The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport has climbed three places to rank 15th globally in the Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 171 destinations. Singapore retains the top position for the third consecutive year, with access to 192 destinations. Hong Kong's Immigration Department, however, reports visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries and territories.
The Henley Passport Index, released last week, measures global visa-free access. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport has risen three places from last year to the 15th spot worldwide. Compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association, the index highlights improvements in travel mobility for Hongkongers.
According to Hong Kong's Immigration Department, the passport remains valid for travel to all countries worldwide, with 174 countries and territories currently offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. The Henley Index, however, counts 171 visa-free destinations.
In Asia, Hong Kong trails Japan and South Korea, which share second place globally with access to 188 destinations. Henley & Partners noted that this 'reinforcing Asia’s long-standing leadership at the top of the global mobility rankings.' The firm specializes in residence and citizenship planning.
The British National (Overseas), or BN(O), passport—commonly held by Hongkongers born before the 1997 handover—is not included in the index.
This upward movement signifies enhanced travel freedoms for Hong Kong passport holders, though they still lag behind regional frontrunners like Singapore.