Japanese Passport Ranks 3rd for Visa-Free Travel

Featuring 199 passports, 227 travel destinations and exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other key sources spanning 20 years, the Henley Passport Index currently ranks Japan as the third-best travel document to possess for global travel after Singapore and South Korea. 

While Japan remains in the top tier, its slip to third place marks a significant shift after holding the world’s most powerful passport for five consecutive years (2018–2023). A primary differentiator in this new ranking is access to China: while Singapore has regained visa-free access to China, Japan has not yet had its 15-day visa-free entry privileges reinstated by Beijing following the pandemic. This single diplomatic variance is a major contributor to the ranking gap between the Asian heavyweights.

Updated monthly, the Henley Passport Index is considered the original and most authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. As the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum, The Henley Passport Index regularly updates expert analysis on the latest shifts in passport power to create an invaluable resource for global citizens and the standard reference tool for government policy in this field.

Most Visa-Free Destinations

1. Singapore: 193 visa-free destinations
2. South Korea: 190
3. Japan: 189
4. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland 188
5. Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands 187
6. New Zealand, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, Sweden 186
7. Australia, Czech, Malta, Poland 185
8. UK, Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE 184
9. Canada: 183
10. Latvia, Liechtenstein 182
11. Iceland, Lithuania 181
12. US, Malaysia: 180

The Japan Angle: Market Paradox & Countermeasures 

Despite possessing one of the world’s strongest travel documents, a usage paradox currently defines the Japanese market. Ministry of Foreign Affairs data indicates that only approximately 17% of the population holds a valid passport, a sharp decline from about 24% prior to the pandemic.

• Economic Headwinds: Industry experts attribute this decline to citizens not traveling as much, especially among younger generations. This is amplified by the historic weakness of the yen which has made outbound tourism significantly more expensive.
• Government & Industry Response: To reverse this trend, the Japan Tourism Agency and Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) have launched the “More! Overseas Declaration” campaign. Specific initiatives include offering 8,000 JPY e-coupons (effectively halving the cost of a 10-year passport) to lottery winners and discussing future legislative changes to reduce passport fees by up to 7,000 JPY by 2026.
• Digital Adoption: Japan has also modernized the application process, introducing online renewals in March 2023. Current adoption rates show that while only 9% of total applications are online, about 31% of renewals are now processed digitally, indicating a shift toward greater convenience for existing travelers.
• Future Hurdles: Looking ahead, Japanese travelers to Europe will soon face a new requirement despite their visa-free status: the implementation of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in 2025, which will require pre-travel registration and a fee.

Fewest Visa-Free Destinations

Afghanistan has the fewest visa-free passports, with holders able to access just 25 destinations without being granted a prior visa. Low rankings are usually due to political instability, diplomatic influence, bilateral relationships and security concerns that limit international travel. 

104. Iraq: 29 visa-free destinations
105. Syria: 26
106. Afghanistan: 24

Henley & Partners is a consultancy that helps wealthy applicants acquire second citizenship through investment or qualification to ease travel, gain residency or reduce taxes. The firm says more than 100 countries legislate for residence or citizenship programs. Visa rules often change at short notice or without warning and the above non-binding information must be verified with a travel agent or embassy before travel arrangements are made.

View the full list here.