Belgian passport ranks sixth worldwide, study finds

The Belgian passport ranks sixth worldwide with a mobility score of 173 and access to 87.4% of the destinations surveyed, according to a new study by Passport Reports.

Belgium also ranks third out of 47 European countries, 29 Schengen countries, 32 Nato countries, 38 OECD countries and 57 OSCE participating states.

In the language-based comparisons, it ranks first out of three countries within the Dutch-speaking group, second out of 29 within the French-speaking group (behind France) and second out of six within the German-speaking group.

Passport Reports compiles and publishes passport reports for 199 countries, issuing a mobility score that factors in the number of visa-free destinations (121 such destinations for Belgian passport holders), destinations that offer visa on arrival (41 for Belgium), destinations requiring an electronic travel authorisation (11 for Belgium) and other simplified entry arrangements.

Belgian passport holders require a visa in advance for just 25 destinations, with all factors combined contributing towards the score of 173.

When it comes to access to different regions around the world, Belgian passport holders can access 100% of European countries, with only Russia and the UK offering minor hurdles.

They can also access 100% of countries in North America, South America, the Caribbean and the Gulf States with only minor hurdles for a few.

The remaining regional results are 92.9% for Oceania, 82.4% for the Middle East, 82% for Asia, 80% for Central Asia and 72.2% for Africa.

In addition to the access category, Passport Reports also specifies lengths of stay and specific procedures. Examples within the visa-free category include 360 days in Georgia, 240 days in the Bahamas, 180 days in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, El Salvador and Mexico, among others, and 90 days in many other destinations.

The report does not include explanations of the underlying policy choices that affect access and the inbound dimension is presented separately from the passport rankings.

“When considering visa requirements for entry into Belgium, a distinction must be made between these requirements and the mobility of Belgian passport holders,” the report's authors explain.

“In the Welcome Index, Belgium ranks 92nd out of 199 countries. With regard to reciprocity, no country was found whose passport holders can enter Belgium without a prior visa, with electronic authorisation or with a visa on arrival, while Belgian passport holders require a prior visa to enter that country.”

Passport Reports notes 80 countries whose passport holders need a visa to enter Belgium, while Belgian passport holders can enter those countries visa-free, with electronic authorisation or via a simplified entry category.