UK passport slides to sixth in global power index

The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on destinations available to passport holders without pre-arranged visas.

Alongside the US, the UK was ranked first in 2015.

However, the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries UK passport holders declined again last year to 185 following Turkey’s introduction of e-visas in lieu of visas on arrival.

This, though, remains significantly up from 126 when the index launched in 1996.

Japan holds the top spot (190 countries), followed by Singapore and South Korea (both 189). Germany and France share third with 188 countries.

The latest edition of the index acknowledges the uncertainty around Brexit.

“While the deal hangs in the balance, it is difficult to anticipate what the ultimate ramifications will be for EU and UK citizens, as well as for EU and UK trade co-operation,” it states.

It does, however, assert that there appears to be no sign of the trend towards “visa-openness” slowing down.

“Overall, 2019 looks set to hold some surprises in the travel freedom space as more countries and citizens embrace the benefits of global mobility,” the report concludes.