European & US Passport Holders Enjoy the Greatest International Access

A recent study highlighted the countries that offer the best and worst passports for international travel. Out of every destination, citizens of Europe and the U.S. enjoy the greatest international access with their passports.

A study released by global consulting firm Henley & Partners ranked the best and worst passports for international travel. Ratings were based on the visa regulations of all countries and territories, as well as the freedom of travel afforded to citizens, as reported by the The Huffington Post.

Afghanistan ranked worse than all other contenders, granting its citizens access to only 28 countries without requiring them to apply for a visa, securing the country’s position in the number one spot on H&P’s “worst” list. Pakistan and Somalia didn’t fare much better with their passports granting citizens access to only 32 countries. The best of the worst included Sudan, Sri Lanka and Lebanon, whose passports grant citizens access to 38 countries.

Among those on the “best” list were several European countries. Finland, Sweden, Germany and the U.K. shared first place with their citizens allowed to access 174 countries. Citizens with U.S. passports also enjoy access to 174 countries.

In its report, H&P noted:

In today’s globalized world, visa restrictions play an important role in controlling the movement of foreign nationals across borders. Almost all countries now require visas from certain non-nationals who wish to enter their territory. Visa requirements are also an expression of the relationships between individual nations, and generally reflect the relations and status of a country within the international community of nations.

H&P maintains a Visa Restrictions Index, and the firm specializes in residence and citizenship planning.

[Photo: iStock]