In today’s connected yet increasingly unpredictable world, a passport is more than just a travel document. It reflects a country’s diplomatic strength, economic stability, and global influence.
As 2026 unfolds, understanding passport power has never been more important, especially for individuals and organizations involved in international relocation, citizenship planning, or cross-border investment.
Every rank and visa-free count in this report names its index and date. Henley figures are the current Henley Passport Index data; VisaGuide figures are its June 2026 ranking; the 2025 comparisons are Henley's own 2025 figures. Movingto's passport index page is a separate compilation of Henley, IATA and VisaGuide data last updated in February 2025, so its numbers are older than the ones in this report.
Whether you're planning a move, evaluating citizenship options, or advising globally mobile clients, this report offers practical insights into what’s changing, what it means, and how to stay ahead in a fast-moving mobility landscape.
2026 Global Passport Landscape: A Multi-Index Perspective
Evaluating the strength of a passport in 2026 requires looking beyond a single list. This year’s Global Passport Index draws on several respected sources, each with its own way of measuring travel freedom.
Among the leading authorities are the Henley Passport Index, the VisaGuide Passport Index, Arton Capital’s Passport Index, and the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index.
Each takes a slightly different approach. Some focus strictly on visa-free access, while others weigh in factors like economic stability, perception, or taxation.
Together, they offer a more rounded picture of which passports are rising, which are slipping, and why.
Top Performing Passports of 2026
In 2026, the concept of passport power goes beyond simple visa access. Multiple indices now evaluate not just where you can go but also how meaningful that access is and what kind of freedom your citizenship affords.
Singapore remains the undisputed leader in mobility, topping both the Henley and the VisaGuide Index. With visa-free access to 193 destinations on the Henley Passport Index, Singaporeans enjoy the world’s widest travel freedom, but the story doesn’t end there.
Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share 2nd place on Henley with 188 destinations each; the UAE joined them in July 2026 after climbing three places since January (Henley, 21 July 2026). Sweden is 3rd with 187, and 11 European passports, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain, share 4th place with 186.
These nations not only offer broad mobility but also rank highly in economic relevance and global reputation, key drivers of the Destination Significance Score (DSS) used by VisaGuide.
But mobility isn't just about travel. The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index adds a broader lens, evaluating taxation, personal freedom, dual citizenship, and perception — factors increasingly relevant for globally mobile individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Under this model, Malta claims the top spot for 2026, with Greece, Ireland and Romania tied for second.
The table below shows the top of the Henley Passport Index today, with each passport's Henley 2025 figure for comparison.
| Henley rank (Oct 2026) | Passport | Visa-free destinations (Oct 2026) | Henley 2025 rank (destinations) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 | 1 (195) |
| 2 | Japan | 188 | 2 (193) |
| 2 | South Korea | 188 | 3 (192) |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates | 188 | 10 (185) |
| 3 | Sweden | 187 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Belgium | 186 | 5 (190) |
| 4 | Denmark | 186 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Finland | 186 | 3 (192) |
| 4 | France | 186 | 3 (192) |
| 4 | Germany | 186 | 3 (192) |
| 4 | Ireland | 186 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Italy | 186 | 3 (192) |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 186 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Netherlands | 186 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Norway | 186 | 4 (191) |
| 4 | Spain | 186 | 3 (192) |
| 5 | Austria | 185 | 4 (191) |
| 5 | Greece | 185 | 6 (189) |
| 5 | Malta | 185 | 7 (188) |
| 5 | Portugal | 185 | 5 (190) |
| 5 | Switzerland | 185 | 5 (190) |
| 6 | Hungary | 184 | 8 (187) |
| 6 | Malaysia | 184 | 12 (183) |
| 6 | Poland | 184 | 7 (188) |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 184 | 5 (190) |
| 7 | Australia | 183 | 6 (189) |
| 7 | Canada | 183 | 7 (188) |
| 7 | Czechia | 183 | 8 (187) |
| 7 | Latvia | 183 | 10 (185) |
| 7 | New Zealand | 183 | 5 (190) |
| 7 | Slovakia | 183 | 11 (184) |
| 7 | Slovenia | 183 | 10 (185) |
| 10 | United States | 180 | 9 (186) |
Significant Climbers and Fallers in 2026
This year’s rankings reflect a shifting geopolitical climate. The United States, once at the top of most passport rankings, has now slipped to tenth place on the Henley Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations.
A decade ago, it regularly held first or second. The UK, which led in 2015, now sits in sixth. Both countries have seen their mobility decline, driven in part by inward-facing policies and shifting international alliances.
Meanwhile, China has made notable progress. In 2015, its passport ranked 94th. Today, it is 62nd, with visa-free access to 83 destinations against 45 in 2015.
The UAE is another major climber: it now shares 2nd place on the Henley Index with 188 destinations. India, on the other hand, ranks 84th, with access to 55 destinations.
