Australian passports rank 7th most powerful for 2022

By Olivia Gee · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Australian passport in jeans pocket, ready for international travel in 2022.

There are plenty of reasons why international travel might not be your top priority right now. Travelling with the Omicron variant in the mix may put you off, and then there are the standard financial, lifestyle and work barriers that might impede you organising a trip.

But beyond this, your citizenship may also impact travel plans. Luckily, those holding Australian passports have a pretty solid outlook right now. 

London-based citizenship firm Henley & Partners have released their 2022 report on the most powerful passports, with ‘power’ referring to the number of countries passport holders can travel to without acquiring a visa. 

Out of the 199 countries assessed, Australia has hit lucky number seven this year, with our relatively travel-friendly passport granting visa-free access to 185 countries (alongside Canada, Greece, Malta and the Czech Republic). Singapore and Japan top the list at 192 countries, with South Korea and Germany in close pursuit at 190. 

While the Henley & Partners’ report hasn’t taken into account Covid-19 travel restrictions, it did show a widening discrepancy between wealthier and poorer nations when it comes to international travel access. Visa-free travel is significantly reduced for citizens and residents of Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, with Afghan nationals only able to enter 26 countries without organising a visa in advance.

How to prepare for international travel in 2022

With all of this in mind, we thought it would be timely to consider some of the must-knows and must-dos for anyone planning an international excursion this year. Beyond the standard socks, undies and other essential luggage, we recommend you:

  • Pack your international travel insurance policy. A policy which matches your travel itinerary could help you get out of many holiday pickles, with some insurance companies even providing cover for events related to the pandemic.
  • Make Smartraveller your best digital friend. Smartraveller is the official Australian government source on international travel advice and evolving restrictions. Insurance providers often rely on these travel warnings and may not grant a claim if you’re travelling somewhere the government recommends you don’t due to various risk factors (like natural disasters, war and civil unrest, and the developing Covid-19 situation).
  • Monitor your destination’s entry requirements. Just like at home, many other countries’ entry requirements are in flux right now. Changes might relate to visa information or Covid testing and isolation protocols, so make sure you’re fully prepared for when you land. Similarly, remember to check what the situation in Australia is before you fly home.
  • Don’t forget masks and sanitary equipment. You’ll need to mask-up to fly, and it’d be a good idea to have extras as well as things like hand sanitiser, cleansing wipes and soap in your day bag.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re striving to avoid Covid contact, you’ll want to steer clear of crowded enclosed spaces where the virus is more easily transmissible. So, this might be the year you opt for an outdoorsy adventure holiday.

If you’re after more advice on travel during the Covid-19 era, plus answers to all your travel insurance FAQs, head to Mozo’s travel insurance hub.