Singapore leads 20th global ranking of most powerful passports of 2026
Singapore has secured the top spot in the 2026 Henley Passport Index for the second year in a row, even though the vast majority of the ten most powerful passports are from European nations. This year’s edition, the 20th in the ranking, reiterates the continued strength of some countries and the changes in global mobility.
Despite European prominence on the list, Singapore remained in the lead, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations around the world. This performance reinforces the Asian country’s position as holder of the most comprehensive travel document.
Three nations shared the second position in the index: Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Each of these passports allows visa-free entry to 188 destinations, slightly below leader Singapore.
More on this story: Japan drastically increases visa costs after almost five decades and tourism is on the rise
The Henley Index, prepared by citizenship by investment consultancy Henley & Partners, uses data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The methodology assesses how many countries passport holders can visit without needing an advance visa.
In third place, with access to 187 countries, Sweden appears. Another 11 European countries — Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and the Netherlands — were just below, guaranteeing access to 186 destinations.
Learn more: Passport ranking 2026: Brazil achieves best historical position while USA loses strength
Completing the group of top five places, five countries tied: Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland. These passports offer their holders the ability to travel to 185 destinations without a visa.
Mobility challenges persist for some European nations
Although 29 European countries are among the top ten in the ranking, some passports on the continent still face significant access limitations. Regional disparity within Europe remains visible.
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Belarusian passport holders, for example, have visa-free access to only 78 countries, placing them in 62nd place globally. Kosovo presents a slightly better situation, with 83 destinations, tied with China in 60th position.
Even with a long way to go to reach the global mobility average, Kosovo has made notable progress in recent years. The country has risen 35 positions in the ranking since 2016, indicating significant progress.
On the same topic: Schengen Area abandons passport stamp for biometric digital registration in 2025
Notable changes to passports in other regions of the world
Outside of Europe, there were important movements in the rankings. The United Arab Emirates stands out as the country that has advanced the most in the last 20 years, rising 60 positions and adding access to a further 153 destinations.
In the year 2025, the UAE was in 10th position. The country’s climb to second place means it has overtaken the United Kingdom, which now occupies sixth place on the list.
The United States remains in 10th position in 2026, with access to 180 countries. This classification has been maintained since last year, when the country recorded its lowest position in the history of the index.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, President of Henley & Partners, stated that on July 24, 2026, “passport privilege plays a decisive role in defining opportunity, security and economic participation.” He noted that despite the average increase in global access, “mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world’s most economically powerful and politically stable nations.”
Henley Passport Index Rankings in 2026
See the list of the main passports for visa-free access, according to the Henley Passport Index for July 2026:
- 1. Singapore– 192 destinations
- =2. Japan– 188 destinations
- =2. South Korea– 188 destinations
- =2. United Arab Emirates– 188 destinations
- =3. Sweden– 187 destinations
- =4. Belgium– 186 destinations
- =4. Denmark– 186 destinations
- =4. Finland– 186 destinations
- =4. France– 186 destinations
- =4. Germany– 186 destinations
- =4. Ireland– 186 destinations
- =4. Italy– 186 destinations
- =4. Luxembourg– 186 destinations
- =4. Netherlands– 186 destinations
- =4. Norway– 186 destinations
- =4. Spain– 186 destinations
- =5. Austria– 185 destinations
- =5. Greece– 185 destinations
- =5. Malta– 185 destinations
- =5. Portugal– 185 destinations
- =5. Switzerland– 185 destinations
