United States

United States

United States passport ranking

United States's passport

Global passport index

2
Compare

Enhanced
mobility index

17

Investment
index

3

Quality
of living index

39
The American passport currently ranks in 2nd place according to the Global Passport Ranking Index. It provides visa-free access to 197 countries. This makes it one of the most desirable passports in the world, and it has a very high mobility score. American passport holders have visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to countries such as Brazil, Japan, Peru, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the entire European Union, allowing almost instant travel worldwide. American passport holders do, however, require a visa to enter about 24 destinations in the world, such as Russia, China, and Iran. The design of the American passport changes roughly every five years, with the current design focusing on American landscapes.
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).
98.44
  • 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.

  • 4

    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.

  • 24

    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.

  • 106

    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.

  • 24

    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.
83.8

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.

$70,480

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.

37%

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.
73.8

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
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 States
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 States
United States

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

About

United States

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

The United States of America, situated between Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, is a country that consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.

With an area of about 9.8 million square kilometers, it is the world's third-largest country by total area. The geography of the USA is diverse, ranging from vast plains and mountain ranges to forests and coastlines along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its climate is also varied, with arctic conditions in Alaska and tropical climates in Hawaii and Florida.

The United States operates under a federal republic and a representative democracy. Its government is characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The legal framework is based on the Constitution and the principle of federalism, where laws are enforced at both the federal and state levels. The current governmental structure supports a dynamic and complex societal and political environment.

As of the latest estimates, the United States has a population of over 331 million people, making it the third most populous country in the world. Washington, DC, is the nation's capital. At the same time, New York City, with a population of over 8 million, is the most populous city and one of the world's major centers for finance, culture, and diplomacy.

Other significant cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the largest passenger-traffic airport, highlighting the country's extensive transportation and logistics network.

The US economy is the world's largest, with a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $20 trillion. It is a mixed economy, where private enterprise and government involvement shape economic policies and practices. Diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and manufacturing, drive the economy. The United States is also a global leader in technological innovation and research. The currency used is the United States Dollar (USD).

Regarding religion, the United States showcases a wide array of beliefs and practices, reflecting its multicultural and multiethnic society. Christianity remains the largest religion, but the country is known for its religious diversity and freedom.

The cost of living varies significantly across different regions, with urban areas generally more expensive than rural ones. The United States is known for its significant contributions to arts, culture, and science. It hosts numerous top-ranking universities and research institutions globally recognized for innovation and academic excellence.

Tourism is a major industry, attracting millions of international visitors annually to its national parks, entertainment venues, historical sites, and natural wonders. Famous attractions include the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and theme parks such as Walt Disney World. The country also offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage sites for exploration, with 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The United States spans six time zones, from the Eastern Time Zone to the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone, reflecting its vast geographic expanse. This geography, culture, and economic diversity make the United States a complex and dynamic country with a significant impact on global affairs.

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