Cyprus Passports Really are ‘Golden’ New Index Shows
Cyprus Mail 29/12/2019
Cyprus topped the list of countries offering Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CBI) whose passport power increased during 2019, according to the latest Passport Index.
The index ranks passports of the world based on their total mobility score which concerns the number of countries their holders can visit visa-free (VF), with visa on arrival (VOA) an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or an eVisa if issued within three days.
Overall, the Republic of Cyprus’ passport’s power ranks is 8 since its holders can visit 166 countries including 122 visa-free and 44 by obtaining visa on arrival. Holders of Cyprus’ passports can also visit another 32 countries after obtaining visa before their trip there.
Globally, the United Arab Emirates passport is considered as the most powerful as regards mobility with its holders being able to visit 179 countries visa-free or with visa on arrival, with those of Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and Spain following suit with 172 countries.
The average rank among the 193 UN member countries and six territories (ROC Taiwan, Macao (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican) screened is 47 and the average mobility score is 107.
According to the index, this year also displayed an increase of passport power with nations offering CBI.
“Cyprus and St. Kitts and Nevis are amongst the ones who made the biggest leap forward, gaining +9 visa waivers in 2019,” the survey said.
The boost in passport power has also benefited Malta (+8), Antigua & Barbuda, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Portugal (+7), as well as Dominica and Saint Lucia (+6). Grenada came last but nevertheless showed improvement with (+4), said the survey.
Cyprus is also number seven in the top 10 of the Fastest-Growing Passports of 2019 after adding another nine countries this year to its mobility score, raising the number to 166. In 2017, the Cyprus passport ranked 13th among the strongest in the world, as its holders were able to travel to 146 countries without a visa or VOA.
Cyprus topped the list of countries offering Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CBI) whose passport power increased during 2019, according to the latest Passport Index.
The index ranks passports of the world based on their total mobility score which concerns the number of countries their holders can visit visa-free (VF), with visa on arrival (VOA) an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or an eVisa if issued within three days.
Overall, the Republic of Cyprus’ passport’s power ranks is 8 since its holders can visit 166 countries including 122 visa-free and 44 by obtaining visa on arrival. Holders of Cyprus’ passports can also visit another 32 countries after obtaining visa before their trip there.
Globally, the United Arab Emirates passport is considered as the most powerful as regards mobility with its holders being able to visit 179 countries visa-free or with visa on arrival, with those of Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and Spain following suit with 172 countries.
The average rank among the 193 UN member countries and six territories (ROC Taiwan, Macao (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican) screened is 47 and the average mobility score is 107.
According to the index, this year also displayed an increase of passport power with nations offering CBI.
“Cyprus and St. Kitts and Nevis are amongst the ones who made the biggest leap forward, gaining +9 visa waivers in 2019,” the survey said.
The boost in passport power has also benefited Malta (+8), Antigua & Barbuda, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Portugal (+7), as well as Dominica and Saint Lucia (+6). Grenada came last but nevertheless showed improvement with (+4), said the survey.
Cyprus is also number seven in the top 10 of the Fastest-Growing Passports of 2019 after adding another nine countries this year to its mobility score, raising the number to 166. In 2017, the Cyprus passport ranked 13th among the strongest in the world, as its holders were able to travel to 146 countries without a visa or VOA.
