In 2026, the power of a passport says more about global access than almost anything else, and the Henley & Partners index shows the divide growing clearer by the year. Marking two decades since its inception, this year’s index highlights how global mobility has expanded significantly, but benefits have been distributed unevenly across nations. According to Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman at Henley & Partners and creator of the index, “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.”
The ranking, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), assesses 199 passports against 227 possible travel destinations, providing a definitive measure of global mobility as international travel demand continues to grow. IATA forecasts that airlines will carry more than 5.2 billion passengers globally in 2026.
Understanding Passport Power In 2026
The concept of passport power extends beyond the mere number of accessible destinations. It represents real-world freedom, opportunity, and privilege in a global context. While the Henley Passport Index primarily measures visa-free access to destinations, the more nuanced Henley Passport Power (HPP) score assesses passports according to the percentage share of global GDP to which their holders have visa-free access.
The data shows a direct relationship between passport strength and economic power, as such, offering a clearer picture of what freedom of movement looks like in real terms. The significance of passport power has grown considerably since the index began 20 years ago. In today’s interconnected world, a strong passport doesn’t merely facilitate tourism – it enables business opportunities, educational exchanges, and access to healthcare systems worldwide.
For citizens of top-ranked countries, the privilege of visa-free travel means saving thousands in application fees, avoiding lengthy bureaucratic processes, and enjoying spontaneous international mobility that remains inaccessible to much of the global population. As Business Insider reports, planning international travel with a powerful passport eliminates many barriers that holders of weaker passports routinely face.
The Widening Global Mobility Gap
The 2026 index reveals a troubling trend: while a record number of passports now cluster at the top of the rankings, those at the bottom remain increasingly isolated. The gap between Singapore’s top-ranking passport (192 visa-free destinations) and Afghanistan’s last-place passport (just 24 destinations) has expanded to 168 destinations. This represents a dramatic widening compared to 2006, when the gap between the then-top-ranking US passport and Afghanistan was only 118 destinations.
This growing disparity underscores increasing global inequality in mobility rights, with implications for economic opportunity and security. Countries experiencing the most declines in passport power often face political instability, economic challenges, or shifting diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, notable climbers on the index, such as the UAE (which has risen from 38th place a decade ago to 5th in 2026), demonstrate how strategic diplomatic engagement and visa liberalization policies can enhance global mobility for citizens.
The United States, once regularly in the top position, has faced a steady decline over the past decade, briefly falling out of the top 10 in 2025 before returning to 10th place in 2026. This shift reflects changing global dynamics and reciprocity issues, as the US has maintained stricter entry requirements while other nations have pursued more open visa policies.
Travel Considerations For Black Travelers
While passport rankings provide general mobility information, the travel experience can vary for Black travelers regardless of passport power. Countries with strong passport rankings don’t necessarily offer equally welcoming environments for all visitors. Black travelers should research destination-specific considerations beyond visa requirements, including local attitudes, legal protections, and community resources.
Organizations like Nomadness Travel Tribe and Black Travel Alliance provide valuable resources for Black travelers navigating global mobility. Even with high-ranking passports, Black travelers may encounter varying levels of reception across regions. Generally, countries with robust anti-discrimination laws and diverse populations tend to offer more consistent experiences, though individual interactions can vary widely. Singapore, Japan, and many Western European nations typically provide strong legal frameworks against discrimination, though cultural attitudes and awareness differ across regions.
When planning international travel, Black passport holders should consider consulting specialized travel resources that provide first-hand accounts of experiences in specific destinations. These insights, combined with understanding a passport’s technical access capabilities, allow for more informed travel decisions that account for both legal entry rights and on-the-ground reception.
Top 20 Most Powerful Passports In The World (Henley Passport Index 2026)
- Singapore – 192 destinations
- Japan; South Korea – 188 destinations
- Denmark; Luxembourg; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland – 186 destinations
- Austria; Belgium; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; Norway – 185 destinations
- Hungary; Portugal; Slovakia; Slovenia; United Arab Emirates – 184 destinations
- Croatia; Czechia; Estonia; Malta; New Zealand; Poland – 183 destinations
- Australia; Latvia; Liechtenstein; United Kingdom – 182 destinations
- Canada; Iceland; Lithuania – 181 destinations
- Malaysia – 180 destinations
- United States – 179 destinations
- Bulgaria; Romania – 178 destinations
- Monaco – 177 destinations
- Chile – 175 destinations
- Cyprus – 174 destinations
- Andorra; Hong Kong – 171 destinations
- Argentina; Brazil – 169 destinations
- San Marino – 168 destinations
- Israel – 165 destinations
- Barbados; Brunei – 162 destinations
- Bahamas – 158 destinations
