The 2026 Henley Passport Index reveals a fascinating shift in global mobility, measuring the number of destinations citizens can access without a prior visa. For the third consecutive year, Singapore stands alone at the top of the index with access to 192 destinations. This dominance is largely attributed to a long-term strategy of diplomatic neutrality and the aggressive pursuit of bilateral visa-waiver agreements. Close behind, Japan and South Korea maintain their positions in the "Golden Trio," reflecting their status as low-risk nations for security and immigration.

While Asia takes the top spots, Europe maintains a "Wall of Power" across the rankings. Nations such as Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland benefit significantly from the Schengen advantage, where high levels of regional trust translate into broader global mobility. Historical diplomatic ties and further integration into digital security frameworks have also allowed European nations to remain the most predominant region in the top ten tiers.

However, the data also highlights a sobering trend: the "passport divide" is reaching record-breaking levels. The gap between the strongest and weakest passports has widened to 168 destinations, suggesting that the world is becoming increasingly closed for those from politically unstable regions. While nations like the UAE have seen a meteoric rise due to deliberate "soft power" strategies, traditional leaders like the US and UK continue a decade-long slide, largely due to a lack of visa reciprocity. Today, passports from countries like Malta and Greece are increasingly utilized as strategic assets for global investors seeking stable EU mobility.

Full ranking: https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking