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Like most of us, I really like traveling, and I am not talking about simply going on holidays, that’s easy, but if possible, moving abroad, learning the language and challenging ourselves. I had a chance to do it quite a few times, and each experience taught me a lot and shaped me as a person. I remember so well that, when I was studying in Croatia, I had to regularly “check-in” at the Police Station as a foreign student. Yes, it was necessary, however it felt uncomfortable and at times, intimidating.

Although many of us might be a bit short of money in January, some of us have already started thinking and planning our 2026 trips abroad. Around Christmas, I came across an interesting statistic, which is the Passport Index, which refers to two primary global ranking systems that assess the travel freedom of citizens based on visa-free access. It helps to determine the resident’s level of global mobility, which was so limiting during communism in Poland, opportunity for economic development and personal safety.

The Passport Index looks at a number of other factors, including countries diplomatic relations, international relations and trust. For many, passports are seen as a strategic asset, which might provide an option in case of political or economic stability at home.

Only a week or so ago, I read that Poland ranks very highly, typically joint 6th or 7th globally, with its passport offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 185 destinations, similar to countries like Australia, Malta, and New Zealand. In Poland’s case, our high position was boosted by the EU and Schengen Area membership, which is allowing Polish nationals free movement in Europe, who also have access to 185 countries visa-free/visa-on-arrival.

What I found incredibly interesting is that the UK, although its power still offers entry to many countries, Britain’s passport’s global index has dropped significantly since Brexit, falling from top spot in 2015 to 8th place at the end of 2025.

As traveling, and in particular, the aviation industry are becoming more affordable, I am really pleased that Poland is continuing to make good progress, which is also recognised in relation to the Passport Index. The country of my origin has gone through a seismic democratic transformation in the 1990’s. The collapse of the Iron Curtain, and especially since Poland joined the EU, Poles re-gained ability to travel freely. I hope that our growth and development, not without challenges and difficulties, will continue to inspire other European nations.

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.