The world’s strongest passports in 2025: global ranking results and Ukraine’s place
In a globalized world, the power of a passport is very important, it determines how freely citizens of a country can travel around the world. The more countries open their borders without visa barriers, the stronger the country’s passport is considered. In 2025, an updated global ranking of the world’s strongest passports was released, which reflects international trust, geopolitical connections and the level of openness.
Top 10 strongest passports in the world 2025
The concept of “passport strength” refers to the number of countries that its holder can visit without first obtaining a visa. The rating includes those states that provide: visa-free entry, electronic authorization (eTA), visa on arrival.
These indicators become important not only for travelers, but also for entrepreneurs, diplomats, students and everyone who actively interacts with the international community.
According to the latest data, the leader of the world ranking was the passport of Singapore – its holders can visit 193 countries of the world without visas. Then there are the countries of Asia and Europe with indicators of more than 180 available destinations:
- Singapore — 193
- Japan, South Korea — 190
- Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy — 189
- Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden — 188
- Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland — 187
- Great Britain – 186
- Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland — 185
- Canada, Estonia, UAE — 184
- Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia — 183
- Iceland, Lithuania, USA — 182
These are high positions, which are mainly demonstrated by states with established international relations, a predictable migration policy, high security standards, established agreements on free movement. European countries maintain consistently high rates, which is due to mutual trust within the Schengen area and wider inter-state mobility arrangements.
Ukrainian passport: position and prospects
In this context, Ukraine’s 29th place looks like the result of several parallel processes. In 2025, the Ukrainian passport opens entry to 147 countries of the world — both without visas and with a visa upon arrival or via eTA. We are talking, in particular, about all the countries of the European Union — thanks to the visa-free regime introduced back in 2017. The list also includes most of the countries of Latin America, some of the countries of Asia, in particular Georgia, Israel, Indonesia, Malaysia, some island and African states. All these routes are available to Ukrainians without a prior visa procedure.
Strengthening the position of the Ukrainian passport became possible thanks to several clear factors. First, it is a long-term deepening of cooperation with the EU even after the start of a full-scale war. Secondly, the active work of Ukrainian diplomacy in conditions of constant turbulence. Thirdly, preservation of the foreign policy course on European integration, which has remained an unchanged vector of Ukrainian state policy since 2014.
For Ukrainians living abroad, the passport rating is a real legal basis for mobility. This especially applies to those who are under temporary protection, but are planning to change their country of residence. With more and more countries revising their support programs — such as cuts to health insurance in Austria from June 1, 2025 or changes to housing policy in Poland — being able to legally enter a new country without red tape becomes critical.
It is also a matter of returning home. Some Ukrainians, who have reservations about the prospects in the host country, are already planning seasonal or staged trips to Ukraine. And in this case, a Ukrainian passport with a wide visa-free geography allows you to plan your move flexibly, not to lose your documents, not to risk your status, and — most importantly — to retain the right to choose.
Among the additional arguments in favor of preserving and strengthening the passport of Ukraine as a document with international validity is its importance for students, scientists, entrepreneurs, volunteers who participate in cross-border projects. Since 2022, the number of Ukrainians studying or working abroad has increased rapidly, and as a result, the importance of the passport as a formal communication tool with state structures has also increased. Having a valid passport with a strong position in the rating is also an argument for partners, banks, insurance companies and potential employers.
At the same time, passport mobility is an important indicator for investors: the more visa-free agreements a country has, the greater the trust in its documents, and therefore in its legal field. In a situation where the Ukrainian economy is partially integrated into the EU markets, and legal entities with Ukrainian registration begin to work abroad, these aspects become even more important.
Forecasts for Ukraine remain moderately optimistic. Provided that the course for European integration is maintained, the active phase of the war ends and new agreements are signed with the countries of Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the Ukrainian passport has every chance to strengthen its position in the coming years. But even in its current form — the 29th place among about 200 countries — is a tangible achievement.
For Ukrainians applying for long-term residence, citizenship or change of status in another country, this rating is an additional factor in decision-making. In countries where multiple citizenships are allowed, such as Canada or France, a passport with recognized international status may provide additional options. At the same time, it is worth considering that multiple citizenship is still not legally allowed in Ukraine.
In such a situation, professional legal assistance on migration issues is necessary. Errors in the preparation of documents, incorrect interpretation of statuses, missed submission deadlines or contradictions between Ukrainian and local legislation — all this can have long-term consequences. Therefore, those who plan to stay abroad for a long period should contact migration lawyers who specialize in Ukrainian cases. Including in order to preserve the validity of the Ukrainian passport in the legal field and at the same time correctly integrate into the system of the new country. A passport in 2025 for Ukrainians abroad may be the only stable basis that remains unchanged against the background of all other changes.
