Sustainable Passport Index 2024

The Visas for Future Sustainable Passport Index 2024 Index (SPI) ranks 180 passports based on the environmental policies of that country. It is in response to the passport index, which ranks passports based upon visa free access. While the passport indexes allows people to feel proud on a superficial level, the sustainable passport index highlights environmental leaders, who can be proud on a wholesome level. The SPI enables travellers to understand their country’s environmental impact. While a country’s GDP per capita correlates with it SPI ranking, there are many countries who perform much better than than their country’s wealth suggests, showing that environmental friendliness is not only a thing for rich countries. We hope that by ranking passports based upon environmental criteria, that more attention can be brought to the environment.

Visas for Future is the sustainable travel agency, enabling travellers to be climate active with every trip. We plant a tree for every travel document sold. “The average international flight requires about 10 trees to offset,” says CEO Constantine La, “by planting a tree when you get your visa, it goes a little bit towards being climate neutral, but we need much more to reach this goal.”

Top 10 Most Sustainable Passports

#1 Estonia

Estonia leads the SPI due to its strong performance in sustainable forest management and low levels of pollution. Estonia has made significant investments in renewable energy, resulting in a decrease in carbon emissions. Additionally, Estonia’s effective waste management practices and policies aimed at preserving biodiversity contribute to its high environmental performance.

#2 Luxembourg

Luxembourg excels in environmental performance, ranking second overall due to its robust air quality, comprehensive waste management, and significant efforts in preserving biodiversity. Luxembourg’s environmental policy has implemented strict regulations on industrial emissions and has invested heavily in renewable energy sources. Luxembourg’s policies promoting sustainable agriculture and forest conservation further enhance its environmental standing.

#3 Germany

Germany ranks third in environmental sustainability, attributed to its strong focus on renewable energy and efficient waste management. This passport stands for rigorous standards for air and water quality, and it actively works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Germany’s commitment to protecting natural habitats and biodiversity is evident through its extensive network of protected areas and conservation programs.

#4 Finland

Finland holds a high position in the index, ranking fourth due to its exemplary forest management, clean air, and effective waste treatment systems. This passport’s substantial use of renewable energy sources and low carbon footprint are key factors. Finland’s policies also emphasize the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to its overall environmental health.

#5 United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s high ranking at fifth place is due to its comprehensive environmental policies, particularly in air quality and waste management. The UK has made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions through the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The UK’s strong legal framework for protecting natural habitats and wildlife supports its commitment to biodiversity conservation.

#6 Sweden

Sweden, ranked sixth, is renowned for its environmental consciousness, with a focus on renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and efficient waste management. This passport has low levels of air and water pollution, and it actively promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Sweden’s efforts in biodiversity protection and habitat conservation are also notable, contributing to its high environmental performance.

#7 Norway

Norway excels in environmental sustainability, ranking seventh through its substantial use of renewable energy, particularly hydropower, and its effective waste management systems. The country has low pollution levels and strong policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Norway’s commitment to preserving natural habitats and marine ecosystems further enhances its environmental standing. Norwegian passport holders should be proud of their country’s ranking.

#8 Austria

Austria ranks eighth in environmental performance due to its excellent air and water quality, sustainable forest management, and efficient waste treatment systems. The country has implemented significant measures to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. Austria’s robust policies for protecting biodiversity and natural landscapes contribute to its strong environmental performance. This passport is very environmentally friendly.

#9 Switzerland

Switzerland ranks ninth due to its exceptional waste management, clean air, and effective use of renewable energy. The country’s passport has stringent regulations on pollution and actively promotes energy efficiency. Switzerland’s extensive network of protected areas and commitment to preserving biodiversity further support its top environmental performance.

#10 Denmark

Denmark’s environmental success is driven by its leadership in renewable energy, particularly wind power, and its strong waste management practices. The country has low levels of air and water pollution and has made significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Denmark’s policies also emphasize biodiversity conservation and the protection of natural habitats, contributing to its high environmental ranking; this has lead it to the coveted 10th slot in the SPI.

Top 10 Least Sustainable Passports

#1 Vietnam

Vietnam tops the list as the least environmentally friendly passport due to its severe air pollution, high deforestation rates, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to significant environmental degradation, including elevated carbon emissions and inadequate waste management. Furthermore, the country’s insufficient efforts to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems contribute to its poor environmental performance.

