"Singapore may be one of the smallest countries in the world-but don't underestimate the power of its signature red passport. In 2026, the island country has once again clinched the title of the world's strongest passport. On Tuesday, January 13, Henley & Partners released its annual 2026 Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 of the world's passports by the number of countries they allow their holders to travel to visa-free. The residency and citizenship consultancy firm used its internal research and official proprietary data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to create the power list."
"This year, Asian countries have dominated the top of the ranks. Like in 2025, the Singaporean passport continues to defend its first-place record, unlocking access to 192 visa-free destinations. Japan similarly retained second place-although now joined by South Korea (which was ranked third in 2025)-with the ability to travel to 188 nations visa-free. From there, five European passports share the title of the third-most powerful with visa-free access to 186 nations: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland."
"The United Arab Emirates broke the European block, tying in fifth-place (alongside Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, and Slovenia) with options to visit 184 countries without a visa. Over recent years, the UAE has seen a particularly dramatic accession on the list with the addition of 149 visa-free destinations since 2006. Last year, it ranked 10th. The United States slipped down one rung to 10th place (with 179 destinations) from its ninth-place ranking in 2025 (with 186 destinations)."
Henley & Partners' 2026 Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports by the number of countries allowing visa-free travel, using internal research and IATA data. Singapore tops the list with visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea hold second with access to 188 nations. Five European countries tie for third with 186 destinations. Ten European nations occupy fourth with 185 destinations. The United Arab Emirates tied for fifth with 184, having added 149 visa-free destinations since 2006. The United States fell to 10th with 179 destinations, while the United Kingdom ranked seventh with 182.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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