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The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations (out of a total of 227) their holders can access without a prior visa. The 19-year-old index is based on exclusive official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — the largest, most accurate travel information database — and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team.
In order to create this ranking, the Henley Passport Index makes a distinction between visa-required and visa-free destinations for each passport, and assigns each a score of 0 or 1 respectively, according to a predetermined and historically applied methodology which defines what it classifies as visa-free and visa-required in international travel.
Visa-free travel refers to the privilege granted to passport holders of certain countries to enter another country or territory for short stays without requiring a visa. This arrangement is usually based on bilateral agreements between nations, or unilateral visa policies aiming to promote tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties.
Countries offering visa-free access typically set specific conditions, such as limiting the duration of stay (for example, up to 90 days) and requiring travelers to meet certain entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and onward travel arrangements.
The Henley Passport Index also considers a destination as visa-free if it permits one to travel there without having to apply for a visa in advance — namely, if passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), or an electronic travel authority (ETA) for that destination.
A VOA is a streamlined visa option that allows travelers to obtain an entry permit upon arriving at their destination country. This arrangement eliminates the need for pre-approval from a consulate or embassy before traveling, offering a convenient alternative for eligible visitors.
While this is technically a visa, the key distinguishing feature of a VOA is that it allows one to travel to the destination without any pre-approval or paperwork. It generally only requires travelers to complete a form and pay a fee upon arrival. For this reason, namely, ease of travel with no pre-approval required, a VOA scores a 1 on the Henley Passport Index, the same as visa-free access.
An ETA is a digital entry requirement used by several countries to pre-screen travelers who already have visa-free access before they board a flight or arrive at the border. It functions as a form of pre-clearance, ensuring that individuals meet the basic entry criteria before commencing their journey.
The ETA is part of the host country’s border management system, allowing authorities to vet travelers before they embark on their journey. Countries are increasingly introducing ETAs to manage, track, and process travelers who hold passports from countries to which they offer visa-free access. An ETA is typically linked electronically to the traveler’s passport and is valid for a specific period.
As an ETA is explicitly not a visa, and is generally managed through an automated process, it also scores 1 on the Henley Passport Index, the same as visa-free access.
As travel systems and border management become increasingly digitized, ETAs are being more widely implemented globally.
The Henley Passport Index does not consider a destination to be visa-free if it requires a traveler to obtain a visa before departure. There are two key types of visas that are included in this category: the standard visa and the electronic visa (e-Visa).
A standard visa is an official document issued by a country’s consulate or embassy, typically stamped or affixed onto the traveler’s passport. It permits the holder to enter, stay, or transit through the issuing country for a specified duration. Obtaining a traditional visa usually involves an application process at a diplomatic mission, submission of supporting documents, and sometimes an in-person interview, as well as a fee. Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s nationality, and the issuing country’s policies.
One key characteristic of traditional visas is their physical nature. A visa is typically a sticker or stamp placed in the traveler’s passport, and some visas may include biometric details such as a photograph or fingerprints. Additionally, traditional visas are often associated with higher application fees and longer processing times compared to their digital counterparts.
An e-Visa is a digital version of a traditional visa, which is applied for and issued online. This eliminates the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates, making the process more convenient and accessible for some travelers.
To obtain an e-Visa, applicants typically complete an online form, upload required documents and pay a fee electronically. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent via e-mail, and travelers are usually required to print or keep a digital copy for presentation upon arrival.
While e-Visas may appear very similar in format and process to ETAs, the major difference is that e-Visas are actual visas (just electronic) and require more comprehensive approval criteria and pre-authorization to travel compared to ETAs (which are explicitly for those travelers who already have visa-free access to a destination).
As both traditional visas and e-Visas must be applied for and approved before one can travel or board a plane, they are both considered ‘visa required’ by the Henley Passport Index and get a score of 0.
While having any form of visa-free access simplifies international travel, sparing travelers from the administrative and often costly burden of applying for visas, it does not mean unrestricted entry. It is important to remember that all travelers, regardless of visa requirements, must still have an official travel document, such as a passport that will be checked at the point of entry, and that immigration authorities can still deny entry at their discretion.
In some countries, passport checks are becoming digitized and automated and may require additional input from the traveler. For example, all travelers to Singapore are required to complete the Singapore Arrival Card three days before arriving in Singapore as part of the automated arrivals process.
The automated Entry/Exit System that is being introduced across Europe ahead of the launch of ETIAS is another example. It will be a requirement for all non-EU travelers, regardless of visa requirements, and will capture passport details as well as traveler biometrics, in place of a traditional passport stamp.
Tracking 199 passports and 227 different travel destinations, the Henley Passport Index uses over 45,000 data points to give a snapshot of the complexities of international travel. Visa-free access is a dynamic and shifting space that is constantly in flux due to changes in immigration policies, international relations, and geopolitical shifts. The index aims to shed some light on this complexity and provide a useful tool for those who are interested in international travel.
The following countries currently have an ETA system in place, or are in the process of implementing them for travelers who do not require a visa to enter:
Australia: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Australia was one of the first countries to set up an ETA system. Under the current system, eligible travelers must apply using the Australian ETA app and pay an application service fee of AUD 20, after which the ETA is electronically linked to their passport. It allows eligible non-citizens to travel to Australia as many times as they want, for up to one year.
Canada: Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Eligible travelers can apply for the Canada eTA online and need to provide identity and travel information and pay a CAD 7 government fee by credit card. Once approved, the eTA remains valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Europe: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is an ETA system that is scheduled to be introduced in mid-2025 across Europe. It will apply to all visa exempt visitors planning to travel to Europe’s Schengen Area, and Cyprus. Travelers will apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app and will need to provide a valid travel document, relevant personal details, and pay a EUR 7 fee. Once granted, an ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for up to three years.
Israel: Electronic Travel Authorization — Israel (ETA-IL)
After an initially postponed launch in 2024, the ETA-IL will be mandatory for all travelers from visa-exempt countries from 1 January 2025. Visitors can apply online and will need a valid e-mail address, their travel information, their personal information, and a valid passport. The application fee is NIS 25 (approximately USD 26) and once approved the ETA-IL is valid for two years.
Kenya: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Kenya implemented its eTA in January 2024. Unlike other ETAs, which apply only to vias-free travelers, all travelers to Kenya are eligible to apply for an eTA. The eTA application can be completed online and collects biographic information and the traveler’s responses to eligibility questions. The Kenya eTA is valid for 90 days and there is a USD 30 service fee to apply.
New Zealand: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA allows eligible travelers to travel to New Zealand or transit Auckland International Airport. An NZeTA request costs NZD 17 on the free mobile app or NZD 23 if completed online and requires a valid passport, a credit card or debit card, an e-mail address, and a photo of the applicant’s face. Once granted, the NZeTA is valid for two years.
South Korea: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
K-ETA eligible travelers can submit the relevant information for approval either online or through the K-ETA mobile app. There is a KRW 10,000 (approximately USD 10) service fee. Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for three years.
UK: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
On 8 January 2025, the UK introduced ETAs for visitors who do not currently require a visa. Eligible non-European travelers can apply for an ETA online or through the official app, and will need one to travel to the UK. Eligible European travelers can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025. The application fee is GBP 10 and successful applicants are granted an ETA valid for multiple entries over a two-year period.
USA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the USA under its Visa Waiver Program. It can be applied for online and requires travelers to provide biographic information, answer eligibility questions and pay a USD 21 fee. ESTA approvals are typically granted for a two–year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
