Henley Passport Index 2026: India Climbs 5 Spots, See The Top 10

The Henley Passport Index is the world’s most trusted ranking of global mobility. It measures how many destinations passport holders can visit without needing a prior visa. The 2026 edition shows Asia continuing to dominate, with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea leading the way. Europe also holds a strong presence, while India has made modest progress, climbing five places to 80th position.

Singapore retains the crown for the third consecutive year. Its passport now allows visa‑free access to 192 destinations, making it the most powerful travel document globally. For Singaporeans, this means unmatched freedom to move across continents with ease.

Japan and South Korea share second place, each offering access to 188 destinations. Their strong diplomatic ties and economic influence continue to translate into travel advantages for their citizens.

In third place, a cluster of European nations - Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland - provide access to 186 destinations. These countries highlight Europe’s collective strength in global mobility.

The fourth rank is dominated by another bloc of European nations, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and Norway. Their passports open doors to 185 destinations, reflecting decades of strong international agreements.

Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the UAE take fifth place with 184 destinations. The UAE’s rise is particularly notable, showing how strategic diplomacy can rapidly boost passport power.

At sixth, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, and Poland offer access to 183 destinations. This mix of European and Pacific nations demonstrates how smaller countries can achieve significant mobility.

Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, and the UK share seventh place with 182 destinations. The UK’s recovery is significant, regaining ground after earlier declines linked to Brexit.

Canada ranks eighth with 181 destinations. Its strong North American presence ensures citizens enjoy wide travel freedom across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Lithuania secures ninth place with 180 destinations, proving that even smaller nations can wield impressive global mobility.

The United States rounds out the top 10 with 179 destinations. After slipping in earlier years, the US passport has returned to the elite group, reaffirming its global influence.

India, meanwhile, has climbed five places to rank 80th. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to 55 destinations. This marks a recovery to its 2024 position, after dropping to 85th in 2025. India shares the 80th spot with Niger and Algeria, underscoring the challenges it still faces in expanding travel freedom.