Discover the world of passports
WHERE CAN YOUR PASSPORT TAKE YOU?
Canada Unveils Redesigned Passport with Enhanced Security Features
Canada has introduced a new passport with advanced security features and fresh artwork, solidifying its reputation as a highly regarded travel document. Laser engraving replaces ink printing for personal information on the polycarbonate data page – which also incorporates an electronic chip within a transparent window – enhancing durability and deterring tampering and counterfeiting. Additional…
The world’s top 5 airports that make traveling a breeze
An efficiently run and well-equipped airport can make or break the travel experience. Plus, they’re a boon for global mobility. Here are five of the world’s best, according to the World Airport Awards 2023. Friendly airport staff. Short lines. Fast, respectful immigration. Punctual departures, reliable luggage handling and a range of high-quality restaurants, shops, lounges……
What will change for Croatia now that it’s part of the Schengen Area?
On January 1, 2023, Croatia officially became the 27th country to join the Schengen Area, the world’s largest visa-free region. The country’s new status effectively removes any existing border controls between Croatia – which already held the world’s eighth-strongest passport in 2022 – and much of Europe. It’s a boon for the Balkan nation that…
Iraq Introduces 3rd Generation ePassport
Iraq has recently introduced the 3rd generation of its electronic passport, with an aim to provide its citizens with the highest level of security and convenience while traveling abroad. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior, responsible for the design and manufacturing of the new ePassport, has taken great care in incorporating state-of-the-art security features that adhere…
Kosovo Citizens Soon to be Granted Visa-free Travel to Schengen
The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs recently took a monumental step towards visa liberalization for Kosovo with its approval on January 12, 2023. With a decisive 48 votes in favour, this marks a significant milestone in the institutional process that will allow Kosovo citizens to travel visa-free to the Schengen…
Mongolia exempts 34 countries from visa requirements to foster post-covid economic development
Upon setting a goal of attracting one million foreign tourists and earning US$1 Billion in tourism revenue in 2024, the Mongolian government has declared 2023-2025 the “Years to visit Mongolia.” Heavily reliant on mining exports at present, Mongolia sees the development of its tourism sector as the most effective way to help the economy recover…
Why Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq had the weakest passports in 2022
The three Middle Eastern countries rounded out the bottom of Passport Index’s annual global rankings, mainly due to turbulent international relationships, ongoing conflicts and visa-overstay risk. Tracking the world’s passport power tells us more than how easy–or challenging–it can be for people to travel. Our annual Global Passport Power Rank, based on visa-free and visa-on-arrival…
3 New Passports that Raise the Bar for Design and Security
Meaningful cultural imagery. Playful illustrations. Cutting-edge biometric tools. These passports celebrate global mobility with unique designs and the latest security technology. As the keys that unlock our global mobility, these vital documents are more than pieces of paper for immigration officials to scrutinize. Well-designed passports speak to national identity, cultural heritage and, in some cases,…
Barbados Has A New Passport
The Caribbean’s most powerful passport just got a facelift – Barbados’ new passport features a new design, enhanced security features in line with international standards, and highlights of cultural landmarks. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information referred to the new passport as a “collector’s item,” while…
Forget Back To Normal — The World Has Never Been As Open As It Is Now
The World Openness Score (WOS) has officially reached an all-time high of 54% global openness, moving past the dramatic two-year setback caused by plummeting visa scores during the COVID-10 pandemic. On January 11, 2020, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission announced the first death caused by the coronavirus, and from that moment… everything changed. From unprecedented…
A New Era of Sustainable Global Travel Takes Off
With borders reopening and restrictions easing globally, international travel is making a comeback. But it’s not the same old story – perhaps ...
Could The Metaverse Reset Our Relationship With Borders?
The Metaverse may sound like a novel idea from a science fiction novel. But as it edges closer to becoming a reality, ...
5 New Innovations That Improve Mobility, Exploration and Connection
Planes, trains, automobiles and — autonomous passenger drones? When it comes to new travel technologies, the past 20 years have brought us ...
Passport Index Data Reveals the Return to Global Freedom
World Openness Score reaches near pre-pandemic levels as borders continue to reopen. You can finally expel a sigh of relief after nearly ...
Passports Decoded: How Does Your Essential Travel Document Prevent Fraud?
For such a tiny document, you’d be amazed how many security features modern passports contain. Here’s why more countries are choosing to ...
Flag it: Why these 6 countries redesigned their flags
From adapting to new geographical boundaries to shifting cultural values, these six countries had excellent reasons to update their flag designs over ...
Why The World’s Strongest Passports Are Also The Most Beautiful
From breathtaking hidden artwork to floating kangaroos and a galloping moose, the world’s most beautiful passports showcase their own unique looks. But ...
A Record Number of Olympic Athletes Hold Multiple Passports
Reflecting dual citizenship trends worldwide, Olympians have found more mobility, freedom and opportunity by holding more than one passport. Every four years, ...
Your Passport is More Powerful Than You Think
From biblical times to biometric technology, the paper passport has become increasingly sophisticated and secure over the decades. It has also come ...
The Results Are In: These are the World’s Most Powerful Passports of 2021
As the Omicron variant sweeps across the globe, we examine the 2021 Passport Index results and the trajectory of World Openness. It’s ...
Why Are Visa-Free Agreements so Important?
Freedom of movement. Human rights. Enhanced international cooperation. Seamless border crossings. Visa-free agreements are essential tools for a more just, collaborative and ...
Q4 Report Reveals 14.8% Increase WOS and Welcomes UAE back to 1st Place
As the UAE opens its doors to the world for the start of EXPO Dubai 2020, the Passport Index Q4 report revealed ...