Portugal’s passport outranks UK, US and Canada in new global ranking

Portugal’s passport has again been recognised as one of the most powerful in the world, following the release of a new global ranking.

The list, produced by PassportIndex, placed Portugal joint third for global mobility, ahead of the US, UK, Canada and Japan.

The ranking is based on a mobility score, which measures how many destinations a passport holder can reach visa-free, via a visa on arrival, through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or via a fast-track e-visa.

Figures from the list show that Portuguese passport holders can enter 119 destinations without any prior arrangement.

A further 28 destinations require only a visa on arrival, while 13 call for nothing more than a quick online ETA. Another 27 destinations need an online application supported by documents, and just 11 require a full consulate visa application.

Portugal’s passport also outperformed those of Australia, Monaco, Hong Kong and Brazil.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of relocation and visa solutions agency Portugal Pathways, said: “Portugal’s passport has ranked among the most powerful in the world for a little while now, but it’s always important to see it laid out like this.

“Many don’t realise how many doors a Portuguese passport can open, especially for families and entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons.”

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals interested in this level of mobility, Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme may be worth considering.