According to data published by Passport Reports, the Swiss passport ranks 9th globally, granting visa-free access to 119 destinations. While the document remains among the strongest travel credentials in the world, it places 13th out of 47 countries in a regional European comparison, trailing several European Union member states such as Germany and Spain.
Global Standing and Regional Access Breakdown
Passport Reports evaluated travel documents from 199 nations to compile its global index. For Swiss citizens, 119 destinations are accessible entirely without a visa, according to the platform’s findings. An additional 54 countries permit entry through a visa-on-arrival or an electronic travel authorization. Meanwhile, a traditional pre-travel visa remains mandatory for only 25 destinations worldwide.
Regional access rates for the Swiss passport vary significantly by continent. Travel across Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean remains nearly frictionless. In Oceania, the overall access quota reaches nearly 93 percent, while Asia and the Middle East sit at 82 percent and 82.4 percent respectively. Central Asia records an 80 percent access rate, and Africa trails at 72.2 percent.
How Passport Reports Differs From Other Indexes
The methodology behind Passport Reports produces different outcomes than more widely known indices like the Henley Passport Index, where the Swiss passport frequently secures a spot in the top five. As noted in comparative coverage, Passport Reports weights the raw number of purely visa-free destinations more heavily when mobility scores tie. For instance, the Luxembourgish passport shares a mobility score with Switzerland yet ranks 5th because its holders enjoy access to a higher count of strictly visa-free countries.
At the very top of the global ranking, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore lead the pack. Singapore holds the top spot with 129 visa-free destinations, closely followed by the United Arab Emirates with 128. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks as the global basement. Travelers holding an Afghan passport can visit a mere three countries without a visa, placing it behind Syria and other nations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
Switzerland’s Strict Border Entry Policies
Despite the widespread global mobility afforded to its own citizens, Swiss immigration policy applies stricter entry rules to foreign nationals. Passport Reports data places Switzerland at rank 92 out of 199 analyzed countries on a separate “welcome ranking.” This metric indicates that citizens from numerous foreign nations—whose own borders welcome Swiss travelers without hurdles—must obtain a visa before entering Switzerland.
Did you know? While Swiss passport holders can enter 44 European destinations completely visa-free, traveling to Russia requires a visa on arrival, and entering the United Kingdom necessitates an electronic travel authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the global rank of the Swiss passport?
According to Passport Reports, the Swiss passport ranks 9th globally.
How many countries can Swiss citizens visit without a visa?
Swiss passport holders can travel to 119 destinations completely visa-free.
How does the Swiss passport perform in Europe?
In a European comparison of 47 nations, the Swiss passport ranks 13th, sitting just behind several EU member states like Germany and Spain.
Where does Switzerland rank on the welcome index?
Switzerland ranks 92nd out of 199 countries for its own inbound entry requirements, meaning it requires visas from citizens of many nations that admit Swiss travelers without a visa.
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