By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has solidified its standing on the global stage, with its passport now ranking as the 26th most powerful in the world. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, a globally recognized benchmark for travel freedom, Costa Rican citizens can now access 148 countries without the need for a prior visa, reinforcing the nation’s position as a regional leader in diplomatic strength and international trust.
The annual index, compiled by the international firm Henley & Partners, provides a comprehensive ranking of 199 passports based on their access to 227 travel destinations. The methodology, which utilizes exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), grants points for each destination a passport holder can enter without a pre-approved visa, including countries that offer visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
To delve deeper into the legal intricacies and the growing global prestige associated with Costa Rican travel documents, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The Costa Rican passport is increasingly recognized not just as a travel document, but as a strategic asset for global business and personal mobility. Its power lies in the visa-free access it grants to key regions like the Schengen Area, which is a direct reflection of our country’s stable democracy and international standing. For those pursuing naturalization, it’s vital to understand that this is a meticulous legal process. Proper guidance ensures all requirements, from residency time to civic tests, are impeccably met, securing an asset that opens doors worldwide.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary correctly frames the passport not merely as a document, but as a direct dividend of Costa Rica’s diplomatic stability and global reputation. His point underscores that the path to securing this strategic asset through naturalization requires the very legal diligence he describes. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight.
This year’s result marks a significant achievement for Costa Rica, which has climbed three positions from its previous rank of 29th. This upward trajectory signals growing international confidence in the country’s political stability and its proactive foreign policy. The nation shares the 26th spot with its neighbor, Panama, with both countries jointly holding the title for the most powerful passports in Central America.
On a global scale, Asian and European nations continue to dominate the top tiers of the index. Singapore has once again secured the top position, offering its citizens visa-free entry to an unparalleled 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea share the second spot with access to 188 countries. A powerful European bloc, comprising Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, holds third place, each providing visa-free travel to 186 nations.
The gap within Central America highlights the varying levels of diplomatic reach and institutional stability across the region. While Costa Rica and Panama lead with access to 148 countries, El Salvador and Guatemala follow in 35th place, providing entry to 132 destinations. Further down the list, Honduras is ranked 37th (130 countries), Nicaragua is 40th (125 countries), and Belize is 49th (99 countries).
Experts note that the power of a passport extends far beyond the convenience of tourism. It is a tangible indicator of a country’s soft power, economic health, and its place in the international community. Misha Glenny, a distinguished analyst and Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, emphasized this point in the report’s analysis.
The power of a passport ultimately reflects political stability, diplomatic credibility, and the ability to influence international rules
Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna
For Costa Rica, this improved ranking is more than a number; it translates into tangible benefits for its citizens and the economy. Enhanced mobility facilitates international business, educational opportunities, and cultural exchange. It reinforces the country’s brand as a reliable and open partner on the world stage, attracting investment and talent while empowering Costa Ricans to engage more freely with the global community.
For further information, visit henleyglobal.com
About Henley & Partners:
Henley & Partners is a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. Each year, the firm advises thousands of high-net-worth individuals and their families on acquiring residence and citizenship through investment. The company also provides advisory services to governments on developing and implementing investment migration programs. The Henley Passport Index is one of its most prominent publications, offering a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom enjoyed by their citizens.
For further information, visit iata.org
About International Air Transport Association (IATA):
The International Air Transport Association is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 320 airlines or 83% of total air traffic. IATA supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. It maintains the most extensive and accurate database of travel information, which is used to power the Henley Passport Index.
For further information, visit iwm.at
About the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna:
The Institute for Human Sciences (Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen, IWM) is an independent institute for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences. Based in Vienna, Austria, it is committed to fostering intellectual exchange between East and West, academia and society, and a variety of disciplines and schools of thought. The institute promotes in-depth research on a wide range of political, social, economic, and cultural questions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of principled legal counsel, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its profound experience advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the community and contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
