Those holding an Irish passport can enter an incredible 187 countries without needing a visa prior to arrival.
The Irish passport has been named one of the most powerful in the world, coming in at number six.
While it still ranks among the top ten most powerful passports to hold, the Irish passport has dropped one position since last year.
Coming in alongside France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, the Irish passport allows travellers to enter 187 countries without a visa prior to arrival.
Ranking the most powerful passports in the world – taking into account a number of factors
Using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Henley Passport Index compiles a list of the most powerful passports in the world.
The rankings are based on the number of countries passport holders can enter without a visa or with a visa-upon-arrival. According to the IATA data for 2022, Irish passport holders can enter 187 countries without needing a visa prior to arrival.
This year, the Irish passport was named one of the most powerful in the world, claiming joint sixth position with France, Portugal, and the UK.
Irish passport named one of the most powerful in the world – ranking in the top ten
Japan came out on top as the country with the most powerful passport in the world this year. Those with a Japanese passport can enter a whopping 193 countries without requiring a visa before arrival.
Singapore and South Korea followed Japan to claim joint second place. Both passports allow their holders to enter 192 countries visa-free or with a visa-upon-arrival.
The remainder of the top five is dominated by EU member states, with Germany and Spain claiming joint third place. Passport holders from these nations can enter 190 countries without needing a visa before arrival.
Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg claim joint-fourth place with 189 destinations. Meanwhile, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden share joint fifth place with 188 destinations.
Closing out the top ten – the world’s most powerful passports
Similarly to the Irish passport, which dropped one position on the list of most powerful in the world, the United States also dropped from sixth to seventh position. Ranking alongside the United States is Belgium, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway.
Then, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Malta, and Greece follow closely behind in eighth. Hungary came in ninth position, and Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia closed out the top ten.
At the other end of the scale, Afghanistan remained in the bottom position. Those holding an Afghan passport can only enter 27 countries worldwide without needing a prior visa.
If you would like to get an Irish passport, you may be eligible through any six of these ways.
