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World’s strongest passports revealed – and UK hits record low in more than a DECADE

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THE strongest passports in the world have been revealed and it is bad news for Brits.

According to the Henley Passport Index, the UK passport has dropped to eighth place – it’s lowest in a decade.

The British passport is the weakest it has been in more that a decadeCredit: PA

The study analyses 199 different passports, looking at how many destinations they can travel to without needing a visa.

Coming out on top is Singapore, with visa-free access to 193 countries.

This was followed by South Korea (190), and Japan (189).

Germany was the highest ranked European country, with 188 countries open to travel.

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The UK (184 countries) joined other European countries in eighth place such as Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia, as well as the UAE.

Most of Europe including France, Spain and Portugal all ranked higher than the UK.

It is also the first time the US has dropped out of the top 10, now in 12th place.

The UK was once in first place back in 2015, tying with Germany.

However, the strength of the British passport has since dropped over the years.

The weakest passports include Afghanistan which has access to just 24 countries, followed by Syria (26) and Iraq (29).

The design of the UK passport is also changing later this year.

From December, as new coat of arms will appear on the front, designed by Prince Charles.

The British passport already changed back in 2020 from burgundy to blue, as well as to be signed in His Majesty’s name after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Burgundy passports and old blue design passports are still valid for use until they expire.

Just make sure to check the start date as a number of people have been caught out by confusing rules introduced post-Brexit.

Here is everything you need to know about your passport dates.

World’s Strongest Passport – top 10

1. Singapore (193)

2. South Korea (190)

3. Japan (189)

4. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland (188)

5. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands (187)

6. Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (186)

7. Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland (185)

8. Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (184)

9. Canada (183)

10. Latvia, Liechtenstein (182)

New passport designs are also being rolled outCredit: Alamy

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