Spain and Greece Boast Some of the World’s Most Powerful Passports, Outpacing UK and US

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A recent analysis by Astons has revealed that Spain and Greece hold some of the most powerful and accessible passports globally, offering visa-free access to more countries than passports from the UK, US, Russia, or China.

According to the data, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tops the list, granting access to 179 countries without the need for a full visa. Out of these, 133 nations allow entry without a visa, while an additional 46 provide visa-on-arrival options. However, obtaining a UAE passport remains highly challenging for non-natives, as naturalization typically requires 30 years of residency or exceptional merit-based eligibility. This exclusivity limits access to the benefits of UAE’s extensive visa-free travel privileges.

Spain leads in Europe with a passport that allows entry into 177 countries, with 133 requiring no visa at all. The country has long operated a residency-by-investment program, commonly known as the Golden Visa scheme, enabling foreign nationals to secure Spanish residency—and consequently EU residency—by investing a minimum of €500,000 in the local economy. This pathway ultimately provides a route to citizenship and a Spanish passport. However, the Golden Visa program is set to end in April 2025, prompting investors and expatriates to seek alternative destinations for acquiring influential residency status.

In addition to Spain, 14 other nations rank among the holders of the world’s most powerful passports. Surprisingly, none of the traditionally recognized ‘superpower’ nations make the list. Countries such as France, Germany, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Greece, and Ireland all provide access to 176 countries either visa-free or via a straightforward visa-on-arrival process.

By comparison, the UK passport grants access to 172 countries, while a US passport offers entry into 171 nations. Passports from Russia (127) and China (96) offer even more restricted global mobility, underscoring the growing dominance of European passports in international travel access.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to shape global mobility, European nations—particularly Spain and Greece—remain key players in providing passport holders with unparalleled access to the world.