Kenya beats China in the list of the world’s most powerful passports
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Kenya outshines China on World's Most Powerful Passports Ranking according to Visalist ranking 2023
Kenya outshines China on World’s Most Powerful Passports Ranking according to Visalist ranking 2023.
In the most recent global visa ranking published by Visalist in June 2023, Kenya maintained its top spot in East Africa region.
While retaining its position as the most potent passport in East Africa, Kenya surpassed first-world countries like China and India to enter the top 100 of the worldwide rankings.
Additionally, Kenyans can travel to 43 countries without a visa and request for one upon arrival in 22 countries just based on the basis of their passport.
Kenya shared the 98th spot in the world rankings with Suriname and was ranked one spot ahead of Asian superpowers China and Thailand at position 99.
India was ranked 111th worldwide.
According to Visalist, while Kenyans can visit 43 countries without a visa, Chinese citizens can only do so in 33 countries.
Chinese citizens also need to apply for a visa on arrival in 33 countries. China beat Kenya on only one indicator of passport strength whereby 132 countries require visas before Chinese citizens travel while Kenyans are required to do so in 138 countries.
Global passport ranking of other East African countries was; Tanzania (101), Uganda (108), Rwanda (120), South Sudan (137), Burundi (137) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (141).
According to Visalist, a strong passport enables citizens to enjoy more travel freedom, business opportunities, education opportunities, employment opportunities as well as more cultural experiences.
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“Holders of a strong passport have the freedom to travel to a wide range of countries without the hassle of obtaining visas and also open up a world of business opportunities for its holder,” the organization states.
Holders of a strong passport have an easier time pursuing education and employment opportunities in other countries as well as allowing its holder to explore new cultures and experiences due to increased traveling.
A passport can gain or lose strength due to visa requirements, diplomatic relations, security risks, and economic factors.
“Countries with strong diplomatic relations have higher-ranked passports while those with poor relations tend to have lower-ranked passports,” Visalist explains.
According to Visalist, countries with high-security risks such as those with high rates of terrorism or political instability have lower-ranked passports.
“Countries with strong economies have higher-ranked passports, as they are seen as less likely to have citizens who will overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities while traveling,” the ranking body adds.
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