These Are the Most Powerful Passports in the World for 2026-and the Least

"Singapore was ranked as having the most powerful passport in the world for 2026, earning the top spot for the third year in a row. The Southeast Asian country's passport provides visa-free access to 192 destinations, according to the latest iteration of the Henley Passport Index. Singapore's influence has steadily risen since it was only ranked 11th globally in 2010. The countries of Japan and South Korea tied for second place on the list with passport holders from each enjoying visa-free access to 188 different countries."

""Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly," Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the chairman of Henley & Partners, said in a statement. "Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world's most economically powerful and politically stable nations.""

Singapore ranked as having the world's most powerful passport for 2026, securing the top position for a third consecutive year with visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea tied for second with access to 188 countries, while Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland tied for third with access to 186 destinations. The United States fell to 10th place with visa-free access to 179 countries after previously ranking as high as first. Travel restrictions, reciprocal bans, and suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries influenced shifting mobility. Mobility advantages remain concentrated among economically powerful and politically stable nations.

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