The most powerful passports open doors to over 227 destinations visa-free, giving holders unparalleled global mobility and access.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that airlines will carry over 5.2 billion passengers globally in 2026, highlighting growing demand for international travel.
Whether you’re a business professional, a globetrotter, or a freedom seeker looking to move across borders with ease, the power of your passport can redefine how you live and travel.
What Makes a Passport Powerful?
A passport’s power is measured by its ability to grant visa-free access to the greatest number of countries worldwide. It often reflects the political stability, strong international relations, and even economic clout of the issuing country.
Moreover, it can open doors to business and educational opportunities, and perhaps, the possibility of a better life in another country.
Powerful passports also save money, time and frustrations as visa applications can be expensive, time-consuming, and without guarantee of approval.
Key Benefits of a Powerful Passport
You don’t need to share as much personal or sensitive information with foreign governments.
Visa applications typically require information on your personal identification and finance, travel, employment and sometimes family history, health records, criminal background checks and purpose of visit.
This exposes your personal data and privacy to potential breaches by foreign governments or their third-party contractors due to mishandling of documents.
Below are the top 20 best passports for global travel, along with the 10 worst ones according to Henley Passport Index 2026. The Index is compiled with IATA data.
Top Contenders of the 2026 Most Powerful Passports
Singapore retains its title as the world’s best passport, holding the top spot again this year. Japan, which held second place in 2025, shares the spot with South Korea this year.
Related: Best Passports for Global Travel in 2025
The most surprising gain of any global passport is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), climbing 57 spots over the past 20 years to secure 5th place in the 2026 Index, surpassing both the U.S. and UK. These two countries have seen the steepest year-on-year losses.
China rises 28 spots, granting visa-free access to 77 nationalities, signalling increased openness. Bolivia sees a steep decline, falling 32 spots to 61st.
In their January 13, 2026 news release, Henley & Partners’ cited that the gap between the world’s most and least mobile populations has widened by 168 destinations over 20 years.
It also notes a 28% surge in demand for alternative residence and citizenship options in 2025, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, particularly among US nationals.
The Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in 2026
Note: Access refers access to the number of destinations.
| Rank | Country | Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 192 |
| 2 | Japan, South Korea | 188 |
| 3 | Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland | 186 |
| 4 | Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway | 185 |
| 5 | Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 184 |
| 6 | Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, Poland | 183 |
| 7 | Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom | 182 |
| 8 | Canada, Iceland, Lithuania | 181 |
| 9 | Malaysia | 180 |
| 10 | United States | 179 |
| 11 | Bulgaria, Romania | 178 |
| 12 | Monaco | 177 |
| 13 | Chile | 175 |
| 14 | Cyprus | 174 |
| 15 | Andorra, Hong Kong | 171 |
| 16 | Argentina, Brazil | 169 |
| 17 | San Marino | 168 |
| 18 | Israel | 165 |
| 19 | Barbados, Brunei | 162 |
| 20 | The Bahamas | 158 |
Worst 10 on the Ranking Index
| Rank | Country | Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | 24 |
| 2 | Syria | 26 |
| 3 | Iraq | 29 |
| 4 | Pakistan, Yemen | 31 |
| 5 | Somalia | 33 |
| 6 | Nepal | 35 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 37 |
| 8 | Palestinian Territories, North Korea, Eritrea | 38 |
| 9 | Libya, Sri Lanka | 39 |
| 10 | Iran | 40 |
