The 2026 Henley Passport Index shows Singapore retaining its top rank, offering access to 192 destinations. Asian nations like Japan and South Korea also rank highly.India's passport has improved, climbing to the 80th position.
The newly released Henley Passport Index 2026 -- a widely recognised global measure of passport strength shows significant mobility shifts around the world, with Asian nations dominating the top positions and India making modest progress in international access.
According to the annual index, which ranks 199 passports against 227 destinations based on visa-free travel access, Singapore retains its crown as the world’s most powerful passport for the third consecutive year.
Meanwhile, the Indian passport has climbed to 80th position, marking a notable improvement in 2026. Indian citizens now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries, signalling gradual progress in international mobility. While India still trails far behind the world’s most powerful passports, the upward movement reflects expanding diplomatic engagement and incremental easing of travel barriers for Indian travellers.
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For Indian travellers, the latest ranking offers a mixed picture of progress and lingering limitations. The Indian passport climbed five places to 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in 2025, and now provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide. India now shares the 80th spot with countries such as Niger and Algeria.
The rise in ranking reflects India’s expanding diplomatic and travel agreements, but passport holders still face restrictions in many parts of the world compared with holders of top-ranked passports. Visa requirements remain a hurdle for Indians seeking spontaneous global travel without prior documentation.
Top Five Strongest Passports in the World (2026)
Rank 1:
Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. Its top ranking reflects strong diplomatic ties, global trust, and exceptional international mobility for its citizens.
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Rank 2:
Japan: Japan’s passport grants access to 188 destinations without a prior visa, placing it among the strongest globally. The ranking underscores Japan’s stable international relations and its long-standing reputation for secure travel documentation.
South Korea: South Korea shares second place with Japan, also allowing entry to 188 destinations visa-free. Its high ranking highlights the country’s growing global influence and strong bilateral agreements across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Rank 3:
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland – All ranked #3 with 186 destinations.
Passports from Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are tied at third place, each offering access to 186 destinations. These countries benefit from European Union mobility privileges, strong governance, and extensive global visa agreements.
Rank 4:
Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands & Norway – All tied at #4 with 185 destinations.
Countries including Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Ireland, and Norway rank fourth with access to 185 destinations. Their passports remain highly valued due to economic strength, diplomatic reach, and EU-wide travel freedom.
Rank 5:
Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic – All tied at #5 with 184 destinations.
These passports reflect strong global standing, stable governance, and extensive travel agreements across continents, keeping them among the world’s most valuable travel documents.
Other passports completing the top five group include Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), each offering access to 184 countries without prior visa requirements.
The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updated regularly to reflect changes in visa policies and international mobility trends.
The rankings capture diplomatic negotiations, bilateral visa agreements, and the evolving landscape of global mobility — where ease of travel becomes a marker of international relations and soft power.
India’s improved ranking is a welcome development for frequent flyers and business travellers, opening up greater access across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and select destinations in Oceania and the Middle East. Popular visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders include Thailand, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Fiji, and Barbados, while visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) access applies to countries like Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Jordan, and Kenya.
Despite the climb, India still trails well behind global leaders, and there remains work to expand reciprocal travel arrangements that can make short-term global travel easier and more spontaneous for its citizens. Persistent gaps highlight the ongoing need for diplomatic engagement and international cooperation to enhance global mobility.
