Published on
January 14, 2026
The 2026 passport rankings reveal notable shifts in global mobility, with the US and UK experiencing significant declines as their visa-free access decreases. This reduction is largely due to tightening immigration policies and shifting diplomatic dynamics. Meanwhile, the UAE has seen a remarkable rise, climbing to fifth place, driven by its growing diplomatic influence and progressive visa liberalization policies. Countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and France continue to dominate the rankings, holding strong positions due to their political stability, economic power, and efforts to expand visa-free access. These nations remain leaders in passport strength and global mobility.
European countries continue to perform well, with Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland tied for third place, granting visa-free access to 186 destinations. A group of 10 European countries—Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and Norway—share fourth place, reflecting Europe’s ongoing dominance in global mobility.
Countries like the UAE (5th), New Zealand (6th), Australia (7th), Canada (8th), and Malaysia (9th) also rank highly, showcasing the continued prominence of both European and economically developed nations in the top-tier rankings.
On the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, with holders able to travel to just 24 destinations without a visa. This highlights a widening gap in global mobility, with the disparity between the highest- and lowest-ranked passports growing significantly over the past two decades. In 2006, the difference between the top-ranking US passport and Afghanistan was 118 destinations; by 2026, the gap has expanded to 168 destinations.
This growing inequality in passport strength underscores a broader trend where access to global travel remains concentrated among the world’s most economically stable and politically secure nations. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, emphasized that while global mobility has expanded, the benefits have not been evenly distributed, with passport privilege playing a decisive role in shaping economic opportunities and security.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General, Willie Walsh, also highlighted the evolving nature of global mobility, noting that while more people can now travel, passport strength alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee entry. He pointed out the importance of digital IDs and passports as governments tighten border security.
The US, after briefly dropping out of the top 10 in late 2025, has returned to the list, but its decline remains evident. The country lost seven visa-free destinations, placing it 10th in 2026, down from 4th in 2006. Similarly, the UK has experienced a steady decline, losing eight destinations and falling to 7th, down from 1st place in 2014.
The UAE, however, stands out for its remarkable improvement over the past two decades, adding 149 visa-free destinations and climbing 57 places to reach 5th. This improvement reflects the country’s sustained diplomatic engagement and successful visa liberalization efforts.
Several countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe have also made impressive strides. Albania surged 36 places to rank 43rd, while Ukraine, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia also saw significant gains, demonstrating the growing integration of these nations into regional and global networks.
In contrast, Bolivia is the only country to experience a decline in visa-free access, losing five destinations and falling 32 places to rank 61st in 2026.
Overall, the 2026 passport rankings highlight a world where global mobility continues to evolve, with significant disparities between countries. While many nations retain strong passports, the growing trend of visa liberalization, diplomatic engagement, and political stability remains key to maintaining access to global travel. Technology and regional cooperation will play a critical role in reshaping passport strength and global access moving forward.
