Top 5 Most Powerful Passports in the Caribbean (2017)

Top 5 Most Powerful Passports in the Caribbean (2017)

Since our independence, the Caribbean islands have been home to an every expanding population and almost unprecedented growth. Although we still have ways to in go until we can truly be a rival to some of the world’s larger economic and political power houses, we can and should still appreciate exactly how far we’ve come in the short time we have achieved it.

It can be a little overwhelming for Caribbean nationals to truly grasp and understand how far our countries have actually gone in terms of economic and political growth. With so many different aspects and strengths to each island, it can be hard to measure our true force on a global standing. One of the best ways to measure this is by looking at our Passport Index.

A passport index is basically a way of measuring your passport’s “strength” in comparisons to other countries. Its “Strength” is measured by looking at its overall usability for hassle free or visa free travel around the global.

To understand what a visa is, it is authorization from a country, granting a foreign visitor conditional entry. There are numerous restrictions and timelines to the visa holder’s entry and must be approved by an immigration official. Obtaining a visa is often a long, expensive and harrowing journey, but it is absolutely necessary for entry. For two countries to not require a visa, it usually requires a mutual political understanding or agreements.

    1.       Barbados

The east coast is an ideal area for nature lovers, and surfers who can test their skills at the famous Soup Bowl in Bathsheba! #LoveBarbados

A post shared by Visit Barbados (@visitbarbados) on Oct 24, 2017 at 3:47am PDT

Global Rank: 20
Visa Free Score: 136

The number one most influential and versatile passport in the Caribbean Caricom community goes to Barbados. This booming island nation tightly holds on the #20 spot on the global ranking. To compare, the lowest current global ranking goes to Afghanistan at #94. The visa free score also doesn’t include an additional 28 countries citizens of the robust island state can visit and be issued a visa upon arrival.  

    2.       Bahamas

Palm trees and crystal clear water= Beautiful Bahamas 🏝💙💙💙 follow ➡@bahamas Photo: @vanalany  #bahamas #crystalclear #chilling #soakingthesun #carribean #palmtrees #carribeanlife #sea #beachtime #whitesand #ocean #bluesea #crytalwater #clouds #bluewater #blue

A post shared by @bahamas (@bahamas) on Oct 5, 2017 at 11:48am PDT

Global Rank: 23
Visa Free Score: 131

Second place goes to the Bahamas, with is lush beaches and thriving economy. Although, it should be noted, that this ranking goes specifically to the Bahaman Common Wealth Passport and not citizens with only a US passport. This doesn’t include an additional 29 countries that will issue a visa upon arrival.

    3.       Saint Kitts & Nevis

“No cruise ships or long-haul flights stop at [Nevis], which has helped the area retain its peaceful charm.” This @dailymail travelogue explores why Princess Diana loved Nevis: goo.gl/dBWG4G #nevisstories

A post shared by Nevis Island (@nevisnaturally) on Oct 24, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT

Global Rank: 27
Visa Free Score: 127

These beautiful sister islands follow closely behind in the global ranking. Citizens of both islands share the same passport and enjoy the same level of travel. However most international flights are scheduled to and from the larger island of Saint Kitts, there are still a few airlines that operate smaller scheduled flights to Nevis. This doesn’t include the 28 countries that will issue a visa upon arrival.

    4.       TIE! St Vincent & Grenadines / Antigua & Barbuda

If it doesn't rain nothing grows...rainy mornings in paradise 😍 - Are you here yet?!?! See you soon!🇦🇬 #VisitAntiguaBarbuda  #Paradise #rainymorning  #Tropical  #IslandLife  #ForeverAntiguaBarbuda  #LoveAntiguaBarbuda 📸 @eat_drink_lou

A post shared by Antigua and Barbuda W.I. (@antiguaandbarbuda) on Oct 27, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

Global Rank: 28

Visa Free Score: 125

These two sister island pairs happen to tie for the same spot in the top 5 passports in the Caribbean. Most international travel goes to and from the main airport in St Vincent, and Antigua with many international departure and arrivals every day. However the tie can be debatable with St Vincent & Grenadines boasting 27 countries that will issue a visa upon arrival vs. Antigua & Barbuda to boasts 29.

    5.       Trinidad & Tobago

Goood Morning World! • • • • #goodmorningpost #morningmotivation #friday #friyay #ig_travel #travelogue #cannon #canon6d #landscapephotography #landscapelovers #thepines #getaway #hideout #positivevibes #thehills #enjoythelittlethings #enjoylife #bluesky #pictureperfect #trinidadandtobago #knullebu #stanns #ttunseen #photographylovers

A post shared by Kyeon lucian Constantine (@kyeon.photog) on Oct 27, 2017 at 2:58am PDT

Global Rank: 30
Visa Free Score: 123

As the saying goes, two is always better than one! Another lovely sister island pair, and home to one of the Caribbean’s most lively and popular music genres, Soca! Most international flights are routed through Trinidad but both islands enjoy the same benefits from their passports. This does not include the 27 countries that will issue a visa upon arrival.  

Want to see how the rest of the Caribbean Community compares?

The highest ranking Caricom Passports Rank as below:

Ranking	Country	Visa Free Score
20	Barbados	136
23	Bahamas	131
27	Saint Kitts & Nevis	127
28	St Vincent & Grenadines	125
28	Antigua & Barbuda	125
30	Trinidad & Tabago	123
31	Saint Lucia	121
33	Grenada	119
36	Dominica	115
49	Belize	85
53	Jamaica	78
53	Guyana	78
58	Suriname	69
73	Haiti	53

For the Comparison and list of countries each island can visit, please visit the link below:

https://www.passportindex.org/comparebyPassport.php?p1=bb&p2=bs&p3=kn&p4=vc&p5=ag&fl=&s=yes

To view the entire global rank list, please visit:

https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php