In a monumental achievement, the Israeli passport has ascended to the 19th position in the prestigious Henley Passport Global Ranking Index for 2025, as announced on Thursday. This impressive leap underscores Israel's growing global stature, fueled by groundbreaking diplomatic initiatives and strategic partnerships.
The Henley & Partners annual report, renowned for evaluating the strength of passports worldwide, attributes Israel's remarkable climb to pivotal developments such as the historic Abraham Accords and the recent inclusion of Israel in the United States Visa Waiver Program. These milestones have significantly expanded the horizons of Israeli passport holders, allowing them unprecedented access to 170 destinations visa-free, with a few requiring a visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorization.
From 21st to 19th: A Climbing Trajectory
This year’s two-slot rise builds on a consistent upward trajectory. Just a year ago, the Israeli passport held the 21st position, and in recent years, it hovered around the 24th spot. The steady improvement reflects the tangible benefits of Israel’s diplomatic ventures, which have bolstered international relations and opened doors to new travel opportunities.
Key Drivers of Success
- The Abraham Accords: This groundbreaking peace initiative has reshaped the geopolitical landscape, forging formal ties between Israel and several Arab nations. These agreements have directly resulted in visa-free access to countries previously closed to Israeli travelers.
- US Visa Waiver Program: Israel’s admission to this exclusive program marks a watershed moment in its bilateral relationship with the United States. It simplifies travel for Israelis, eliminating the cumbersome visa application process and facilitating seamless entry into the U.S.
- Bilateral Agreements: Beyond these landmark deals, Israel continues to negotiate and secure additional bilateral agreements, further enhancing its global mobility.
Israeli passport holder?
— Yisrael official 🇮🇱 🎗 (@YisraelOfficial) January 9, 2025
You need to know this -->
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Comparative Analysis: Where Israel Stands
While Israel’s passport proudly occupies the 19th position, it still trails global leaders like Singapore, whose citizens can access 195 destinations visa-free, solidifying their place at the top of the rankings. Japan follows with 193 destinations, while European powerhouses such as Finland, France, Germany, and Italy share the third spot with 192. The United Kingdom stands strong at fifth with 190 destinations, while the United States, once a leader, has slipped to ninth, offering visa-free entry to 186 countries.
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks 106th, with its citizens granted access to a mere 26 countries without a visa, highlighting the stark disparities in global mobility.
Rising Amid Challenges
Despite the challenging international climate and heightened hostility against Israel since the outbreak of the recent conflict, the Israeli passport has proven resilient. This year alone, Israelis gained visa-free access to four additional countries, a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of its foreign policy. Such advancements underscore the transformative impact of sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic alliances.
Who would have imagined that I could travel to the United Arab Emirates with my Israeli passport. Peace is amazing. 🇮🇱🇦🇪 #UAE pic.twitter.com/IkAt2dFCR6
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) March 8, 2022
A Passport of Progress
The Israeli passport’s steady rise in the Henley Passport Index is more than a statistic; it is a symbol of Israel’s evolving global influence and the fruits of its determined efforts to forge lasting partnerships. As Israeli travelers continue to explore new frontiers, this milestone serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy in shaping a nation’s destiny.
