The World’s Most Powerful Passports (2016 vs. 2026)
Key Takeaways
- Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations in 2026.
- The UAE has added 153 visa-free destinations over the past 20 years, one of the largest gains in global mobility.
- Asian passports occupy the top four positions in 2026, led by Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.
A passport’s strength is typically measured by the number of destinations its holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance.
This visualization compares the world’s most powerful passports in 2016 and 2026, showing how the global hierarchy has changed over the past decade.
The data for this visualization comes from the Henley Passport Power Index.
Singapore Takes the Top Spot
Singapore has climbed from 173 visa-free destinations in 2016 to 192 in 2026, making it the world’s most powerful passport.
The rankings for 2026:
| Country / Group | Passport Visa-Free Destinations (2026) | Continent |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 192 | Asia |
| Japan | 188 | Asia |
| South Korea | 188 | Asia |
| United Arab Emirates | 188 | Asia |
| Norway | 186 | Europe |
| Switzerland | 185 | Europe |
| EU Countries* | 184 | Europe |
| United Kingdom | 184 | Europe |
| Malaysia | 183 | Asia |
| Australia | 183 | Oceania |
| Canada | 183 | North America |
| New Zealand | 183 | Oceania |
| Liechtenstein | 181 | Europe |
| Iceland | 180 | Europe |
| United States | 180 | North America |
| Monaco | 177 | Europe |
| Chile | 174 | South America |
| Hong Kong | 174 | Asia |
| Andorra | 170 | Europe |
| Argentina | 169 | South America |
*EU Countries represents the average passport strength of the 27 EU member states, which range from 175 to 187 visa-free destinations.
Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates are tied for second, each with access to 188 destinations.
The results highlight Asia’s growing influence in international mobility. In 2026, Asian passports occupy all four of the highest-ranking positions.
Below is the data from a decade ago, to see how everything has changed:
| Country / Group | Passport Visa-Free Destinations (2016) | Continent |
|---|---|---|
| EU Countries* | 174 | Europe |
| United Kingdom | 175 | Europe |
| United States | 174 | North America |
| Japan | 173 | Asia |
| Singapore | 173 | Asia |
| Canada | 172 | North America |
| Norway | 172 | Europe |
| South Korea | 172 | Asia |
| Switzerland | 172 | Europe |
| New Zealand | 171 | Oceania |
| Australia | 169 | Oceania |
| Iceland | 167 | Europe |
| Liechtenstein | 164 | Europe |
| Malaysia | 164 | Asia |
| Monaco | 160 | Europe |
| San Marino | 156 | Europe |
| Chile | 155 | South America |
| Hong Kong (SAR China) | 154 | Asia |
| Brazil | 153 | South America |
| Andorra | 152 | Europe |
The UAE’s Remarkable Rise
Few countries have improved their passport strength as dramatically as the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE now offers visa-free access to 188 destinations after adding 153 destinations over the past 20 years, according to Henley & Partners.
Its rapid ascent reflects an expanding network of diplomatic agreements, stronger international partnerships, and sustained economic growth.
Europe Remains Strong as Asia Rises
European passports continue to rank among the world’s strongest, even as Asian countries have taken the lead.
Norway and Switzerland rank fifth and sixth, with access to 186 and 185 destinations, respectively. The EU average and the United Kingdom each stand at 184 destinations.
North American passports have gained access to more destinations since 2016 but have slipped in the rankings. Canada now reaches 183 destinations, while the United States reaches 180.
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