Belgian passport ranked fourth most 'powerful' in world

The Belgian passport has been ranked as the fourth most powerful in the world, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries, according to the latest global passport index.

Belgium shares fourth position with nine other countries, all European: Austria, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway.

The ranking reflects Belgium’s strong international mobility, placing it close behind Japan, Singapore and Germany.

Passport strength is measured by the number of countries a holder can enter without first applying for a visa.

For Belgian travellers, access to 185 destinations without prior visa requirements enhances convenience for tourism, business and study abroad.

Much of Europe’s Schengen Area, North America, parts of Asia and several countries in Latin America and Africa are included among the accessible destinations.

The ranking is published annually by the consulting firm Henly and Partners and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The report's authors caution, however, that visa-free access does not always guarantee entry, as border control authorities retain the final decision-making power at airports and other points of arrival.

Nonetheless, a higher ranking is widely seen as an indicator of a good diplomatic standing.