Introduction
Southeast Asia’s Singapore is a small but highly developed nation renowned for its robust economy, good standard of living, and first-rate infrastructure. It draws companies and investors from all over the world and is frequently recognized as a global financial center. One of its most impressive achievements is its powerful passport, which grants Singaporean citizens access to many countries across the world without a visa or with a visa upon arrival. In this article, we will explore the Singapore passport ranking, how it is determined, and the benefits it provides to travelers.
Singapore Passport Ranking: A Global Leader in Mobility
According to the guide Passport Index, the singapore passport ranking is now ranked #1. Among the world’s most powerful passports, it grants entry to 194 countries either with or without a visa at the time of arrival. This ranking surpasses that of other strong passport holders, including Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
Citizens of Singapore can easily travel to nations like Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union with a Singaporean passport without requiring a visa in advance. However, there are still around 35 countries where Singapore passport holders need a visa, including Russia and Cameroon.
How Is the Passport Ranking Calculated?
The number of nations that permit access either with or without a visa at the time of arrival or via an electronic travel authorization (eTA) determines a passport’s rating. The Singapore passport ranking is based on:
- Visa-Free Countries: 154 destinations
- Visa-on-Arrival Countries: 29 destinations
- eTA Countries: 11 destinations
In total, Singapore passport holders can access 194 destinations with ease, making it the world’s most powerful passport.
Visa-Free Access for Singapore Passport Holders
Singaporean citizens can enter 151 countries without a visa, including major travel and business destinations such as France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Below is a list of some of the visa-free countries:
Armenia
Sweden
Fiji
Iceland
Côte d’Ivoire
Peru
Kosovo
El Salvador
Dominica
Tajikistan
Turks and Caicos
Lesotho
Brunei
Latvia
North Macedonia
Cyprus
Senegal
Vietnam
Wallis and Futuna
Costa Rica
Israel
Bermuda
Uganda
France
Tunisia
Gambia
Netherlands
Norway
Haiti
Saint Lucia
Eswatini
Argentina
Colombia
Indonesia
Oman
Belize
Czech Republic
Kazakhstan
Paraguay
Northern Mariana Islands
South Korea
New Caledonia
French Polynesia
Mongolia
Mauritius
Kenya
Dominican Republic
Slovakia
Burkina Faso
Saint Helena
Ghana
San Marino
Finland
Gibraltar
Lithuania
South Africa
Laos
Tanzania
Sri Lanka
Turkey
Ireland
Aruba
Hungary
U.S. Virgin Islands
Slovenia
Mayotte
Croatia
Bulgaria
Austria
Chile
United Kingdom
Guyana
Vanuatu
Namibia
Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cook Islands
Curacao
Germany
Canada
Montserrat
Guam
Panama
Botswana
Antigua and Barbuda
Albania
British Virgin Islands
Malaysia
Honduras
Martinique
Liechtenstein
Bahamas
Philippines
Romania
Rwanda
Nicaragua
Uruguay
Myanmar
Cayman Islands
Guinea
Grenada
China
Micronesia
Sint Maarten
Georgia
Kiribati
Cape Verde
Cambodia
Estonia
Cuba
New Zealand
French Guiana
Switzerland
Italy
Poland
Malta
Morocco
Anguilla
Brazil
Zimbabwe
United States
Moldova
Ecuador
Denmark
Puerto Rico
Reunion
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Scotland
Benin
Jamaica
Serbia
Djibouti
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Montenegro
Luxembourg
Belgium
Japan
Uzbekistan
Guatemala
Angola
Mexico
Kyrgyzstan
Thailand
Zambia
Monaco
Portugal
Greece
Trinidad and Tobago
Barbados
Spain
Belarus
To travel visa-free, Singaporean passport holders simply need a passport that is valid (at least six months), and they may be required to show proof of accommodation, return flights, or travel insurance.
