Belgium's new international passport may have illustrations of The Smurfs, but it just missed the top three strongest passports in the world this year.
Belgium finished in fourth place – tied with Switzerland – with Luxembourg, Sweden and Ireland in the top three, according to this year's Nomad Passport Index.
The index takes into account more than visa-free travel, and also looks at other elements, such as taxation, the ability to hold dual nationality and personal freedoms. Based on all these elements, Belgium received a so-called Nomad Passport Score of 114, and "has one of the world’s most respected passports."
Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive year, a Japanese passport has been named the best for travelling, as it grants access to 192 countries. Last place goes to Afghanistan, which provides access to 26 countries.
How is your passport working out for you?
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1. Inflation climbs to 8,31%, reaching 39-year high
Inflation is set to rise from 8,04% to 8,31% in March, outlined the official Belgian statistics service Statbel. This is the highest level of inflation witnessed in Belgium since 1983, when inflation peaked at 8,92%. Read more.
2. Belgium just short of making top 3 in ranking of ‘best passports’
In a new ranking of countries that offer the best passports, Belgium is in tied fourth place with Switzerland, closely missing out on landing among the top three. Read more.
3. Less alcohol, more cannabis: Flemish students’ substance use during Covid
The coronavirus crisis has had a clear impact on Flemish-speaking students’ substance use, as they drank less alcohol but smoked (slightly) more cannabis. Still, most students generally handle alcohol and drugs sensibly. Read more.
4. Russia limits entry for ‘unfriendly’ states, including Belgium
Belgians will no longer be able to enter Russia, according to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement on Monday, as the Kremlin acts to limit access to those living in states declared as ‘unfriendly’. Read more.
5. EU approves Eurostar-Thalys merger
On Tuesday, the European Commission gave the official green light for the acquisition of the French-Belgian Thalys by the French railway company SNCF. Read more.
6. April fools? Brussels might see snow on Thursday and Friday
After a week of extraordinarily warm March weather and a sunny Monday at 19°C, Brussels’ weather is taking a turn in the opposite direction. On Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April, you may indeed see snowflakes falling from the sky. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: The strange Ninglinspo valley
It used to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Ardennes. Not so much any more. During the lockdown, when no one could leave Belgium, thousands of people flocked to this quiet valley. Read more.
