The latest Henley Passport Index 2026, the authoritative global ranking of passport strength based on visa-free travel, has unveiled the world’s most powerful travel documents, highlighting significant mobility advantages for citizens of several nations.
According to the January 2026 report, Singapore has retained its position at the top of the global rankings. Holders of the Singaporean passport can travel visa-free to 192 destinations worldwide, making it the most powerful passport in the world for a further year.
Following Singapore, Japan and South Korea share second place, each granting access to 188 destinations without a prior visa. A cadre of European countries — including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland — also rank among the top passports, offering their citizens broad mobility with visa-free access to most of the globe.
In the expanded list of high-ranking passports, an unprecedented group of 10 European nations — such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway — sit near the top, further underscoring Europe’s strong presence in global mobility rankings.
The United Arab Emirates has also risen significantly over the past two decades, climbing the rankings thanks to sustained diplomatic engagement and expanded visa-free arrangements; it now sits among the leading passports with extensive travel freedom. Meanwhile, the United States has returned to the top ten despite losing visa-free access to several destinations, reflecting fluctuations in mobility trends.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, countries with limited diplomatic reach or complex security environments remain at the bottom of the index, with citizens facing significant visa requirements for international travel.
Passport strength continues to be a key measure of global mobility, reflecting diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and the ease with which citizens can travel for business, tourism, or education.