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Dutch passport ranked among the third most powerful globally

A new global index places the Dutch passport in third place worldwide based on international travel freedom and mobility scores.

Essentially Amsterdam staff · Published July 27, 2026 at 2:36 p.m. CEST · 2 min read

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Holders of a Dutch passport can now travel to 174 countries with either visa-free access or a visa on arrival, according to the latest rankings from the Global Passport Index.

The annual index places the Netherlands in joint third place globally alongside several other European nations and Singapore.

These mobility rankings evaluate international passports based on how easily their holders can cross borders without securing prior travel authorization.

How the mobility scores work

To determine the rankings, researchers calculate a total mobility score for each country by adding up visa-free destinations and entry options upon arrival.

Dutch passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry to 131 countries around the world.

An additional 43 destinations allow Dutch citizens to obtain a visa directly upon arrival at the border.

Only 24 countries worldwide currently require travelers from the Netherlands to apply for a traditional visa before embarking on their journey.

Shifts in international rankings

The ranking places the Netherlands on equal footing with European neighbors including Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Germany.

Meanwhile, the United States passport dropped down the list to ninth place globally.

Analysts attribute the decline in US mobility scores to reciprocal visa policies introduced by other nations following tighter immigration rules in Washington.

The lowest spots on the international list are occupied by Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan, where travel freedom remains severely limited.

What it means for residents

For international residents living in the capital who hold Dutch citizenship, the strong ranking offers considerable convenience for personal and business travel.

Those interested in tracking travel requirements or applying for national travel documents can check the official portal of the City of Amsterdam or consult the Government of the Netherlands for updated consular advice.

Source: DutchReview

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