Top 5 Most Powerful Passports in the Caribbean (2017)
Since our independence, the Caribbean islands have been home
to an every expanding population and almost unprecedented growth. Although we
still have ways to in go until we can truly be a rival to some of the world’s
larger economic and political power houses, we can and should still appreciate
exactly how far we’ve come in the short time we have achieved it.
It can be a little overwhelming for Caribbean nationals to
truly grasp and understand how far our countries have actually gone in terms of
economic and political growth. With so many different aspects and strengths to
each island, it can be hard to measure our true force on a global standing. One
of the best ways to measure this is by looking at our Passport Index.
A passport index is basically a way of measuring your
passport’s “strength” in comparisons to other countries. Its “Strength” is
measured by looking at its overall usability for hassle free or visa free
travel around the global.
To understand what a visa is, it is authorization from a
country, granting a foreign visitor conditional entry. There are numerous
restrictions and timelines to the visa holder’s entry and must be approved by
an immigration official. Obtaining a visa is often a long, expensive and harrowing journey, but it is absolutely necessary for entry. For two countries to not require a visa, it usually
requires a mutual political understanding or agreements.
1. Barbados
Global Rank: 20
Visa Free Score: 136
Visa Free Score: 136
The number one most influential and versatile passport in
the Caribbean Caricom community goes to Barbados. This booming island nation tightly
holds on the #20 spot on the global ranking. To compare, the lowest current
global ranking goes to Afghanistan at #94. The visa free score also doesn’t
include an additional 28 countries citizens of the robust island state can
visit and be issued a visa upon arrival.
2. Bahamas
Global Rank: 23
Visa Free Score: 131
Visa Free Score: 131
Second place goes to the Bahamas, with is lush beaches and
thriving economy. Although, it should be noted, that this ranking goes
specifically to the Bahaman Common Wealth Passport and not citizens with only a
US passport. This doesn’t include an additional 29 countries that will issue a
visa upon arrival.
3. Saint Kitts & Nevis
Global Rank: 27
Visa Free Score: 127
Visa Free Score: 127
These beautiful sister islands follow closely behind in the global
ranking. Citizens of both islands share the same passport and enjoy the same
level of travel. However most international flights are scheduled to and from
the larger island of Saint Kitts, there are still a few airlines that operate
smaller scheduled flights to Nevis. This doesn’t include the 28 countries that
will issue a visa upon arrival.
4.
TIE! St Vincent & Grenadines / Antigua
& Barbuda
Global Rank: 28
Visa Free Score: 125
These two sister island pairs happen to tie for the same
spot in the top 5 passports in the Caribbean. Most international travel goes to
and from the main airport in St Vincent, and Antigua with many international
departure and arrivals every day. However the tie can be debatable with St
Vincent & Grenadines boasting 27 countries that will issue a visa upon
arrival vs. Antigua & Barbuda to boasts 29.
5. Trinidad & Tobago
Global Rank: 30
Visa Free Score: 123
Visa Free Score: 123
As the saying goes, two is always better than one! Another
lovely sister island pair, and home to one of the Caribbean’s most lively and
popular music genres, Soca! Most international flights are routed through
Trinidad but both islands enjoy the same benefits from their passports. This
does not include the 27 countries that will issue a visa upon arrival.
Want to see how the rest of the Caribbean Community compares?
The highest ranking
Caricom Passports Rank as below:
Ranking
|
Country
|
Visa Free Score
|
20
|
Barbados
|
136
|
23
|
Bahamas
|
131
|
27
|
Saint Kitts & Nevis
|
127
|
28
|
St Vincent & Grenadines
|
125
|
28
|
Antigua & Barbuda
|
125
|
30
|
Trinidad & Tabago
|
123
|
31
|
Saint Lucia
|
121
|
33
|
Grenada
|
119
|
36
|
Dominica
|
115
|
49
|
Belize
|
85
|
53
|
Jamaica
|
78
|
53
|
Guyana
|
78
|
58
|
Suriname
|
69
|
73
|
Haiti
|
53
|
For the Comparison and list of countries each island can
visit, please visit the link below:
To view the entire global rank list, please visit:
