The Henley Passport Index, organised by a consulting firm that describes itself as "the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment," releases the list based on global travel freedoms using data from the International Air Transport Association.

New Zealand is tied with several other nations in fifth place, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal and Belgium.

The ranking is the highest for New Zealand since 2015.

It peaked at No.4 in 2014 but dipped as low as 8th in 2018 and 2019.

Holders of NZ passports can get visa-free access to 190 out of 227 destinations worldwide, according to the index.

Singapore tops the list for the second year in the row. It has been first or second on the list for the last eight years.

At the tail end of the list are countries including Yemen, Iran and Syria, with Afghanistan at the bottom ranked 106th, with only 26 countries allowing visa-free access.

It come as changes to UK immigration rules mean New Zealanders travelling to or through the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country from this week on.

They cost £10 – just over NZ$22 to apply for, are valid for two years, allowing multiple journeys for stays of up to six months at a time, and are required by all travellers except British and Irish citizens.

The British High Commission said it would take only a few minutes to apply through the app.

Deputy British High Commissioner, John Pearson, said it would enable a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the New Zealanders.

"This change is on the back of a worldwide expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisations which demonstrate the UK's commitment to enhancing security through new technology and creating a modern immigration system."