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Spain Passport Ranking 2020 — Visa-Free Travel & Mobility Score

Historical passport power ranking and visa-free access analysis

Rank #5 in 2020+4 since 2020
170
Mobility Score
118
Visa Free

Spain Passport Power in 2020

In 2020, the Spain passport was ranked #5 in the world, making it among the top ten most powerful passports globally. With a total mobility score of 170, holders of a Spain passport could access 170 destinations worldwide without needing to apply for a traditional visa in advance.

The mobility score breaks down as follows: 118 countries offered completely visa-free entry, 42 countries provided visa-on-arrival access, and 10 destinations required only an electronic travel authorization (eTA). An additional 27 countries required a traditional visa application before travel.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the most severe disruption to international travel in modern history. Governments worldwide imposed border closures, quarantine requirements, and flight suspensions. Despite Spain maintaining its formal visa-free agreements, practical travel was severely limited throughout much of the year.

#5
Global Rank
170
Mobility Score
118
Visa Free
42
Visa on Arrival
10
eTA
27
Visa Required

What Changed for Spain's Passport in 2020

The year 2020 brought several notable changes to Spain's passport power and global travel landscape. Here are the key developments that affected Spain passport holders during this period:

  • COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread travel restrictions
  • Many visa-free agreements temporarily suspended
  • EU borders closed to non-essential travel

These changes reflect the broader shifts in international travel policy and diplomatic relations that influenced passport power rankings throughout 2020. For Spain passport holders, these developments meant expanded travel opportunities and greater global mobility.

Understanding these changes is important for travelers planning trips and for those evaluating the long-term strength of the Spain passport. Visa policies are dynamic, and what was true in 2020 may differ from current requirements. Always verify the latest visa requirements before traveling.

Spain Passport: 2020 vs 2026

Comparing Spain's passport power between 2020 and 2026 reveals significant improvement, with the mobility score increasing by 4 points. The table below provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of all key metrics.

Metric20202026Change
Global Rank#5#4+1
Mobility Score170174+4
Visa Free118121+3
Visa on Arrival4242--
eTA1011+1
Visa Required2710-17

Since 2020, the Spain passport has gained access to 4 additional destinations. This improvement reflects Spain's continued diplomatic efforts and strong international relationships, resulting in new visa waiver agreements and expanded travel privileges for its citizens.

The global ranking improved by 1 position, moving from #5 in 2020 to #4 in 2026. This upward movement demonstrates the increasing strength of the Spain passport on the global stage.

Spain Passport Ranking History (2020-2026)

Tracking Spain's passport power over multiple years reveals important trends in global mobility. The table below shows how Spain's passport ranking and mobility score have evolved from 2020 through the current year, reflecting changes in diplomatic relations, global events, and visa policy shifts.

From 2020 to 2025, the Spain passport's mobility score moved from 170 to 174, and currently stands at 174 in 2026. The global ranking shifted from #5 to #3 during this period. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021 had a notable impact on global passport rankings, though formal visa agreements largely remained intact even as practical travel was disrupted.

YearRankScoreVisa FreeVoAChange
2020#517011842--
2021#517011842--
2022#317211942+2
2023#317312042+1
2024#317312042--
2025#317412142+1
2026 (Current)#417412142--

Mobility Score Trend — Visual Overview

2020
170
2021
170
2022
172
2023
173
2024
173
2025
174
2026
174

How Spain Ranked Among World Passports in 2020

In 2020, the Spain passport held the #5 positionin the global passport power index. To put this in perspective, the world's most powerful passports that year were held by countries with extensive visa-free networks built through decades of diplomatic engagement and international cooperation.

Spain's ranking of #5 with a mobility score of 170 placed it in the elite tier of global passports, just behind the very top-ranked countries like Japan and Singapore. The Spain passport benefited from EU membership and Schengen Area participation, which automatically provided visa-free access to all EU and Schengen member states.

Current Top 5 Passport Rankings (for reference)

RankCountryMobility Score
#1United Arab Emirates182
#2Malaysia175
#2Singapore175
#4Spain174
#5Austria173

Passport rankings change over time due to new visa agreements, geopolitical shifts, and policy changes. A country's position in the ranking reflects its diplomatic influence, international relationships, and the trust other nations place in its travel documents. Spain's consistently strong ranking demonstrates the country's robust diplomatic standing in the international community.

Traveling with a Spain Passport in 2020

Having a Spain passport in 2020 meant extensive global travel freedom. With among the top ten most powerful passports globally, holders could visit 170 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorization. Here is a breakdown of what that meant by region:

Europe & Schengen Area

Spain passport holders enjoyed seamless travel across the Schengen Area, which encompasses 26 European countries. As an EU member state, Spain citizens could live, work, and travel freely within the European Union without any visa requirements.

The Americas

In 2020, Spain passport holders could visit most countries in North, Central, and South America without a visa. The United States required an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), while Canada required an eTA. Most Latin American and Caribbean nations offered visa-free entry.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region offered a mix of visa policies for Spain passport holders in 2020. Many popular destinations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia granted visa-free entry, while others like China and India required advance visa applications or e-visas.

Middle East & Africa

Travel to the Middle East and Africa with a Spain passport in 2020 varied significantly by destination. Several Gulf states offered visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, while many African nations required advance visa applications or offered e-visa options.

Important Note for Travelers

The information above reflects visa policies as they were in 2020. Visa requirements change frequently. Always check the latest requirements with the destination country's embassy or official immigration website before traveling. For the most current Spain passport information, view the current Spain passport page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries could a Spain passport holder visit without a visa in 2020?

In 2020, Spain passport holders could access 170 destinations worldwide, including 118 countries with visa-free entry, 42 with visa-on-arrival, and 10 with electronic travel authorization (eTA). This made the Spain passport among the top ten most powerful passports globally.

What was Spain's passport ranking in 2020?

The Spain passport was ranked #5 in the world in 2020, based on the total number of destinations accessible without a traditional visa. The mobility score of 170 placed it among the top ten most powerful passports globally.

How has Spain's passport ranking changed over time?

Spain's passport ranking has improved over the years. From 2020 to 2025, the mobility score went from 170 to 174, and currently stands at 174 in 2026.

Is a Spain passport good for travel?

Yes, the Spain passport is among the top ten most powerful passports globally. With a mobility score of 170 in 2020, it provides access to a vast number of countries either visa-free, with visa-on-arrival, or through simple electronic authorization. Spain passport holders benefit from strong diplomatic relationships and EU membership, which significantly enhances their travel freedom.

What countries require a visa for Spain citizens?

In 2020, approximately 27 countries required Spain citizens to obtain a traditional visa before traveling. These typically included certain countries in Central Asia, parts of Africa, and select nations with stricter immigration policies. However, 170 destinations were accessible without a traditional visa, making the Spain passport highly versatile for international travel.

How does the Spain passport compare to other European passports?

In 2020, the Spain passport ranked #5 globally, placing it among the strongest European passports. European Union passports generally rank highly due to the freedom of movement within the EU and Schengen Area, combined with extensive bilateral visa waiver agreements with countries worldwide.

2020 Details

Global Rank
#5
Mobility Score
170
Visa-Free Countries
118
Visa on Arrival
42
eTA Destinations
10
Visa Required
27

Global Context in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the most severe disruption to international travel in modern history. Governments worldwide imposed border closures, quarantine requirements, and flight suspensions. Despite Spain maintaining its formal visa-free agreements, practical travel was severely limited throughout much of the year.

Spain Passport 2026

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