The latest edition of the Henley Passport Index has once again highlighted sharp global disparities in travel freedom, with Asian and European nations dominating the rankings while many countries in the developing world continue to face significant mobility restrictions.
WEBDESK | ACT GLOBAL MEDIA | JANUARY 2026
According to the 2026 index, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely in joint second place, each offering access to 188 destinations worldwide.
The rankings, compiled by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measure how freely citizens can travel without prior visa arrangements.
Europe Dominates Upper Rankings
Several European nations continue to perform strongly. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland jointly occupy third place, each with access to 186 destinations. A further group of ten European countries — including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands — share fourth place with access to 185 destinations.
Fifth place is jointly held by Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates, each with visa-free access to 184 destinations.
The UAE has emerged as one of the strongest climbers in the history of the index, having gained access to 149 additional destinations since 2006. Analysts attribute the country’s rise to sustained diplomatic engagement and visa liberalization policies.
Shifts Among Traditional Powerhouses
The United Kingdom and Australia remain in the top ten but have both experienced declines in recent years. The UK now stands at seventh place, while Australia shares the same ranking alongside Latvia and Liechtenstein.
The United States ranks tenth in 2026, with visa-free access to 179 destinations. Although it has returned to the top ten after a brief fall, the US continues to experience a long-term decline in mobility, having dropped six places over the past two decades.
Experts note that both the US and UK have seen notable reductions in travel freedom due to changing diplomatic relationships and shifting global dynamics.
Mobility Gap Widens
At the lower end of the index, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport globally, offering visa-free access to just 24 destinations. Syria and Iraq follow closely behind, ranking 100th and 99th respectively.
The gap between the strongest and weakest passports now stands at 168 destinations, highlighting a widening divide in global mobility.
“Passport strength reflects far more than travel convenience,” said analysts at Henley & Partners. “It signals political stability, international trust, and a country’s ability to engage effectively on the global stage.”
Growing Interest in Dual Citizenship
The report also notes increasing global interest in dual citizenship, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking greater travel freedom and economic security. However, several countries have begun tightening citizenship-by-investment programs, while political debates in nations such as the United States have raised questions about dual nationality rights.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports for 2026
-
Singapore – 192 destinations
-
Japan, South Korea – 188
-
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland – 186
-
Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway – 185
-
Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE – 184
-
Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, Poland – 183
-
Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom – 182
-
Canada, Iceland, Lithuania – 181
-
Malaysia – 180
-
United States – 179