#2 Pakistan

Pakistan’s position as the second least sustainable passport is attributed to critical issues with air quality, marked by high levels of particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions. The heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, exacerbates air pollution. Deforestation and land degradation further compound the environmental challenges. Additionally, Pakistan struggles with inadequate waste management and water pollution, negatively impacting public health and biodiversity.

#3 Laos

Laos ranks third due to significant environmental challenges, primarily stemming from deforestation and habitat destruction. Agricultural expansion and hydropower projects have led to substantial biodiversity loss. Air and water pollution, driven by industrial activities and poor waste management, are also major concerns, collectively resulting in a low environmental performance index.

#4 Myanmar

Myanmar is the fourth least environmentally friendly country, with its performance hindered by extensive deforestation and land degradation driven by agricultural expansion and logging. Severe air and water pollution due to inadequate industrial regulation further impact the environment. Insufficient efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management contribute to Myanmar’s poor ranking.

#5 India

India ranks fifth, primarily due to severe air pollution from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop burning. This passport faces additional challenges in water quality and waste management, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrialization. Significant environmental and public health concerns, coupled with deforestation and biodiversity loss, contribute to India’s poor performance.

#6 Bangladesh

Bangladesh ranks sixth due to severe air and water pollution caused by industrial emissions, waste mismanagement, and agricultural runoff. The country faces significant challenges in managing water resources, leading to frequent flooding and waterborne diseases. Deforestation and habitat loss further degrade Bangladesh’s environmental health, affecting biodiversity and human populations.

#7 Eritrea

Eritrea holds the seventh position for environmental challenges, primarily driven by deforestation, land degradation, and poor water management. The arid climate exacerbates these issues, leading to frequent droughts and reduced agricultural productivity. Significant air pollution from industrial activities and inadequate waste management contribute to Eritrea’s low sustainable passport index ranking.

#8 Madagascar

Madagascar is the eighth least environmentally friendly country due to extensive deforestation from agricultural expansion and illegal logging, resulting in significant biodiversity loss. The island faces challenges in water quality and waste management, compounded by poverty and lack of infrastructure, further degrading its environmental health.

#9 Iraq

Iraq’s environmental performance, ranking ninth, is negatively impacted by severe air pollution from industrial activities and fossil fuel dependence. Water quality and management issues lead to frequent shortages and contamination. Years of conflict have resulted in environmental degradation and insufficient infrastructure for waste management, contributing to Iraq’s poor ranking.

#10 Afghanistan

Afghanistan rounds out the list at tenth due to environmental challenges driven by deforestation, land degradation, and water scarcity. The arid climate and frequent droughts exacerbate these issues, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food security. Severe air pollution from industrial activities and inadequate waste management further impact Afghanistan’s environmental health.

What is a Sustainable Passport? 

Our study evaluates sustainability through three major areas, each with subcategories:

• Climate change policies: This area, accounting for 30% of the score, assesses how effectively a country mitigates climate change.
• Environmental health: This measures air and water quality, waste management, and heavy metal exposure.
• Ecosystem vitality: This focuses on biodiversity, forestry, fisheries, air pollution, agriculture, and water resources.

These factors collectively determine a country’s overall sustainability.

