For the fifth year in a row, Germany boasts the most powerful passport, according to the 2018 Henley Passport Index. The ranking is based on the number of countries their holders can visit visa-free. That information comes from the International Air Transport Association, which has the world’s largest database of travel statistics.

In this age of increasing business and leisure travel, people want more freedom to travel. The Henley Passport Index reveals the global mobility of the issuer’s citizens.

Germany’s passport allows holders to visit 177 countries visa-free. That is up one country from last year’s total of 176 and one up from Singapore’s 176, second on the Henley Passport Index. The United States is tied with Ireland, South Korea and Portugal for fifth place, with 173. Most countries saw their Henley Passport Index rise, although not necessarily the overall rank, due to recent visa liberalization with the European Union.

While travelers want more freedom in their travel, another benefit is the cost and time savings. More visa-free travel means fewer forms, procedures and payments. Ultimately, it also leads to more travel.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor