Passport is among the most important documents required to travel overseas. Also the strength of a passport is crucial in determining how freely citizens can travel globally. Every year, the Henley Passport Index, releases its report of the powerful and strongest passports. The 2026 Henley Passport Index report is out and it shows diplomatic shift, and global mobility trends. Here’s a look at powerful passports on the Earth for 2026. A look:1) SingaporeVisa-free access: 192 countriesIt is an achievement for Singapore! The country has retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport. This dominance shows the city-state’s extensive network of multilateral agreements, plus its global economic and diplomatic engagement.2) Japan and South KoreaVisa-free access: 188 countries
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Japan and South Korea, the two Asian countries, have tied on the second spot. Their passports offer extensive travel freedom across Europe, the Americas, and much of Asia. 3) Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, SwitzerlandVisa-free access: 186 countriesPassport holders of Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, can travel to 186 countries visa free! These European nations have tied for third place and it only shows the advantages of shared European travel policies, particularly those linked to the Schengen Area.4) Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, NorwayVisa-free access: 185 countries
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Those with passports of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Norway can visit 185 nations visa free. These Schengen nations secure high mobility scores.5) Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab EmiratesVisa-free access: 184 countriesPassport holders of Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates enjoy visa-free access to 184 countries. The inclusion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in this group shows the popularity of the country on a global platform.6) Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, PolandVisa-free access: 183 countries
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Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand and Poland have together secured the sixth spot on the prestigious list. These countries might be small in size but globally, these are among top travel destinations.7) Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United KingdomVisa-free access: 182 countriesAustralia, Latvia, Liechtenstein and the United Kingdom have together secured the seventh place on the list. The UK’s position reflects continued travel liberty for its citizens even after Brexit.8) Canada, Iceland, LithuaniaVisa-free access: 181 countries
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Passport holders of Canada, Iceland and Lithuania can visit 181 nations visa free. Canada remains an international travel powerhouse. It shows the countries close international ties.9) MalaysiaVisa-free access: 180 countriesMalaysian citizens can visit 180 countries visa free. The passport strength of the Asian nation highlights the growing travel capabilities of Southeast Asian countries.10) United StatesVisa-free access: 179 countriesThe US passport has made a comeback after a brief dip. The US passport holders can visit 179 nations visa free. India’s Passport in 2026: Ranking
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In 2026, the passport of India secured the 80th spot on the Henley Passport Index. Indian citizens can access 55 nations without a prior visa (either visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorization). This is a significant improvement as compared to 2025, when India was ranked 85th.