Traveling Across Global Divides: Freedom or Barriers to Move?

ABSTRACT Citizenship plays a crucial role in shaping migrants' travel freedom. Although those from the Global North typically enjoy easier travel experiences, individuals from the Global South often encounter significant barriers. These include long waits at consulates for visas and potentially stressful interrogations at borders or airports. This article explores how the power of a passport varies based on the issuing country and its impact on both the geographic and professional mobility of passport holders. It also examines the reasons behind visa restrictions in some countries and visa‐free travel allowances in others. Through interviews with 45 frequent travelers—both for professional purposes and tourism—the study highlights how visa regulations can redirect travelers to alternative destinations even when policies remain unchanged. The findings have important policy implications for both source and host countries.