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Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, offering visa‑free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in second place with 188 destinations, while a strong cluster of European countries dominates the next tiers.
Every January, the British consultancy Henley & Partners releases one of the most anticipated global mobility rankings: the Henley Passport Index. Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index measures how many destinations passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. In a world where mobility is increasingly tied to opportunity, the ranking offers a snapshot of global inequality, diplomacy, and privilege.
Why Passport Power Matters
For millions of people, the strength of their passport shapes everyday possibilities:
- Business trips that can be arranged on short notice
- Family visits without months of paperwork
- Study abroad programs with fewer administrative hurdles
- Spontaneous travel without visa queues or uncertainty
A powerful passport is more than a travel document—it is a gateway to freedom, flexibility, and global participation.
The Top Passports of 2026
1. Singapore — 192 visa‑free destinations
Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport for the third consecutive year. Its citizens enjoy unparalleled mobility, reflecting the country’s extensive diplomatic ties and global economic influence.
2. Japan & South Korea — 188 destinations
These two Asian powerhouses share second place, continuing their long-standing presence at the top of the index. Their passports open doors across Europe, the Americas, and much of Asia.
3. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland — 186 destinations
A cluster of European nations occupies the third tier, highlighting the continued strength of EU and Schengen-area mobility.
4. Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway — 185 destinations
Austria—of particular interest to readers in Vienna—remains among the world’s most powerful passports, granting access to 185 destinations without a prior visa.
5. Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates — 184 destinations
The UAE stands out as a remarkable success story: it has added 149 visa‑free destinations since 2006, the strongest improvement in the index’s 20‑year history.
A Growing Mobility Divide
Despite record numbers of visa‑free agreements worldwide, the gap between the most and least powerful passports continues to widen. At the bottom of the ranking:
- Afghanistan offers visa‑free access to just 24 destinations.
- Syria, Iraq, and Yemen remain among the most restricted passports globally.
The contrast between Singapore (192 destinations) and Afghanistan (24 destinations) illustrates a staggering 168‑destination gap—a reminder that global mobility remains deeply unequal.
Austria’s Position in 2026
For Austrian citizens, the news is reassuring: the Austrian passport remains one of the world’s strongest, enabling travel to 185 destinations without a visa. This high ranking continues to support Austria’s globally connected economy, its large diaspora communities, and its strong tradition of international exchange.
What the 2026 Ranking Reveals
The 2026 Henley Passport Index paints a picture of:
- Asia’s continued rise in global mobility
- Europe’s stable dominance in the top tiers
- Widening disparities between high‑ and low‑mobility nations
- Diplomacy as a driver of freedom, with countries like the UAE rapidly climbing the ranks
In an era defined by global interdependence, the power of a passport remains one of the clearest indicators of a nation’s international relationships—and its citizens’ access to the world.
- Hector Pascua/picture: pixabay.com
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