Barbados remains at the forefront as the holder of the most powerful passport in the Caribbean region, according to the recently released Henley Passport Index for 2024 by global citizenship and residence advisory firm, Henley & Partners. The report highlights Jamaica's improvement in global rankings, although it still falls outside the top 10 most powerful Caribbean passports.

Jamaica has climbed the ranks, moving from 63rd place last year to 60th in 2024. The country's passport grants visa-free access to 90 destinations worldwide, including popular countries like Singapore, Russia, Serbia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, and South Africa.

At the top of the list for the most powerful passports in the Caribbean for 2024 is Barbados, securing the 22nd position globally with visa-free access to an impressive 165 countries. Following closely behind is The Bahamas at 24th place with access to 158 destinations. St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines share the 25th position, with visa-free access to 157 destinations each. Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda hold the 27th spot with access to 153 countries. Trinidad and Tobago occupies the 29th position with access to 151 destinations, while Grenada and St Lucia tie at 32nd place, offering visa-free access to 148 countries each. Dominica follows shortly after at 34th place, providing access to 144 destinations. Belize rounds off the list at 52nd place with visa-free access to 104 countries.

The 2024 Henley Passport Index reveals an unprecedented achievement, with six countries sharing the top spot for the most powerful passport in the world. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Singapore all boast visa-free access to a record-breaking 194 destinations. On the other end of the scale, Afghanistan holds the position for the least powerful passport globally, ranking at number 104 with visa-free access to only 28 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index, widely recognized as the most authoritative ranking of passport power, compiles exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association. It covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing valuable insights into global passport rankings.

With each passing year, nations strive to improve the standing of their passports, enabling their citizens to travel more freely across borders. The Henley Passport Index plays a pivotal role in tracking these trends and remains a vital resource for individuals seeking information on global travel opportunities.