Such rankings of passports by their ability to garner visa-free travel are examples of how jurisdictions are analysed by advisors to affluent, globally mobile individuals.

Passports issued by the United Arab Emirates, the fast-growing Gulf nation, come top in an international ranking for those with most visa-free travel power, ahead of Spain in second place, and a clutch of European nations, such as Switzerland, in joint third. 

The Passport Power Rank issued by Arton Capital, an advisor on citizenship/residency-by-investment programmes, shows that European countries are heavily represented. Some 19 of the top 20 most powerful countries are found in Europe. 

At joint third place are Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Greece, and Ireland. In joint fourth slot are Sweden, Poland, and Hungray. In fifth spots are Czech Republic, South Korea, Estonia, Croatia and Slovakia. In joint sixth place are Japan, Slovenia, Latvia, New Zealand and Liechtenstein. In joint sixth place are Japan, Slovenia, Latvia, New Zealand and Liechtenstein.

The UK, Malta, Canada, Singapore, Lithuania, Roumania, Bulgaria, and Australia are joint seventh. For the eight spot are the US and Iceland; in ninth, Cyprus, and in 10th, Monaco and Malaysia. 

For the eight spot are the US and Iceland; in ninth, Cyprus, and in 10th, Monaco and Malaysia. 

The indices are designed to show which jurisdictions have the most attractive passports in terms of low-friction travel freedom, an important quality as countries seek to attract capital and talent. Data varies on which passports have the most "clout". In July, figures compiled by Henley & Partners, a firm advising people on such schemes, said Singapore citizens can enter 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain drop to joint-second place, each with visa-free access to 192 destinations. The figures came from the Henley Passport Index.

The Arton Capital report said Kosovo is the standout rising nation this year, gaining 35 points in its mobility score. This rise is thanks to the country joining the Schengen zone at the start of the year. Across the Balkans, Bosnia & Herzegovina gained three points this year, moving them to 94th. Liechtenstein, the tiny European principality and offshore centre, is in sixth position.