- Singapore tops 2026 Henley Passport Index with access to 192 destinations
- Japan and South Korea share second place with visa-free access to 188 countries
- Five European countries rank third, each with access to 186 destinations
If you love spontaneous getaways or hassle-free business trips, your passport could be the ultimate travel tool. The Henley Passport Index, the world's longest-standing passport ranking, has revealed its 2026 list, offering a clear picture of which nationalities enjoy the greatest global mobility. Using airline and border-control data, the index measures how many destinations a country's citizens can enter without a prior visa.
What Makes A Passport Powerful/Strong
A passport's strength is determined by how many destinations holders can access without securing a visa beforehand - whether visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or via electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The higher the global mobility score, the more powerful the passport.
Why It Matters For Travellers
Visa-free access matters more than ever for travellers. It eliminates embassy visits, paperwork and processing fees, making last-minute holidays and short-haul escapes far simpler. A strong passport means fewer barriers and more freedom to explore. It also opens doors for professionals who need swift cross-border travel.
The Henley Passport Index highlights nations offering the most seamless international travel experiences.
Here Are The Top 22 Countries With The Strongest Passports In 2026:
Rank 1: Singapore (192 Destinations)
For the third consecutive year, Singapore leads with access to 192 out of 227 destinations. The city-state's passport power stems from robust diplomatic agreements and mutual visa waivers. Notably, Singapore lost access to Pakistan, Mauritania, Somalia and Bolivia over the past year but gained entry to Papua New Guinea. It remains a key global financial hub, trusted for stability and governance.
Rank 2: Japan & South Korea (188 Destinations)
Japan and South Korea share second place, both offering visa-free travel to 188 countries. Their passports reflect long-standing diplomatic relations and strong bilateral agreements. Those holding these passports enjoy smooth border procedures across continents - an invaluable advantage for business travellers, students, and tourists alike.
Rank 3: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland (186 Destinations)
Switzerland
A bloc of five European countries - Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland - occupies third place, each granting access to 186 destinations. These countries benefit from strong governance, economic stability, and membership in key visa-waiver agreements.
Rank 4: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands & Norway (185 Destinations)
France
In joint fourth place are nine nations - Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway - each of which enables visa-free access to 185 destinations. Belonging to this bloc provides shared border-control policies and travel facilitation across Europe. Their combined diplomatic weight and economic integration ensure sustained passport strength.
Rank 5: Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia & UAE (184 Destinations)
UAE
Ranked fifth on the Henley Passport Index are Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates, each of which allows visa-free entry to 184 countries. The European members benefit from Schengen privileges. The UAE stands out as a remarkable success story. Since 2006, it has added 149 visa-free destinations and climbed 57 places, now surpassing many Western powers.
For global travellers, passport power is not just a status symbol; it's a gateway to more freedom, flexibility and opportunity worldwide.