The Bottom Tier: Weakest Passports of 2026
At the bottom of the global mobility ladder, several passports continue to face tight restrictions. Afghanistan ranks last on the Henley Index, with visa-free access to just 22 destinations.
Syria and Iraq fare only slightly better, offering access to 25 and 28 destinations, respectively, followed by Pakistan (29) and Yemen (30).
| Henley rank (Oct 2026) | Passport | Visa-free destinations (Oct 2026) | Henley 2025 rank (destinations) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | Afghanistan | 22 | 106 (26) |
| 105 | Syria | 25 | 105 (27) |
| 104 | Iraq | 28 | 104 (31) |
| 103 | Pakistan | 29 | 103 (33) |
| 102 | Yemen | 30 | 103 (33) |
| 101 | Somalia | 32 | 102 (35) |
| 100 | Nepal | 34 | 101 (39) |
| 99 | Bangladesh | 35 | 100 (40) |
| 99 | North Korea | 35 | 99 (41) |
| 98 | Iran | 37 | 96 (44) |
| 98 | Palestinian Territory | 37 | 100 (40) |
| 97 | Eritrea | 38 | 98 (42) |
| 97 | Sri Lanka | 38 | 96 (44) |
| 96 | Libya | 39 | 100 (40) |
| 95 | Ethiopia | 41 | 94 (46) |
| 95 | Lebanon | 41 | 95 (45) |
| 95 | South Sudan | 41 | 96 (44) |
| 95 | Sudan | 41 | 97 (43) |
VisaGuide’s June 2026 ranking echoes this, placing Afghanistan at the bottom with a score of just 8.89, behind Syria, Pakistan, Somalia and Iraq. Several of the lowest-ranked countries are affected by war or political instability.
Methodologies Driving Passport Rankings in 2026
The variations in passport rankings across different indices illustrate the value of understanding their underlying methodologies.
Each index employs a distinct approach to quantify global mobility.
Henley Passport Index Methodology
The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by Henley's own research, and is updated monthly.
Its methodology gives a passport a score of 1 for each destination its holders can enter without a visa, or with a visa on arrival, a visitor's permit or an electronic travel authority (ETA).
Conversely, if a visa is required, or if a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) must be obtained before departure, a score of 0 is assigned. The index compares the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations.
VisaGuide Passport Index Methodology
The VisaGuide Passport Index distinguishes itself by aiming for a unique ranking for every passport, achieved through its proprietary Destination Significance Score (DSS).
The DSS is a composite value assigned to each travel destination, incorporating factors such as the entry policy enforced on the passport, the destination country's GDP, Power Index, Tourism Index, and Human Development Index (HDI).
The calculation of a passport's strength involves multiplying the DSS of each destination by a specific value based on the entry visa requirement:
- Visa-free travel: DSS × 1
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): DSS × 1
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): DSS × 0.8
- Electronic Visa (e-Visa): DSS × 0.3
- Embassy or other government-approved visas: DSS × 0
- Passport-Free Travel: DSS × 1.01
- Banned Entry: DSS × -0.5
This nuanced approach ensures that visa-free access to a high-DSS destination contributes more value to a passport than access to a low-DSS country, providing a more precise measure of global travel freedom.
The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, with data continuously updated by a dedicated research team.
Arton Capital Passport Index Methodology
The Passport Index, invented and powered by Arton Capital, is an interactive, real-time global ranking of passports, updated as new visa waivers and changes are implemented.
Its primary ranking, the Global Passport Power Rank, sorts passports by their Mobility Score (MS), which counts visa-free access, visa on arrival, ETAs and eVisas issued within 3 days.
The index also offers unique alternative systems:
- Individual Passport Power Rank
- Global Passport Landpower Rank (based on the total accessible landmass)
- Welcoming Countries Rank
The methodology considers passports from 193 United Nations member countries and six territories, totalling 199.
Nomad Capitalist Passport Index Methodology
The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index takes a broader view of passport strength, scoring 199 citizenships on five factors:
- Visa-Free Travel: Number of countries accessible without a visa
- Taxation of Citizens: This includes the personal and corporate tax structures, as well as incentives offered to investors.
- Perception: Based on factors like happiness, global reputation, and human development.
- Dual Citizenship: The extent to which a country allows its citizens to hold multiple nationalities
- Personal Freedom: This includes mandatory military service, privacy rights, and press freedom.
This multi-faceted model provides a holistic view of a passport's value, beyond just travel, accounting for lifestyle, tax planning, and international opportunity.
Factors Shaping Passport Strength and Global Mobility in 2026
Visa-free access alone no longer dictates passport power in 2026. A blend of political shifts, economic pressures, and changing workforce behaviours now determines which passports offer true global mobility.
Understanding these underlying forces offers critical insight into how and why rankings shift from year to year.
Geopolitical Dynamics
Geopolitical tensions and new alliances have a direct impact on the global mobility landscape.
Countries undergoing war, diplomatic breakdowns, or leadership overhauls often see swift changes in their international access.
