Croatia has had the most powerful passport in the Balkan region for 2024, ranking first in the region and 22nd internationally.
According to the VisaGuide Passport Index, Croatian citizens can visit a total of 97 countries without a visa, including here six countries that require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and 43 countries without a passport, VisaGuide.World reports.
Although Croatia has the highest passport score (88.28), a visa is required for entry to 24 countries, including Cuba, North Korea, and Ghana. Since the beginning of the year, Croatia’s ranking has improved, starting from the 26th position in January to 24th in the following months. By May, more countries lifted or facilitated visa requirements for Croatia, ranking the Croatian passport 22nd internationally.
Romanian Passport Up by 3 Positions Since Schengen Accession
Romania’s passport was the 36th most powerful in the world in the first three months of the year. However, in June, which is two months after the partial Schengen accession, the Romanian passport ranks 34th, enabling visa-free entry to 112 countries.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, has maintained the same position (39th), with a passport score of 85.86 and visa-free entry to 108 countries.
While there are visa requirements to 34 countries for Bulgarian passport holders, those from Romania need to apply for a visa to enter 27 countries.
Western Balkan Countries Passport Rankings Remain Steady Throughout H1 2024
The Western Balkan, including countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, did not experience much difference in passport ranking during the first half of the year.
Serbia has the strongest passport, ranking 67th at an international level and granting its citizens visa-free entry to 102 countries. In general, Serbia has maintained this position since January, experiencing a change in rankings only in April and May.
Montenegrin passport has been ranked the 74th strongest passport in the world at the beginning of the year. That has changed in the upcoming months, with Motenegro’s passport now ranking 76th, allowing visa-free entry for its citizens to 96 countries.
North Macedonia and Albania have maintained their positions in the Passport Index, ranking 78th and 82nd since the beginning of the year. While Albanian passport holders have visa-free entry to 90 countries, citizens of North Macedonia can visit 93 countries.
Kosovo, whose visa liberalization entered into force this year, also ranked in a similar position in the first half of the year. With visa-free entry to 47 countries, Kosovo ranks 97th in the VisaGuide Passport Index.