Romania dropped one place in the Henley Passport Index, which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, but is still in top 20, according to local Profit.ro.

According to the Henley Index, Romania has the 19th most powerful passport in the world, after it was ranked 18th in October last year. Romania currently holds the same ranking as Bulgaria and Hong Kong (SAR China), with these countries’ passports giving access to 169 countries without a prior visa.

Japan tops the ranking, as its passport gives visa-free access to 190 countries, followed by Singapore and South Korea (both 2nd, visa-free access to 189 countries), and France and Germany (both 3rd, access to 188 countries).

At the opposite end, Afghanistan and Iraq have the weakest passports, offering access to only 30 countries.

The full ranking is available here.

Romania to change design, content of passports

Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com