Most powerful passport: South Africa's rank revealed
Updated | By Jean-Mari Schmidt
The latest passport rankings have been revealed and a new country has taken the top spot.
It is well-established that South Africans still need a visa in order to get into most countries.
READ: Woman says she "doesn't mind girls trying to steal" her boyfriend
However, there are many countries where your passport is the only paperwork needed in order to get you across international borders.
These passports are considered the most powerful passports in the world.
READ: Waitress receives R35 tip on R1,050 bill: Did she deserve more?
The Henley Passport Index was an original concept created by the Henley and Partners group to create a ranking system of the world's passports according to the number of destinations a passport holder could visit without a prior visa.
With historical data spanning 18 years, the Henley Passport Index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. Updated quarterly, the Henley Passport Index is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum.- Henley and Partners
READ: Lost R170,000 wedding ring found in lake
According to the index, the country with access to the most countries used to be Japan, but it has since been dethroned, with Singapore now taking the number one spot.
Singapore passport holders can enter 192 countries without needing a visa, whereas Germany, Italy, and Spain are tied for second with 190 countries, and Japan are now third with 189 countries.
Here is a more detailed list of the top countries:
More importantly, where did South Africa rank?
South Africa is currently sitting at number 52 and SA passport holders would be happy to know that they can travel to 106 visa-free destinations.
Some of these destinations include Ireland, Russia, Qatar, Jamaica, Bahamas, Thailand, South Korea, Argentina, and Brazil
You can find a full list here.
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 - 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Follow us on social media:
Main image courtesy of iStock/Willem Cronje
More on Jacaranda FM
Show's Stories
-
Only in SA: The art of being innovative in South Africa
Who needs wheels when you have your youth and good friends...
The Workzone with Alex Jay 38 minutes ago -
This is how they drink 'iced coffee' in Dubai
Hmm, who needs a glass when you have ice...
The Workzone with Alex Jay 44 minutes ago