United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom passport ranking

United Kingdom's passport

Global passport index

7
Compare

Enhanced
mobility index

26

Investment
index

18

Quality
of living index

4
The passport for the United Kingdom ranks 7th on the Global Passport Ranking Index, giving citizens access to 197 countries. Of these, 103 countries provide British citizens free access for a limited amount of days, while seven countries have no limits on the length of stay. A visa-on-arrival is available for 38 countries, which include Madagascar, Indonesia, Egypt, and Zambia. Holders of a United Kingdom passport need to apply for a visa to 25 countries, which includes Russia, China, India, and Cuba. The UK's passport pages are adorned with images of the Rose of England, the Leek of Wales, the Thistle of Scotland, and the Shamrock of Ireland, representing the four nations of the UK.
Compare

Score over time

  • Global Passport Index

  • Enhanced Mobility Index

  • Investment Index

  • Quality of Life Index

Enhanced Mobility Index

The Enhanced Mobility Index carries the most weight (50%) and is based on the travel benefits that each passport gives the holder, while also taking into account the level of “attractiveness” of the destination country based on its quality of life.

Score Tooltip The number of points attributed to the country is the sum of the weight of Visa Requirements required to enter a country or territory multiplied by the weight of the country’s “attractiveness” (this is based on four tiers to assess the quality of life - 1, ¾, ½ or ⅓ depending on the country).
97.77
  • 197

    Countries Tooltip The total access is the sum of Visa-Free Access, Visa-Free (limited days), Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and Visa on Arrival, which are each weighted to varying degrees.

  • 7

    Free Access Tooltip When the number of days allowed in the country is not applicable or is unspecified. Visa-free access is given a weight of 1.0.

  • 23

    Electronic Visa Tooltip eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foregin nationals traveling to or transiting in a country. This also includes Electronic Visa Waivers and is weighted at 0.9.

  • 103

    Free Access
    (limited days) Tooltip Visa-free access when the number of days allowed is determined. Visa-Free (limited days) access is given a weight of 1.0

  • 1

    Electronic Travel
    Authorization(eTA) Tooltip eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foregin nationals traveling to or transiting in a country. This also includes Electronic Visa Waivers and is weighted at 0.9.

  • 38

    On-arrival visas Tooltip You do not need to secure a visa for the country you are visiting before arriving there. Your visa will be provided only when you reach the first port of entry to your destination. Visa on Arrival is given a weight of 0.9.

  • 25

    Visa Required Tooltip Possession of a valid visa is required for entry and cannot be obtained on arrival. Visa required is given a weight of 0.

All countries

Investment Index

The Investment Index is used to provide a general assessment of the economy as an option for investment and other business decisions. Prosperous nations with a dynamic economy are favored, while the level of personal taxation is also taken into account. It is worth 25% of the overall calculation.

Score Tooltip The sum is calculated using three indicators - Global Competitiveness, also known as Market Innovation (weighted at 50%), GNI per Capita (weighted at 25%), and Personal / Individual Tax rates (weighted at 25%). Global Competitiveness is weighted higher as it comprises a number of relevant factors.
69.9

GNI per capita Tooltip The Gross National Income Per Capita is weighted at 25% and is defined as the gross domestic product, including receipts from abroad of employees compensation, property income, and net taxes minus subsidies. The data is calculated from the World Bank.

$49,420

Personal tax rate Tooltip Personal / Individual Income Tax Rates is weighted at 25% and is calculated from Trading Economies & other sources, such as consulting companies and tax authorities. The choice of highest tax bracket was used because it was deemed most relevant for those interested in an investment index.

