How Are Passport Accessibility Levels Decided for Countries?

The level of accessibility a country’s passport offers—meaning how many countries its citizens can visit without a visa or with visa-on-arrival—is determined by bilateral and multilateral agreements between countries. There is no single authority that decides this. Instead, it’s based on foreign relations, trust, economics, and security policies.

Key Factors That Influence Passport Strength:

1. Bilateral Agreements

• Countries negotiate reciprocal visa arrangements. For example, if Singapore allows Germans to enter visa-free, Germany may offer the same.

2. Political Stability & Security

• Countries considered low-risk for overstaying, illegal immigration, or crime often receive easier access.

• That’s why countries like Singapore and South Korea, with strong internal security and low emigration risk, are trusted.

3. Economic Strength

• Wealthier countries with strong economies are often seen as less likely to produce economic migrants, so others allow their citizens in more freely.

4. Passport Control Systems

• Countries with high-quality documentation, e-passports, and identity verification systems are more likely to get trust and visa-free access.

5. Geopolitical Relationships

• Allies or close trade partners often give each other easier access. For example, EU countries allow each other visa-free movement.

6. Global Reputation

• Countries with high rates of visa overstays or asylum claims (as has been the case for some citizens of India and China) may face more restrictions.

Why Singapore & South Korea Rank High:

• Strong economies

• Low overstaying risk

• Stable governments

• Excellent international diplomacy

• Advanced biometric passport systems

Why India & China Have Limited Access:

• Large populations raise concerns about overstays or illegal work

• Political tensions with certain regions

• Historical asylum/migration issues

• Limited reciprocal agreements

Summary:

Visa access is based on mutual trust and negotiation. No international body sets these rules—each country decides whom to let in, based on how it views the other country's citizens, economy, and security. That's why countries like Singapore get wide access, while India and China have more limited reach.