LONDON (Visas & Travels) — Singapore once again holds the title of the world’s most powerful passport in the latest Henley Passport Index, released January 13, 2026, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations out of 227 tracked worldwide. The ranking, marking two decades since the index’s inception, highlights Asia’s continued dominance at the top while underscoring a stark and growing inequality in global mobility.
Japan and South Korea share second place, each offering access to 188 destinations, reinforcing the region’s leadership in passport strength. A cluster of European nations follows: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland tie for third with 186 destinations, while an unprecedented group of 10 European countries — Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway — share fourth with 185.
Singapore once again holds the title of the world's most powerful passport in the latest Henley Passport Index, released January 13, 2026, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations out of 227… Share on X
The top tier continues to feature strong performers like Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates (tied for fifth with 184), followed by New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and a returning United States in the top 10 with 179 destinations.
At the opposite end, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport, with access to just 24 destinations — creating a staggering 168-destination gap from the top, up dramatically from the 118-destination divide in 2006 when the U.S. led the rankings.
“Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman at Henley & Partners and creator of the index. “Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world’s most economically powerful and politically stable nations.”
The index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Timatic database, reveals notable shifts: The U.S. has re-entered the top 10 after recent fluctuations but has shed destinations year-on-year, while the UAE stands out for its historic rise, adding 149 visa-free destinations since 2006 and climbing 57 places. European dominance persists in the upper ranks, with exceptions highlighting emerging global players.
Broader trends point to geopolitical influences: The U.S. and U.K. have experienced steeper declines over two decades (U.S. down six places, U.K. down four from joint first in 2014), amid discussions of border tightening, data requirements for visa waivers, and proposals like the “Exclusive Citizenship Act.” Meanwhile, China’s increasing openness contrasts with restrictions elsewhere, as countries vie for soft power through mobility policies.
The Henley Global Mobility Report 2026 accompanying the index warns of deepening divides, including EU visa reforms impacting African travelers and U.S. proposals that could reshape transatlantic travel.
These passports represent not just documents, but keys to opportunity in an increasingly connected yet divided world. As IATA forecasts over 5.2 billion air passengers in 2026, the Henley Index serves as a reminder that travel freedom remains profoundly unequal — and increasingly tied to geopolitical stability.
Travel Tip: Check the official Henley Passport Index for personalized comparisons and updates on visa policies.
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