Results

Passport	Rank	Score
Estonia	1	75.3
Luxembourg	2	75
Germany	3	74.6
Finland	4	73.7
United Kingdom	5	72.7
Sweden	6	70.5
Norway	7	70
Austria	8	69
Switzerland	9	68
Denmark	10	67.9
Greece	11	67.4
Netherlands	12	67.2
France	13	67.1
Belgium	14	66.7
Malta	15	66.6
Ireland	16	65.7
Czech Republic	17	65.6
Slovakia	18	65
Poland	19	64.4
Iceland	20	64.3
Spain	21	64.2
Lithuania	22	63.9
Australia	23	63
Croatia	24	62.6
Slovenia	25	62.5
Portugal	26	62.2
Japan	27	61.7
Canada	28	61.1
Italy	29	60.5
Hungary	30	60.1
Latvia	31	59.9
Belarus	32	58.1
New Zealand	33	57.7
United States of America	34	57.3
Romania	35	57.2
Suriname	36	56.6
Bulgaria	37	56.3
Bahamas	38	56
Antigua and Barbuda	39	55.5
Costa Rica	39	55.5
Ukraine	41	54.6
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	42	54.1
Cyprus	43	54
Singapore	44	53.8
Barbados	45	53.1
Gabon	45	53.1
Venezuela	45	53.1
Brazil	48	53
Panama	49	52.9
Cuba	50	52.3
Albania	51	52.1
Trinidad and Tobago	51	52.1
United Arab Emirates	53	52
Oman	54	51.9
Zimbabwe	55	51.7
Ecuador	56	51.2
Saint Lucia	57	51
South Korea	57	51
Taiwan	59	50.3
Chile	60	50
North Macedonia	60	50
Timor-Leste	62	49.7
Colombia	63	49.4
Serbia	64	49.3
Dominica	65	49.2
Botswana	66	49
Guyana	67	48.6
Brunei Darussalam	68	48.5
Jamaica	68	48.5
Seychelles	70	48.2
Israel	71	48.1
Dominican Republic	72	47.6
Montenegro	72	47.6
Jordan	74	47.5
Kazakhstan	74	47.5
Belize	76	47.4
Nicaragua	76	47.4
Mauritius	78	47.3
Qatar	79	47.2
Georgia	80	46.9
Argentina	81	46.8
Samoa	81	46.8
Peru	83	46.6
Russia	84	46.5
Zambia	85	46.1
Grenada	86	46
Fiji	87	45.8
Tunisia	88	45.7
Bosnia and Herzegovina	89	45.6
Moldova	89	45.6
Thailand	91	45.4
Bolivia	92	44.9
Kuwait	92	44.9
Armenia	94	44.7
Mexico	94	44.7
Vanuatu	96	44.6
Kiribati	97	44.1
Uruguay	98	43.9
Egypt	99	43.8
Namibia	99	43.8
Bhutan	101	43.3
Senegal	101	43.3
Tanzania	103	43.1
South Africa	104	42.9
Uzbekistan	104	42.9
Marshall Islands	106	42.6
Saudi Arabia	106	42.6
Cote d’Ivoire	108	42.5
Kyrgyzstan	109	42.2
Algeria	110	41.9
Solomon Islands	111	41.8
Equatorial Guinea	112	41.6
Guinea-Bissau	112	41.6
Iran	112	41.6
Burkina Faso	115	41.5
El Salvador	115	41.5
Malaysia	117	41.2
Republic of Congo	117	41.2
Turkmenistan	119	40.7
Micronesia	120	40.6
Azerbaijan	121	40.4
Honduras	122	40.2
Tonga	122	40.2
Lebanon	124	40.1
Angola	125	39.7
Morocco	125	39.7
Sierra Leone	125	39.7
Niger	128	39.2
Dem. Rep. Congo	129	39
Paraguay	129	39
Sri Lanka	131	38.7
Mozambique	132	38.6
Sudan	132	38.6
Eswatini	134	38.5
Central African Republic	135	38.3
Cameroon	136	38.1
Maldives	136	38.1
Cabo Verde	138	37.9
Comoros	138	37.9
Turkiye	140	37.6
Nigeria	141	37.5
Benin	142	37.4
Gambia	143	37.1
Mongolia	144	37
Kenya	145	36.9
Ghana	146	36.6
Lesotho	146	36.6
Papua New Guinea	148	36.5
Guinea	149	36.2
Haiti	149	36.2
Bahrain	151	35.9
Sao Tome and Principe	151	35.9
Ethiopia	153	35.8
China	154	35.5
Uganda	155	35.4
Chad	156	35.2
Togo	156	35.2
Malawi	158	34.9
Mauritania	159	34.2
Liberia	160	34.1
Mali	161	33.9
Indonesia	162	33.8
Rwanda	163	33.4
Burundi	164	33
Nepal	165	32.9
Guatemala	166	32.6
Djibouti	167	32.2
Philippines	168	32
Tajikistan	169	31.9
Cambodia	170	31
Afghanistan	171	30.7
Iraq	172	30.4
Madagascar	173	29.9
Eritrea	174	28.6
Bangladesh	175	27.8
India	176	27.6
Myanmar	177	26.9
Laos	178	26.1
Pakistan	179	25.5
Viet Nam	180	24.5

Methodology

The EFI is a rebranded version of Yale’s Environmental Performance Index and used with permission. It was done to make the data more accessible to a naive audience, to promote the findings, and to shed light on environmental policies. Please refer to the original source, which is available at https://epi.yale.edu/, to avoid taking the EPI out of context.

Sources

Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. epi.yale.edu

Copyright

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0