The Most Powerful Passports in 2025 and How Australia Compares

A passport is more than just a travel document — it represents access, opportunity, and global mobility. 

Some of the most powerful passports in the world grant its holders seamless access to nearly 200 destinations around the world, while others come with restrictions. 

This article explores exactly what makes a passport powerful, the global rankings of some of the most desirable passports in the world, and how Australia compares.

What Makes a Passport Powerful?

When determining the power of a passport, the following factors are considered:

• Visa-free travel: The most powerful passports in the world have many opportunities for visa-free travel. This refers to the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa. The more destinations that can be accessed visa-free, the more powerful a passport is.
• Social acceptance: This refers to how welcoming other countries are to passport holders. 
• Economic stability: Countries that have higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita tend to enjoy more visa-free destinations. This is because countries are more willing to open up their borders to citizens from wealthier countries as they are more likely to engage in trade, tourism, hospitality, and investment.

An Australian passport is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world. 

With an Australian passport, you can travel to 186 countries without a visa. In some countries, Australians will be granted a visa upon arrival, removing the need to apply for a visa and wait for approval.

In addition to the opportunities for visa-free travel, countries are generally very welcoming to Australian passport holders. They are viewed in high regard and have a good reputation. This further enhances the power of an Australian passport.

The Henley Passport Index

The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all passports. It is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on a global scale. It includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations.

A passport’s ranking on The Henley Passport Index is determined by the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. For every destination a passport holder can enter without a visa, that passport gets one point. The passports are then ranked based on the total number of countries its holders can access visa-free.

In 2025, the top 20 passport rankings are as follows:

Please note that these rankings are current as of February 2025. As they are updated monthly, they may have changed. See The Henley Passport Index for the most up-to-date rankings.

Which Countries can Australian Passport Holders Visit Visa-Free?

Australians can travel visa-free to 186 destinations around the world.

Some of the most popular travel destinations for Australian passport holders include Indonesia, New Zealand, and Japan. All of these countries offer visa-free travel for Australians.

In Europe, Australians can travel visa-free to countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Other popular destinations Australians can travel to visa-free are the United States, Fiji, Thailand, and the Philippines.

However, when travelling to the following countries with an Australian passport, a visa is required:

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Azerbaijan (e-visa)
4. Benin (e-visa)
5. Bhutan
6. Burkina Faso (e-visa)
7. Cameroon (e-visa)
8. Central African Republic
9. Chad
10. Chile (e-visa)
11. The Democratic Republic of Congo
12. The Republic of Congo
13. Côte d’Ivoire
14. Cuba (e-visa)
15. Equatorial Guinea (e-visa)
16. Eritrea
17. Gabon (e-visa)
18. Ghana
19. Guinea (e-visa)
20. India (e-visa)
21. Liberia
22. Libya
23. Mali
24. Mauritania (e-visa)
25. Naura
26. Niger
27. Nigeria
28. North Korea
29. Pakistan (e-visa)
30. Papua New Guinea (e-visa)
31. Russian Federation
32. Sao Tome and Principe (e-visa)
33. South Sudan
34. Sudan
35. Syria (e-visa)
36. Togo (e-visa)
37. Turkmenistan
38. Uganda (e-visa)
39. Vietnam (e-visa)
40. Yemen

Please note that this list is current as of February 2025. As the list is updated monthly, it is subject to change. See The Henley Passport Index for the most up-to-date information.

Benefits of an Australian Passport

As well as visa-free travel to selected countries, Australian passport holders enjoy the following benefits:

• Australian consular support: Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. If an Australian passport holder finds themselves in trouble overseas, they can rely on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support them with emergency consular assistance.
• Overseas healthcare: Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with 11 countries. These countries provide publicly-funded emergency care to Australians if the need arises.
• Pension entitlements: Assuming all requirements are met, Australian passport holders can continue receiving pension payments while overseas.
• Enhanced security: The photo page on an Australian passport is made of polycarbonate, which is much more durable than laminated paper. It also has enhanced security features, some of which only become apparent under ultraviolet light. This prevents counterfeiting and identity theft.
• Dual citizenship: Australia allows dual citizenship, meaning Australian passport holders can have more than one passport at a time.

Drawbacks of an Australian Passport

Despite its benefits, the Australian passport has the following drawbacks:

• Cost: An Australian passport is the most expensive in the world. It costs $412 for an adult passport, which is valid for 10 years. Although it is the most expensive passport, it is not the most powerful, ranking behind 20 other countries. In contrast, the world’s most powerful passport, Singapore, costs just $82.
• Power: Although an Australian passport is considered powerful, it is not the most powerful in the world. For example, Singapore passport holders can travel visa-free to an additional 7 destinations.

Applying for an Australian Passport

To apply for an Australian passport, you must first become an Australian citizen. There are four pathways to Australian citizenship, which are:

• Australian citizenship by birth.
• Australian citizenship by descent.
• Australian citizenship by adoption.
• Australian citizenship by conferral.

For many visa holders, citizenship by conferral is the most common way to become an Australian citizen. 

To apply for citizenship by conferral, you must be a permanent resident for at least twelve months and have lived in Australia on a valid visa for the past four years. If you are under 60 years old, you are also required to sit a citizenship test.

Once you obtain Australian citizenship, you can then apply for an Australian passport. Here’s how:

1. Gather necessary documents: You will need specific documents to apply for an Australian passport. These include:
   1. Evidence of Australian citizenship.
   2. A document that confirms your place of birth and gender.
   3. Identity documents with your photo, signature, and current residential address.
   4. Documents that prove any change of name or gender.
   5. Two passport-sized photos.
2. Ask someone to be your referee or guarantor: Your referee or guarantor must be an Australian citizen who has known you for more than one year. They cannot be any kind of relative, in a de facto relationship with you, or living in the same address as you.
3. Prepare your application: Application forms are available online or at participating Australia Post offices.
4. Lodge your application and pay the fee: To lodge your application and pay the passport fee, go to a participating Australia Post office. You must bring your printed application form, your passport photos, and the original documents required.

A powerful passport unlocks opportunities for international travel, business, and security benefits. While the Australian passport is not the most powerful in the world, it still remains one of the most respected, offering visa-free access to 186 destinations and various privileges for its holders. 

If you’re considering applying for an Australian passport or want to explore the opportunities your country’s passport offers in Australia, contact us at AustraliaMigrate today. Our experts can guide you through your travel plans, help with any visa applications required, and assist in your journey toward Australian citizenship and an Australian passport.