The 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, published on 21 July, ranks Singapore’s passport as the world’s most powerful for the second consecutive time, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, according to the London-based consultancy Henley & Partners. The United Arab Emirates, Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 188 destinations, with the UAE rising three places since the previous ranking in January, as reported by The Vibes citing The Straits Times. Sweden ranks third with 187 destinations, followed by 11 European countries in fourth place with 186 destinations each, including Belgium, France, Germany and Spain.

At the lower end of the index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, ranked 199th with access to only 22 destinations. The mobility gap between Singapore and Afghanistan now stands at a record 170 destinations, up from 118 destinations in 2006, when the index was first launched. The average passport today provides access to 108 destinations without requiring a prior visa, compared with just 58 in 2006, according to Henley & Partners data cited by Gulf News and The Vibes. The United States, which held the world’s strongest passport in 2006 alongside Denmark and Finland, now ranks 10th with access to 180 destinations.

Henley & Partners chairman Christian H. Kaelin said passport power represents more than travel convenience, reflecting a country’s broader international standing. “The world’s strongest passports belong to nations that other countries want as partners – for trade, investment, security or cooperation,” he said, as quoted by The Vibes. The analysis found a strong correlation between passport strength and national stability, with peaceful countries such as Singapore, Japan and Switzerland ranking highly on both the Henley Passport Index and the Global Peace Index, according to a statement from Henley & Partners reported by the Jerusalem Post. However, some countries, including Israel and the United States, have passport rankings significantly higher than their peace scores would suggest, with Israel reaching its highest-ever position of 18th despite ranking 159th on the Global Peace Index, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The Henley Passport Index, now in its 20th year, relies on official travel data maintained by the International Air Transport Association. Regional variations are notable: Indian passport holders have access to 55 destinations, ranking 81st, down from 71st in 2006, as reported by Gulf News. Nigerian passport holders can travel to 44 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival, according to the Nigerian Tribune. Algerian passport holders also rank 81st with 55 destinations, while Indonesian passport holders have 42 visa-free countries, based on Passport Index data cited by CNN Indonesia.