UK Passport Drops in Henley Ranking 2019

The uncertainty of Brexit has led to a drop in the UK Passport position on the Henley passport rankings. The 2019 Henley results show Singapore as well as Japan leading the list of the most powerful passports. After the 2016 Brexit referendum, there has been a jump in the number of Brits applying for EU passports. It seems those applying for the EU passports are concerned about the ease and freedom of movement they currently have across European countries.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley passport index is a list that shows the number of countries a passport holder can enter either visa-free or on a visa-on-arrival basis. The UK ranking has gone backward due to Brexit uncertainty and its potential impact. Such ranking placed the United Kingdom in 6th position jointly with the United States of America. While 6th position still sounds pretty good, it marks the lowest position the UK and the USA have held since 2010.

Warning for future UK Passport Index

The Henley Passport Index warns our ranking could continue to decline in years to come. “Throughout most of the index’s history, the UK has held one of the top five places in the ranking,” it said. “However, with its exit from the EU now imminent, the UK’s once-strong position looks increasingly uncertain.”

It continued, saying, “The Brexit process has not yet had a direct impact on the UK’s ranking, but new research using exclusive historical data from the Henley Passport Index indicates that this could change, with consequences that extend beyond a decline in passport power.”

What does the future hold?

While we don’t have a crystal ball, I think it is a given belief for most British Citizens that regardless of the outcome of Brexit, it needs to happen sooner rather than later. The longer the delay, the more uncertain it becomes not only for our passports and visas, but also for our economy.

For two consecutive years, the number of Britons applying for different passports has continued to grow. Applications from Britons for Irish Passports have soared 12.5 per cent to 183,000. This marks the second consecutive annual increase. This pattern of exodus from the UK passport also has led to a rise in applications for Swedish passports last year. The number of Swedish passport applications for Britons is almost four times the number of those who applied four years ago in 2015.

Do you need a UK Passport? If so, here is a list of the documents you require. You should note that the documents must be original and certified. A photocopy is not accepted by the Passport Office when you apply for your passport. The records you provide can be either the original document or a Government issued Certified Copy of the original.

What you require for your first adult UK Passport:

• You’ll need a full copy of your birth certificate or adoption certificate, and either:
  • your mother’s or father’s full UK birth certificate, or the Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation, or a British passport belonging to one of your parents that was valid when you were born, or a British passport number for either parent
  • evidence of one of your parents’ immigration status in the UK at the time of your birth, for example, a foreign passport belonging to one of your parents that was valid when you were born

  If you send documents relating to your father, you must also submit your parents’ marriage certificate.

Fast Links

• Birth Certificate Copy Order Form
• Adoption Certificate Copy Order Form
• Marriage Certificate Copy Order Form
• Passport Information
• Henley Passport Index Link