German passport emerges most powerful in the world

onnaedo 16:59 - 01 March 2016

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According to the index, a German passport grants its owners access to 177 out of 218 countries and territories without a visa.

Move over the United States, the German passport has emerged the most powerful passport in the world to own.

This is according to the 2016 Visa Restrictions Index which ranks nations by how freely their citizens, unencumbered by immigration red tape, can explore the world.

According to the index, a German passport grants its owners access to 177 out of 218 countries and territories without a visa.

Meanwhile, the United States, which ranked first in 2014 and 2015, has now dropped to fourth place.

Immediately behind Germany, holding its position as runner-up for the second year running, is Sweden with visa-free access to 176 countries.

Tieing in 3rd place are Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, which had previously topped the list since 2013.

Also Japan and South Korea which were also among the group in the top three in 2014 and 2015, have slid down to 5th and 6th place respectively this year.

Coming in at 4th is the United States which stand alongside Belgium, Denmark and Netherlands.

According to London-based consulting firm, Henley and Partners, which compiled the list,visa requirements "reflect strongly on each country's relationships with others."

Other factors considered are threats to security and risks of violating immigration rules.