The index shows that a new ‘iron curtain’ has descended six weeks after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the invasion also triggering the worst refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association , Ukraine currently has a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 143, a record high for the country, which now ranks 34th on the index. The UK, which recently dropped all remaining Covid-related restrictions, now sits in fifth place, with a score of 187, with the US just one place behind in the 6th spot, with a score of 186. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index with its nationals only able to access 26 destinations visa-free.The index shows that South Africa has retained its ranking in 53rd position. As of April 2022, South African passport holders are able to access 104 destinations without obtaining a prior visa.