On the flip side, nations forging fresh partnerships or regional agreements tend to expand their mobility footprint.
Some notable developments in 2026 include:
- The UK gained visa-free access to China and Malawi in 2026 and Canada made similar gains, while US passport holders still need a visa for China (Henley, 21 July 2026).
- The UAE added 153 visa-free destinations over 20 years through sustained diplomatic engagement, the largest gain in the index's history (Henley, July 2026).
- The gap between the strongest and weakest passports is widening: Henley put it at 168 destinations in January 2026, against 118 in 2006 (Henley, 13 January 2026).
Economic Influences
Passport strength also tracks economic and political weight. Henley's chairman, Christian H. Kaelin, says mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world's most economically powerful and politically stable nations (Henley, 13 January 2026).
Implications for Global Citizens and Investment Migration
Travel freedom is not the only factor shaping passport strength in 2026. High-net-worth individuals deeply tie their pursuit of global mobility to legal security, capital access, and personal freedom. The most coveted passports today aren’t just gateways to destinations; they’re strategic tools for lifestyle, investment, and protection.
Countries rising in the Global Passport Index tend to offer a strong blend of visa access, economic resilience, and investor-friendly policy. As traditional powers like the US and UK lose momentum, savvy investors are turning to alternatives that offer a more holistic value proposition, from dual citizenship flexibility to attractive tax regimes and quality healthcare systems.
For firms like Movingto, these shifts demand a tailored approach. Success in investment migration now means helping clients find the right balance between global access, compliance ease, and long-term liveability.
Singapore
Visa-free access to 193 destinations, no tax on most capital gains, and unmatched political stability make Singapore a top-tier option for global entrepreneurs and families.
Ireland
Combining EU and UK access with a naturalisation route that generally requires 5 years of reckonable residence out of the last 9, Ireland offers versatility for investors seeking long-term security and reach.
Switzerland
A haven for privacy and financial freedom, Switzerland’s passport combines high perception, liberal dual citizenship laws, and elite healthcare standards.
Portugal
With an EU passport, the IFICI tax regime (which replaced the discontinued NHR program), and a warm lifestyle, Portugal remains a favorite for retirees and remote workers alike.
Greece
Greece has modernized its Golden Visa program, offering access to Europe alongside an improving economy and relaxed pace of life.
Malta
A small island with major passport power, Malta provides EU access, English-speaking infrastructure, and investor-friendly tax structuring.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Fast-rising thanks to visa liberalization, no income tax, and global business connectivity, the UAE is becoming a strategic passport for mobile investors.
The Future Trajectory of Global Mobility
The 2026 Global Passport Index reveals a nuanced and continuously evolving picture of international travel freedom. In this era, passport strength is no longer just a measure of how many borders one can cross without a visa; it reflects the broader status of a nation in terms of diplomacy, economic performance, and quality of life.
The continued rise of Asian passports, such as those of Singapore and Japan, alongside the relative decline of Western powers like the US and UK, marks a rebalancing of global mobility and influence.
As international movement becomes more complex, shaped by cost-of-living pressures, shifting work cultures, and geopolitical disruption, both individuals and institutions must approach global mobility with greater strategy and awareness. Agile planning, supported by data and expert insight, will be key to navigating this landscape.
Ultimately, the trajectory of global mobility is not static; it responds to the forces shaping our world in real time. For those who seek to live, work, or invest across borders, understanding these forces is essential to making empowered decisions that endure well beyond 2026.
Sources
- Henley Passport Index, Global Passport Ranking, Henley & Partners: henleyglobal.com
- Henley Passport Index methodology, Henley & Partners: henleyglobal.com
- "A Growing Passport Divide Reshapes Global Mobility in 2026", Henley & Partners press release, 13 January 2026: henleyglobal.com
- "Passport Power Doubles as Global Peace Declines", Henley & Partners press release, 21 July 2026: henleyglobal.com
- VisaGuide Passport Index 2026 (June 2026 ranking), VisaGuide.World: https://visaguide.world/passport/index/
- About Passport Index (Arton Capital), methodology: passportindex.org
- Nomad Passport Index 2026, Nomad Capitalist (nomadcapitalist.com)
- Gains from sale of property, shares and financial instruments, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore: https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/basics-of-individual-income-tax/what-is-taxable-what-is-not/gains-from-sale-of-property-shares-and-financial-instruments
- Becoming an Irish citizen through naturalisation, Citizens Information (Ireland): https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/irish-citizenship/becoming-an-irish-citizen-through-naturalisation/
- Taxation, UAE government portal (u.ae): https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation
- Judgment in Case C-181/23 Commission v Malta, notice in the Official Journal of the EU (EUR-Lex): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/3238/oj/eng
- Law 5038/2023 art. 100 (Greece, Golden Visa property thresholds): https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/100
- Movingto passport index page (a compilation last updated February 2025): https://movingto.com/passport-index