Each year, passports from around the world are ranked based on how much power they wield.
And Australia's just got more powerful.
The International Citizens Advice firm, Henley Partners, unveiled the list for 2023, and there's been a big shake-up in the number-one spot.
The Henley Passport Index tracks how many places people with those passports can access without a visa.
The total list also includes countries where passport holders must obtain a visa upon arrival, a visitor's permit or an electronic travel authority.
Henley Partners based its ranking out of 227 locations, which encompasses countries as well as regions that aren't officially classified as countries, such as Taiwan.
It does have 199 passports, but it's only 199 passports.
The index is compiled by the firm using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.
Which country has the most powerful passport in the world?
Japan, which had been the top player in the world for five years, is now owned by the United States.
Singapore has now dethroned it, with passport holders having visa-free access to 192 countries.
The last time the South-East Asian city-state held the top rank was in 2021, before it fell to Japan the following year.
Germany, Italy and Spain tied for second place, each having access to 190 destinations.
The number three with 189 destinations, including France, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Luxembourg, and South Korea, topped the list.
The United States, which ranked first in 2014, dropped to eighth, its lowest position since late 2014, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Australia has climbed up to sixth in the world rankings from 8th to 6th.
Its passport holders can travel to 186 destinations without a visa or where they're able to obtain a visa, visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authority ETA upon arrival.
Since the index was created in 2006, the lowest Australia's ranking has fallen to 9th in 2019, 2010 and 2006, the lowest since the index was created.
Australia's best ranking has been 6th in 2015, 2013 and 2012, making it the top score in 2015 and 2013 in the world.
With a visa-free access score of just 27, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index.
It's followed by Iraq at 29, and Syria at 30, the three weakest passports in the world.
If a citizen in these countries wants to avoid encountering blocks or paperwork, they have fewer travel options.
Henley Partners operates in four categories, including visa-free travel, visa-free travel, visas on arrival, electronic travel authority and visa required.
Tap each of the cards to see which destinations fall into those categories.
Visa information, placenames, and country categories have been replicated as they were listed in Henley Partners data.
In February this year, the Australian Passport Office launched its new R Series passport, a new passport for passengers with dual passports.
The transition to the R Series is necessary now to ensure Australia's identity security to the highest possible standards, the DFAT said in a statement.
DFAT also said the transition has been planned since 2015.
To prevent document fraud, we must regularly upgrade the Australian passports' security features. Since 2014, Australia's previous P Series passport has been in use.
The DFAT says it will keep your current passport a highly secure travel document until it expires.
While some airlines and governments require passengers to carry passports with at least six months' validity beyond their planned stay, it is important to keep in mind that some governments require passengers to carry passports with at least six months' validity.
Be sure to check the entry requirements for the country you plan to visit before you travel.
How long does it take for passports to be issued?
Beware of potential delays if you're applying for a new passport this year.
If you apply in Australia or abroad, you should allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport, according to the DFAT.
In August 2022, about 40,000 Australians had not received their passports after six weeks.
DFAT blamed the delays on an unprecedented demand of 1.8 million Australians who chose not to renew their passports while international borders were closed.
But the government said it would not increase wait times for the introduction of the new R Series passport.