Last year Simple Flying wrote about the world's strongest passports: those that provide the most visa-free access. And apart from some minor changes, the list is still mostly accurate. Japan and Singapore top the list, with visa-free access to a whopping 193 countries, the same number as United Nations member states. As a spokesperson for Global Residence Index said,

"The world has never been so connected, and the increase in most nations' passport power over the last 10 years demonstrates this.”

But over the last decade, which passports have had the best upgrade in strength?

10 Saint Lucia (+52)

Located in the Southern Caribbean, St. Lucia is an island that has steadily grown in influence and interest and is a top tourist destination due to its breathtaking scenery. Of the ten countries on this list, St. Lucia began 2013 with the most powerful passport, with access to 94 nations. Though today, citizens can enjoy easy travel to up to 146 countries.

9 Georgia (+55)

At the crossroads between Europe and Asia lies Georgia, a nation that gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, economic reforms, Growth National Income (GNI) per capita improvements, life expectancy increases, and education changes have helped the country develop dramatically. One result of this success is a passport that facilitates visa-free entry to 115 countries, an impressive boost from 60 just ten years ago.

8 Peru (+56)

According to the World Bank, Peru has been one of the region's fastest-growing economies for the last decade, citing average growth rates of 5.9% in periods of low inflation and about 3% overall. Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport is transforming, with a recently completed second runway, a new control tower, and a new terminal to open in 2025.

These updates will allow the facility to accommodate 30 million passengers annually, which may be worthwhile as Peruvians can now access 136 countries without a visa.

7 Grenada (+57, Tied)

Grenada, the second Caribbean country on this list, relies primarily on tourism for its economy. Though business and social opportunities are limited, the government has worked to bolster the strength of its passport, now offering visa-free entry to 145 countries, up from 88 in 2013.

6 Dominica (+57, Tied)

Another Caribbean island nation, prosperous in beauty but unfortunately suffering the same regional issues, is Dominica. Despite many financial challenges, the government has been able to fund public infrastructure initiatives via its Citizenship by Investment program, common among many countries in the Caribbean.

Locals and investment citizens have access to a breadth of global opportunities through its passport that grants visa-free access to 144 countries.

5 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (+59)

The last Caribbean nation on this list, comprised of many islands in the area, has enjoyed the region's most significant passport strength growth. Featuring the same duality of picturesque landscapes and lack of business opportunities, St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers a passport with 151 visa-free travel options, potentially vital to those who carry one.

4 Moldova (+61)

Moldova relies strongly on its agriculture industry, though it remains one of the poorest European nations. That said, they have made strides trying to reduce poverty since the early 2000s, expanding the economy by 5% annually on average. As poverty levels continue to reach record lows, Moldovans can travel to 120 countries without a visa, about double from 2013.

3 Ukraine (+67)

Although the nation has been in the headlines for tragic reasons, Ukrainian nationals benefit from a strong passport allowing visa-free entry into 144 countries.

Between 2016 and 2017, this country's passport mobility score dramatically increased from 87 to 121 and has continued to grow steadily, without factoring in the global dip from Covid.

2 Colombia (+70)

Despite a challenging past, over the last 10 to 15 years, Colombia has grown to become the fourth-largest GDP in Latin America. Developments, including an independent central bank, new trade relations with North America, the EU, and South Korea, and an overall modernizing economy, have helped the nation overcome many hurdles. Ten years ago, Colombians could only travel to 63 countries without a visa. With 133 options, it is easier now, more than ever, for nationals to do business on an international scale, aided by the region's growing aviation industry.

1 United Arab Emirates (+106)

Since the UAE's formation in 1971, growth in the region has exploded unprecedentedly. Health, education, business, and travel have all improved dramatically. The country's aviation industry is famous for its renowned flag carriers, Emirates and Etihad.

At the same time, Dubai International Airport has solidified itself as one of the busiest in the world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Emirati citizens have gained visa-free access to 106 countries in the last ten years, and passport holders can now easily travel to 178 nations.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here.

Sources: Global Residence Index, The World Bank