45%

Markets & Innovation Tooltip The Markets Innovation or the Global Competitiveness Index is weighted at 50%. This is calculated using six selected pillars from the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index: Product market, Labour market, Financial system, Market size, Business dynamism & Innovation capability.
Most favorable
  • Innovation capability

  • Financial system

  • Product market

  • Market size

  • Labor market

  • Business dynamism

Quality of Life Index

The third index covers six main components relating to the quality of life in the country. Other areas were considered, such as healthcare, education, and personal safety. However, it was felt that these were already covered in the selected indicators (such as in the Sustainable Development Goals) or that there were limited reliable sources for the information. The Quality of Living Index is worth 25% of the overall calculation.

Score Tooltip The indicators were weighted as follows: Sustainable Development: 30% Cost of Living: 20% Freedom in the World: 20% Happiness Score: 10% Environmental Performance:10% Migrant Acceptance: 10%.

The rationale for these weights is that Sustainable Development combines several aspects relevant to the quality of living. The Cost of Living and level of freedom are considered important aspects of the Global Index Methodology. The final three indicators are given less weight as they are not central to the index, but are still relevant as they carry information not found elsewhere.
83.6

Tooltip To measure sustainable development, the SDG Index was used which combines 84 variables to track progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Source: Sustainable Development Report, 2020) Sustainable Development:

Low
Medium
High
Very high

Tooltip To measure the level of freedom in the country, the Freedom in the World (FIW) Index was used. This covers 25 variables under two broad areas - political rights and civil liberties freedoms (Source: Freedom House, 2021). Freedom:

Not free
Partially Free
Free

Tooltip To measure the cost of living, the Cost of Living Index covers consumer goods, including groceries, restaurants, transportation, utility costs etc., and is calculated with New York City as a reference (Source: Numbeo, 2021). Cost of Living:

Low
Medium
High
Very high

Tooltip To measure environmental performance, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was used. This combines 32 variables that measure 11 issue categories relating to the environment, such as ecosystem vitality and environmental health (Source: Yale University, 2020). Environmental Performance:

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Very High

Tooltip To measure the level of happiness in the country, the Happiness Score was used which covers subjective well-being based on Gallup surveys of World Happiness (Source: World Happiness Report, 2021). Happiness:

Low
Medium
High
Very high

Tooltip To measure migrant acceptance, the Migrant Acceptance Index was used, which covers the perception of immigrants in each country (Source: Gallup World Poll). Migrant Acceptance:

Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high

Your Result

United Kingdom
United States of America

VISA IS NOT REQUIRED

You are eligible for visa free entry

VISA IS REQUIRED

You are not eligible for visa free entry

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

About

United Kingdom

In this United Kingdom Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

The United Kingdom (UK) is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It covers an area of approximately 243,610 square kilometers, making it the 78th largest country in the world. The UK is characterized by its temperate maritime climate and a landscape that includes rolling hills, low mountains, and highland areas.

The UK operates under a unitary parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles II as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. Its legal system is based on common law, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having distinct variations. The UK is known for its influence on global economics, politics, science, and culture.

With a population of over 66 million people, it is the 21st most populous country. London, the capital and largest city is a global financial and cultural center. Other major cities include Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Heathrow Airport in London is the largest airport, serving as a major international hub.

The UK's economy is one of the world's largest, focusing on services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services. It has a significant industrial and scientific sector, especially in pharmaceuticals and aerospace. The currency used is the British Pound Sterling (GBP).

The cost of living in the UK is relatively high, especially in London and other major cities. The country boasts a high standard of living, comprehensive healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), and a wide array of public services.

Christianity is the predominant religion, but the UK is home to a diverse population with many beliefs and practices. The country's cultural heritage is rich, influencing and being influenced by the broader world, especially in literature, the arts, and culinary traditions.

Tourism is a significant industry, with the UK offering many historical sites, cultural institutions, and natural landscapes. The British Museum, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands are key attractions. The UK is also famous for its universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, attracting international students and scholars.

The UK spans a single time zone (GMT) in the winter and observes Daylight Saving Time (BST) in the summer. This historical and dynamic country plays a crucial role on the global stage, balancing its rich traditions with a commitment to modernity and diversity.

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