ISLAMABAD: International passport rankings for 2026 show interesting movement at the top, with Singapore retaining the world’s most powerful passport. The Henley Passport Index 2026 revealed the latest rankings for 2026.
The city-state grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, reinforcing its long-standing leadership. Japan and South Korea share second place, each offering access to 188 destinations.
Meanwhile, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland rank third with 186 destinations. Close behind, ten European countries—Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Norway—tie for fourth place, highlighting Europe’s continued dominance among elite travel documents.
Outside Europe, several countries hold strong positions. The United Arab Emirates ranks fifth, followed by New Zealand in sixth and Australia in seventh. Canada places eighth, while Malaysia secures ninth, demonstrating Asia-Pacific’s sustained competitiveness.
As a result, the upper tier continues to concentrate mobility advantages among economically strong and politically stable nations.
Afghanistan remains last as inequality deepens
At the opposite end, Afghanistan again ranks last, with passport holders able to travel visa-free to only 24 destinations. Consequently, the gap between the top and bottom now stands at 168 destinations, widening sharply from 2006.
Henley & Partners chairman Christian H. Kaelin said passport privilege shapes opportunity, security and economic participation. Similarly, IATA director general Willie Walsh urged governments to balance border security with convenience by embracing digital ID and digital passports.
The United States returned to the top 10 in 2026; however, both the US and the UK recorded steep annual losses in access.
Importantly, in two decades, the United States fell to 10th position, from fourth. The UK slipped to 7th ranking, from third, showing a longer-term decline.
