How Croatia Rose to 7th in Global Passport Rankings – What This Means for Travellers!

Published on December 26, 2025

In a remarkable achievement, Croatia has climbed to the 7th position in the latest Henley Passport Index, released in December 2025. This places Croatia alongside Australia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates in a highly competitive ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. The Henley Passport Index measures the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit either visa-free or with a visa on arrival. With access to 184 destinations, Croatia’s passport has solidified its position among the world’s most respected and trusted travel documents.

Henley Passport Index: What It Measures

The Henley Passport Index is considered the global benchmark for assessing passport strength. The rankings are based on freedom of movement—how many destinations a passport holder can access without requiring a visa or with visa-on-arrival access. Notably, the index does not factor in income levels or quality of life but rather evaluates how well-connected and trusted a country is on the international stage.

The data used in the rankings is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the index is independently verified and updated quarterly by Henley & Partners.

Croatia’s Growth in Global Connectivity

Croatia’s rise in the rankings signals its increasing global connectivity and growing international influence. By climbing to 7th place, Croatia shares the ranking with Australia, Czech Republic, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. This recognition highlights the country’s growing trust on the global stage and its ability to facilitate easier international mobility for its citizens.

The achievement underscores the country’s integration into the global travel and trade network. It comes as Croatia continues to develop its relationships with countries around the world, making it easier for its citizens to travel without the burden of visa applications. This new position is particularly notable as it demonstrates Croatia’s strategic importance within Europe, alongside other European nations that have consistently held strong rankings.

Top Rankings and Global Mobility Trends

The Henley Passport Index places Singapore at the top of the list, with its passport offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. South Korea and Japan follow closely, holding the second and third positions respectively. This dominance of Asian passports at the top of the rankings reflects the growing trend of global mobility and travel freedom that is increasingly seen across Asia.

In Europe, Croatia’s neighbors Slovenia and Hungary rank even higher, taking 6th place, demonstrating the strong European presence in the rankings. Slovenia and Hungary’s position reflect the continued dominance of European countries in global mobility, making it easier for their citizens to travel across the world without visa requirements.

Other countries such as Canada are also closely behind, with Canada’s passport granting access to 183 destinations, placing it just below Croatia. The United States ranks 11th with access to 180 destinations, emphasizing the growing importance of countries like Croatia that have improved their travel access in recent years.

The Significance of the Passport Ranking for Croatia

Croatia’s rise to 7th place holds significant value beyond just travel convenience. It indicates a growing international trust in the country, enhancing its diplomatic, economic, and cultural influence. The ability to move freely to a vast number of destinations is crucial for fostering business opportunities, attracting investment, and promoting tourism. It also signals Croatia’s strong ties with countries that prioritize global mobility and encourages closer cooperation on international policies and agreements.

In addition, the rankings reflect the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global relations, particularly through its involvement in regional agreements and its position within the European Union. Croatia’s passport holders now enjoy greater access to destinations around the world, improving the prospects for both individuals and businesses within the country.

A Regional Comparison

Among Croatia’s neighbors, countries like Slovenia and Hungary hold even stronger positions in the rankings, underscoring the strong regional ties within Europe. Slovenia and Hungary currently occupy the 6th place, slightly ahead of Croatia. However, Croatia’s rise to 7th is a clear sign of the country’s increasing stature within the global travel network.

In contrast, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are ranked lower, with Serbia placed at 35th and Montenegro at 41st. These lower rankings highlight the ongoing regional disparities in global mobility and access, despite the shared geographic and political context.

The Bottom of the Index

At the opposite end of the spectrum, countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan have been ranked among the lowest in the Henley Passport Index, due to the restrictions and limited travel access imposed by ongoing political instability and conflicts.

Implications for Croatia’s Global Position

Croatia’s continued rise in the Henley Passport Index offers strong evidence of the country’s increasing international influence. For Croatian citizens, the enhanced mobility means greater freedom to explore business, educational, and cultural opportunities in countries across the globe. The improved passport strength also supports the country’s goals of economic growth, attracting both tourists and foreign investments.

Conclusion: Croatia’s Rising Influence in Global Mobility

Croatia’s advancement to 7th place in the Henley Passport Index demonstrates the country’s growing global presence and importance. As it continues to foster strong international relations and improve the mobility of its citizens, Croatia is cementing its role as a significant player in the global community. The country’s progress in the rankings reflects both its economic growth and its increasing international trust, providing its citizens with more opportunities for travel and business.

With Croatia now ranking among the world’s most mobile nations, the country’s passport strength is expected to continue rising, further enhancing its role in global affairs and offering greater freedom for travel to destinations around the world.