Which passports are strongest in 2026?

The Henley Passport Index counts how many destinations a passport holder can enter without a visa obtained in advance. It covers 199 passports and 227 destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association.

Visa-free entry, a visa on arrival, a visitor's permit or an electronic travel authority each score one point. A visa or e-visa needed before departure scores zero. Passports with equal totals share a rank.

The 20th anniversary edition was released on 21 July 2026. Singapore led with 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the UAE tied for second with 188. Afghanistan ranked last with 22.

The UAE is the big mover. In the January 2026 edition it ranked fifth with 184 destinations. By July it shared second place.

The US passport ranks 10th, and reached 179 destinations in January 2026. In 2006 it ranked first. Henley notes Americans still need a visa to visit China, unlike holders of several other top passports.

Henley updates the index monthly, so ranks can shift between editions. Check the live ranking before you rely on a specific number.

Travel access is not the same as residence rights. A strong passport opens short visits. It does not give you the right to live or work in those countries.