It costs more than a barrel of oil, caused consternation when it first required a photograph 100 years ago, and can still raise eyebrows at the border posts of many former Soviet republics, but the British passport remains one of the most powerful in the world.
Along with Germany, Sweden, Finland and the United States, the UK passport gives holders the freedom to enter more countries more easily than any other, according to the annual visa restrictions index compiled by Henley & Partners, a residence and citizenship consultancy.
In 2010 Britain topped the international rankings by some distance, but other countries have caught up. British passport-holders still need to apply for visas if they wish to visit Russia, China, India or Saudi Arabia.
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