The Portuguese passport has once again distinguished itself as one of the five most valuable in the world this year, ranking 4th. This position is shared with the passports of Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
These are the latest figures from the Henley Passport Index (HPI), which ranks the passport of Singapore at the top of the list.
The Portuguese passport allows travel to 188 destinations without requiring a visa, according to the newly released ranking. Singapore’s passport permits travel to 193 locations.
Neighboring Spain holds third place in the ranking, with the Spanish passport allowing free entry to 189 destinations, one more than the Portuguese passport.
Explore the latest Henley Passport Index, the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.https://t.co/TAXk5eXOrx pic.twitter.com/i3xWCasuUp
— Henley & Partners (@HenleyPartners) July 22, 2025
The Henley Passport Index is based on “exclusive data” from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as stated on the website.
“The index includes 199 passports and 227 distinct travel destinations. Updated monthly, the Henley Passport Index is regarded as a reference tool,” the publication states.
There are over 180 countries that one can visit using just the Portuguese passport, without needing to apply for a visa.
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:29 – 17/01/2025
The union warns that persistent failures continue to affect passport issuance
These figures come just days after the Union of Registry and Notary Workers (STRN) warned that ongoing IT constraints, amid holiday periods, are affecting the issuance of urgent documents, such as the Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP).
“Several days have passed since the STRN publicly denounced issues concerning IT applications serving registries, and the situation not only persists but has worsened,” the union stated, criticizing the authorities for not having provided any response or clarification to date.
The statement comes a week after the STRN reported that “conservatories such as those in Arruda dos Vinhos and Caldas da Rainha have reported critical system failures,” reflecting a “nationwide reality.”
The union, led by Arménio Maximino, insists that the “technological failures,” which “seriously affect the issuance of urgent documents like the PEP,” are even more pronounced “during this critical holiday period,” due to “increased demand” and “lack of human resources.”
The STRN reiterates its appeal to the government for “urgent measures to permanently resolve the IT issues,” which the union claims have been occurring for weeks.
Lusa contacted the Ministry of Justice, which referred the inquiry to the Institute for Registries and Notaries, and is awaiting a response.
The Union of Registry and Notary Workers (STRN) warned today that persistent IT constraints, amid holiday periods, are affecting the issuance of urgent documents, such as the Portuguese Electronic Passport (PEP).
Lusa | 18:37 – 31/07/2025
