not the right to long-term residence or work, which are regulated separately.
| What it is | A ranking of passports by freedom of travel |
| Who compiles it | Private analytical and consulting organizations |
| Main criterion | The number of destinations with simplified entry |
| Not to be confused with | An official government document |
| Role in investment migration | A reference point when comparing citizenship programs |
How it works in practice
- When choosing a program, the investor compares candidate countries' passports across several indexes at once.
- They look beyond the headline number to the list of destinations: what matters most is where the family actually travels.
- Indexes are updated regularly as visa agreements change, so current editions are used.
- The agent completes the picture by checking the visa rules in force for specific destination countries.
- The final decision rests on a combination of factors: travel, taxes, residence requirements, family.
Common pitfalls
- ! Chasing the total number of «visa-free» destinations: practical value depends on which countries are on the list.
- ! Comparing positions across different rankings directly: methodologies differ, and placements do not match.
- ! Treating a position as permanent: visa agreements change, and a passport's access can expand or shrink.
- ! Reducing program choice to the index: taxes, the jurisdiction's reputation and residence requirements matter no less.
“People choose a programme by its line in the ranking; the right question is your own list of destinations. Indexes count visa-on-arrival and e-visas as visa-free — and visa-free never means the right to live or work there.”
Levan Pogosov — LawyerFAQ
What does a passport's «strength» mean in a ranking?
It usually refers to the number of countries you can enter without a prior visa or with simplified formalities. The more there are, the higher the passport in the ranking.
Does a high index guarantee entry to any country?
No. The index reflects the general picture at a given moment, but the final entry conditions are always set by the destination country.
Why does the same passport rank differently in different indexes?
Compilers treat e-visas, visas on arrival and other simplified regimes differently. Because of these methodological differences, rankings do not match.
How often are passport indexes updated?
Regularly — as visa agreements between countries change. Decisions rely on the current edition, not last year's data.
Can a passport's «strength» change after you obtain it?
Yes: a country's visa arrangements can expand or contract, and the passport's access changes with them. This is a long-term factor beyond the holder's control.
What should I consider besides the index when choosing a program?
The family's real needs: relevant travel destinations, tax consequences, residence requirements, options for children. The index is only one point of comparison.