MALAYSIA – The Malaysian passport is the 13th most powerful passport in the world, according to the 2021 Henley Passport Index.
Malaysian passport holders currently can travel to 177 countries without a visa, making it the second most powerful passport in Southeast Asia behind Singapore, which ranks first in Southeast Asia and second in the world.
Countries often use the Henley Passport Index as the standard reference tool to review their global mobility spectrum.
Commenting on the latest ranking, Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners shared that it’s still uncertain how long travel restrictions will remain in place.
However, it seems clear that COVID-19 will seriously hamper global mobility throughout 2021.
“In many countries, serious doubts have arisen as to the ability to handle a global crisis. More countries are now embracing an inward-looking policy.”
Henley & Partners also noted that the gap in travel freedom is now at its largest since the index was introduced in 2006.
Japan currently sits at the top with access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan came in last with access to only 26 countries.
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
