Methodology & data sources

Updated 2026-07-16

Where the data comes from

Visa requirements (visa-free / visa on arrival / eTA / e-visa / visa required, with stay days) derive from the open Passport Index dataset — a 199×199 matrix of entry rules, refreshed monthly with a diff review before publishing.

Visa unlock rules (32 rules) are our own research: each rule is hand-verified against an official government source (immigration ministries, official e-visa portals, consular guidance) and carries that source plus a “last verified” date on its page.

Country reference facts (currency, languages, capitals) come from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL). Flight prices are cached averages from the Aviasales Data API, refreshed weekly; we show them as indicative, never as guaranteed fares.

Scoring

A passport’s “open destinations” score counts destinations reachable without arranging a visa in advance: visa-free + visa on arrival + eTA, out of 198. e-Visa destinations are counted separately, since they require an online application before travel. This matches the approach of major travel-freedom indices.

Freshness & confidence

Every page shows its “Updated” date. The visa matrix is a snapshot: entry rules change, so always confirm with the official source linked on the page (or your airline) before booking. Unlock rules carry explicit conditions (validity, multiple-entry, “used at least once”) — the fine print that actually matters.

Corrections

Spotted an error? Email hello@visaunlocks.com — corrections ship within days and the page’s “Updated” date reflects it.