Not all passports are created equally. Due to particular relationships around the world, some passports open more travel barriers than others. They also offer their holders more benefits, giving travelers peace of mind that their governments will assist them adequately in the case of an emergency. Here are five passports that take some of the stress and hassle out of traveling.

Iceland

Best Passports to Travel and Explore the World With

Iceland is a small island country in the North Atlantic, but its passport is a heavy-hitter on the global scene. Its holders can visit 180 countries either without a visa or by getting one upon arrival. It is considered by many organizations to be the best citizenship in the world as it allows the Icelanders same-sex marriage, gives new fathers 12 weeks of paid parental leave and offers women countless rights.

Ireland

Best Passports to Travel and Explore the World With

Close in second place is another European island country, Ireland. Irish citizens have a higher mobility score than their Icelandic counterparts. They can freely travel to 185 countries. Furthermore, Ireland is renowned for its excellent judicial system, as well as transgender rights and choices. Finally, Irish mothers benefit from 42 weeks of maternity leave, which should give them enough time to raise their babies and still manage to get a short vacation to recuperate from pregnancy.

Japan

Best Passports to Travel and Explore the World With

In terms of mobility, no passport in the world can rival Japan. Japanese citizens can travel to 191 countries, which is 165 more destinations than the weakest passport on Earth, that of Afghanistan (only 26 visa-free/visa-on-arrival options). No wonder the Japanese are among the most frequent and popular tourists on the planet.

Finland

Many would say that being a Finnish citizen is even better than having a Japanese passport. Finns can travel to 188 countries, which are only three destinations fewer than what Japan offers, but they enjoy numerous social benefits.

Best Passports to Travel and Explore the World With

Norway

You can see by now that Scandinavian countries offer their citizens strong passports that allow them to travel freely and enjoy a less stressful way of life. Norwegians don’t need a visa to go to 184 countries.

Best Passports to Travel and Explore the World With

As you can see, not all passports are made equal, and not all people have the same rights, so in case you are considering dual citizenship, ensure you make the right choice.