According to the index developed by the global advisory firm, Arton Capital, Singapore passport is the ‘most powerful’ in the world holding a visa-free score of 159.
Paraguay had removed visa requirements for Singaporeans. Philippe May, the managing director of the Arton Capital’s Singapore office commented on the development that it was a testament of the Singapore’s inclusive diplomatic relations and effective foreign policy.
The passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories were considered, the index ranked national passports on the basis of cross-border access they had. A ‘visa-free score’ was assigned for those who could visit a number of countries a passport holder could visit visa-free or with a visa on arrival.
It was reported that the top 10 most powerful passports in the world tend to be European while Germany held the lead position from the last two years. But Singapore steadily moved up the ranks and the number one position will be shared with Germany.
After the US President Donald Trump took office United States passport has fallen, Turkey and the Central African Republic revoked their visa-free status for the US passport holders.
Armand Arton, founder and president of Arton Capital mentioned that visa- free mobility was turning out to be an important factor in today’s world. It was noted that every year more people invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in a second passport for better opportunity and security of their families.
South Korea, Japan and Malaysia were among the top 20.
The Visa Restriction Index ranked Singapore fourth and said that the Singapore passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 173 countries.
