Russia ranks in the top 25 percent of countries whose citizens can enjoy the most freedom of travel abroad, according to an annual rating of passport “strength.”
The Henley & Partners residence and citizenship planning firm ranks the strength of 199 different passports based on the availability of visa-free or visa on arrival travel to 227 destination countries.
Russia tied for 47th place with the Palau Islands in the 2019 Henley Passport Index, with 118 destinations available to their passport holders.
Russia holds third place among post-Soviet countries, behind Ukraine and Moldova.
Japan, Singapore and South Korea shared the top spot with 189 destinations available to their passport holders visa-free or on arrival.
Afghanistan and Iraq tied in last place with 30 destinations extending relaxed visa rules to their citizens.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
