Arton Capital released the latest passport index. (CNN image)
According to the Daily Mail, Arab United Emirates passports topped the list, according to the latest passport index (Passport Index) ranking from Canadian international consulting firm Arton Capital. Although the Australian passport is still ranked seventh, but the "gold content" has shrunk, is no longer comparable to New Zealand.
Passport index rankings are based on the entry-exit rights of passport holders in countries and regions to assess the effectiveness of the passport. In the new list, Arab now has the world's most powerful passport since adding four visa-free destinations on December 1, and its citizen is now entitled to visa-free and visa-on-arrival access in 167 countries and regions. Last year, the country's passports were not even in the top 10.
Singapore, which ranked first last year, now ranks second, juxtaposing with Germany. Both countries have 166 visa-free destinations.
U. S. passports climbed three places from last year, ranking third with Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway and South Korea, thanks to 165 visa-free destinations.
The UK is still fourth with 164 visa-free destinations alongside Belgium, Austria, Japan, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland and Canada.
The top five finalists are the Czech Republic and Hungary, with 163 visa-free destinations.
Australia still ranks 7th with 161 visa-free destinations, alongside Malaysia, Slovenia, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia and Latvia. But in fact, the Australian passport "gold content" has shrunk. Last year in line with New Zealand, this year has advanced to sixth place, Ireland, Malta and driving.
Australia was followed by Estonia (8th), Romania and Bulgaria (tied for 9th) and Cyprus and Liechtenstein (10th).
Compared with last year, the number of visa-free destinations for Chinese passports rose from 60 to 75, a jump of three places. At present, Chinese passport holders can enter 63 countries and territories with visa on arrival or visa-free.
Afghan passports are still at the bottom of the list this year, with only 29 countries and regions granting visa-free and visa-free access to Afghan passport holders. Weaker passports also include Iraq (32 visa-free destinations), Pakistan (35), Syria (36) and Somalia (38).