As you know, people from different countries have different levels of ease in travelling the world. I remember when a friend and I travelled by train through Eastern Europe in the early 90s. We shared a compartment with two American women, and when the Belarusian inspectors checked our passports, the difference between Swedes and Americans became clear.
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ShareSwedish vs American passports when travelling
Our passports were checked quickly and carelessly - and the inspectors made fun of our "island". They didn't care about our bags at all. Then it was the Americans' turn, and that was a completely different story. There were grim faces and meticulous checks of every compartment in every bag. Ever since then, I have thought that a Swedish passport is worth its weight in gold.
A Swedish passport is worth its weight in gold
And it turns out to be true! Aftonbladet reports on a survey of what passports from different countries give access to. Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom is at the top.
With passports from these countries, you can visit as many as 173 countries without applying for a visa. It is considerably more complicated if you come from Afghanistan (28 countries), Pakistan (32 countries) or Nepal (37 countries). I was curious about the US passport, but it wasn't included in the survey ...
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Anna Granström says:
Yes, a Swedish passport is really good! I think it is particularly good that my son has both a Swedish and a Spanish passport: it gives even more advantages. I would love to have Swedish and American. At least I had a Green card once upon a time ...
07 October 2013 - 20:29
BP says:
Then you see! It feels safe:-)
I'm surprised that England is third, especially since America is not even on the list, so it's probably way down the list. England is America's little brother in a way.
Afghanistan and Pakistan don't surprise me at all - obviously.
Fun and interesting reading by the way!
07 October 2013 - 20:47
admin says:
Anna Granström, yes, it must be extra good!
BP, England probably surprised me a bit too...
07 October 2013 - 22:07
Marina says:
Absolutely it is! And a tip is that if you are travelling in the Asian part of the world and the passport queues are long - choose a queue with many Westerners!!!
08 October 2013 - 2:09
Mum's machete says:
Yes, the Swedish passport is wonderful! At the same time, it is sad that there are any differences at all. For example, Colombians (who are also not included in the survey) have extreme problems travelling outside South America, which makes it extremely difficult to study, work or simply travel to see something else. Personally, I would like all citizens in this world to have the same opportunities to travel wherever they want, even if it means that I have more restrictions on my Swedish passport. It is sad that my children - who are Swedish-Colombians - are so much more "world citizen-privileged" by birth than their friends. Hugs /Julia
08 October 2013 - 4:47
admin says:
Marina, that is certainly a wise tip. I hadn't thought of that!
Mum's machete, can only agree! Of course we are privileged, and of course it is unfair. I've also talked to immigrant Swedes who can't get visits from their relatives because they're not allowed to come here, not even for a week, even though they can pay and have accommodation.
08 October 2013 - 12:59
Ditte says:
Yes, the Swedish passport is worth a lot when travelling. Imagine how many countries we don't have to apply for a visa with a Swedish passport. And the countries where we need a visa, Sweden has more or less the same rules.
08 October 2013 - 15:33
Katta's Considerations says:
That's right! A Swedish passport is good to have!
08 October 2013 - 19:15