Planning on packing your bags, booking time off work, and flying far away from our grim Irish weather? Who wouldn’t be?
But do you know just how far your passport can get you this summer?
Last year, financial advisory firm Arton Capital compiled a list ranking the world’s passports, revealing which ones come with the largest key ring. The ‘Passport Power Ranking’ is based on the number of nations the passport holder can visit without requiring a travel visa.
There are few surprises.
The list shows that developed Western countries have the most freedom in choosing their destinations. Poorer, developing and war-struck countries such as South Sudan and Ethiopia have the least choice, however.
Thankfully, for those of you holding an Irish passport, we’re doing pretty well for ourselves. At a respectable 6th place, the Irish passport has the freedom to visit 141 countries, not that I’d invite you to visit them all, that is.
Abroad, the Irish have always maintained a warm reputation. But making the cut into the top 10 in the world says a lot about our international relations.
Joining us at number 6 are four of our European neighbours; Portugal; Spain; Belgium and; Norway.
As you can expect, the two nations that share the throne at the top of the power ranking are the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Try not to lose too much sleep over it though; there are only 6 more countries they can visit for free, including Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan and India. None of which hold a reputation for being particularly glamorous holiday destinations.
The Australian passport is currently ranked 9th, with that of Poland following in 10th place.
These countries have plenty of options at their discretion, but the same cannot be said for some of the lower ranking members;
A Russian Federation passport, for example, will cause you a couple of travel delays. Trailing at a disappointing 35th place, a passport from the world’s largest country will only get you to across 98 borders.
At the bottom of the list, things are a bit grim.
If you happen to hold a Palestinian passport, travelling won’t be easy, as it allows visa free access to a mere 28 countries.
Overall, the list represents what one would imagine with a basic knowledge of history, politics and international relations. So if you are planning on going away this summer – whether in search of scorching sunshine or ski-friendly snow – be sure to check out where you can go, before you check in.
Evan O'Gorman 