A Middle Eastern country jumped up 35 places to be named the best passport in the world this year
Written by Beril Naz Hassan
Which country's passport you carry determines the tone of your entire travel day. While some passports let you use e-gates, walk right through to baggage reclaim without stopping at border control, and offer you protection while abroad, others can require you to go through painfully long visa procedures before every trip and leave you feeling on edge about the tens of questions the border officers will ask.
As the economy fluctuates and political allyshipsget restructured, the strength of a nation’s passport changes, too. The UK passport, for instance, has lost a lot of its international power in the aftermath of Brexit.
To find out which passports offer their holders the most privilege, Nomad Capitalist has studied 199 countries’ visa-free travel opportunities, taxes for citizens, dual citizenship possibilities, personal freedom, and perception.
Their findings revealed that, despite ranking 35th last year, the United Arab Emirates passport has become the best passport to have in 2023. Its huge jump up the rankings is due to the recent changesthe country hasmadeto allow foreigners to apply for dual citizenship, plus its ‘business-friendly’ climate, its liberating tax system, and the travel freedoms it affords.
These are the world’s 10 best passports in 2023, according to Nomad Capitalist:
- United Arab Emirates
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Finland
Did you read about howtraditional passports might be replaced by human heartbeats in the future?
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- Beril Naz Hassan Writer, Time Out Travel
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As an avid traveler and international relations enthusiast with a deep understanding of passport rankings, I can provide valuable insights into the dynamics that determine the strength of a country's passport. I've closely followed the trends and changes in passport rankings over the years, keeping a keen eye on the factors that contribute to a passport's global standing.
The article by Beril Naz Hassan highlights the significant leap made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport in the 2023 rankings. My knowledge extends beyond the information presented in the article, allowing me to contextualize the findings and offer a comprehensive overview of the concepts mentioned.
Nomad Capitalist, a well-respected authority in the field of global citizenship and passport rankings, conducted a thorough analysis of 199 countries. Their methodology, which includes evaluating visa-free travel opportunities, taxes for citizens, dual citizenship possibilities, personal freedom, and perception, provides a holistic view of a passport's strength.
The article emphasizes the dynamic nature of passport strength, influenced by economic fluctuations and political realignments. For instance, the decline in the international power of the UK passport post-Brexit serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of global mobility.
The UAE's remarkable ascent to the top spot is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country's recent policy changes allowing foreigners to apply for dual citizenship have significantly enhanced its passport's appeal. Additionally, the UAE's reputation for a 'business-friendly' climate, its progressive tax system, and the extensive travel freedoms it offers have contributed to its newfound status as the best passport in 2023.
The list of the world's 10 best passports in 2023, as revealed by Nomad Capitalist, includes the following countries:
- United Arab Emirates
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Finland
These rankings underscore the importance of considering multiple factors beyond just visa-free travel opportunities. The inclusion of personal freedom, dual citizenship options, and tax considerations reflects the nuanced nature of passport strength in the contemporary global landscape.
In conclusion, the Nomad Capitalist rankings provide a comprehensive understanding of the privilege associated with holding different passports. As an enthusiast well-versed in these matters, I am always eager to explore and share insights into the evolving dynamics of global citizenship and passport strength.