Arrival Visa for Singaporean Passport Holders
Although many nations grant visa-free entrance, Singaporean visitors must obtain a visa upon arrival in 29 of them. This implies that visitors need to get a visa when they get to the airport of their destination. Notable nations that provide visa-on-arrival include:
Bahrain
Guinea-Bissau
Maldives
Jordan
Solomon Islands
Madagascar
Oman
Bangladesh
Qatar
Tuvalu
Timor-Leste
Lebanon
Ethiopia
Palau
Seychelles
Sri Lanka
Samoa
Comoros
Kuwait
Tonga
Nepal
Egypt
Azerbaijan
Bolivia
Niue
Saudi Arabia
Marshall Islands
Burundi
Sierra Leone
Upon arrival, Singaporean travelers must complete a visa application, provide necessary documents, and pay the visa fee before entering the country.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Singaporean Travelers
Some destinations require electronic travel authorization (eTA), which must be applied for before traveling. This procedure may typically be finished online and is quicker than a standard visa. 11 destinations require an eTA, including:
Pakistan
Norfolk Island
United Kingdom
Canada
Puerto Rico
United States of America
Kenya
US Virgin Islands
American Samoa
Australia
New Zealand
Singapore passport holders must apply online, pay a small fee, and receive an approval email before traveling to these destinations.
Visa-Required Countries for Singaporean Passport Holders
Despite the Singapore passport’s excellent ranking, many nations still require a visa in order to enter. 35 countries require either an eVisa or a physical visa before travel. Some notable countries requiring visas include:
E Visa country
Mauritania, South Sudan, Togo, Russia, Bhutan, Libya, Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Benin, Cameroon, Syria, Equatorial Guinea, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Gabon and India
physical visa
Turkmenistan, Central African Republic, Venezuela, Sudan, Chad, North Korea, Algeria, Ukraine, Nauru, Congo, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Falkland Islands, Liberia, Yemen and Niger
For these destinations, Singaporean travelers must apply for a visa through an embassy or online portal, provide supporting documents, and wait for approval.
How to Travel Visa-Free with a Singapore Passport
Traveling visa-free with a Singaporean passport is simple if you follow these guidelines:
- Ensure Passport Validity: Many countries require at least six months of passport validity from the date of entry.
- Check Entry Requirements: Some visa-free destinations may still require proof of accommodation, return tickets, or travel insurance.
- Be Aware of Visa-on-Arrival Rules: For countries offering visa-on-arrival, be prepared to fill out forms, pay a fee, and provide necessary documentation.
- Apply for eTAs in Advance: If your destination requires an eTA, apply online before departure to avoid delays.
- Know Visa Requirements for Restricted Countries: If a visa is required, start the visa application process early to ensure timely approval.
Other topic to read: Best and Cheap Muslim Countries to Visit in 2025
Top Ranking Passports in the World (2025)
The top passports in the world are ranked based on global mobility and access to visa-free destinations. Here are the top-ranking passports in 2025:
Rank | Country | Visa-Free Destinations |
1 | Singapore | 194 |
2 | Japan | 193 |
3 | Germany, Italy, Spain | 192 |
4 | France, Sweden, Netherlands | 191 |
5 | United Kingdom, United States | 190 |
Singapore leads the ranking due to its extensive travel freedom, strong international relationships, and ease of travel to major economic and tourist destinations.
Conclusion
The Singapore passport ranking continues to dominate globally, providing unparalleled travel freedom to its citizens. With visa-free access to 154 countries, visa-on-arrival for 29 nations, and eTA access to 11 destinations, it remains the most sought-after passport for international mobility. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or study, Singaporean passport holders enjoy seamless global travel with minimal restrictions. As international relations evolve, the Singaporean passport is expected to retain its top-tier ranking in global mobility for years to come.
FAQs
How many nations are visa-free for Singaporeans to travel to?
Singaporean passport holders will be allowed to enter more than 195 countries by 2025, either without a visa or with one upon arrival.
Which countries require a visa for Singaporeans?
A few countries, like Russia and some African nations, still require Singaporeans to apply for a visa in advance.
How does the Singapore passport compare to other powerful passports?
It ranks higher than Japan, Germany, and South Korea due to its extensive visa-free agreements worldwide.
Will Singapore’s passport remain the most powerful in the future?
As long as Singapore maintains strong diplomatic ties and a stable global reputation, it is expected to retain its top ranking.
Do Singaporeans need a visa to visit China?
As of 2025, Singaporean passport holders can enter China visa-free for short stays of up to 15 days for tourism, business, and family visits. However, longer stays may still require a visa.
Can foreigners get a Singaporean passport?
Yes, but obtaining Singaporean citizenship is highly selective. Foreigners must typically:
- Have lived in Singapore for several years (usually under Permanent Residency).
- Show strong economic or social contributions to Singapore.
- Renounce their previous citizenship, as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.