Countries with the Strongest Passports in the World in 2026
According to Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates has the strongest passport in the world right now.
Passport strength is an important indicator of international mobility, reflecting how easily citizens can travel across borders without obtaining a traditional visa in advance.
According to the 2026 Passport Index, several countries stand out for offering their passport holders access to a large number of destinations. The index uses a broader Mobility Score that includes visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival access, and certain electronic visas or authorizations.
At the top of the 2026 ranking is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with access to 182 destinations. Its passport gives holders access to 138 destinations without a visa, 44 through visas on arrival, while only 16 destinations require a pre-arranged visa.
Singapore and Malaysia follow with 175 destinations each, demonstrating the strong travel mobility offered by these two Asian nations. Spain ranks next with access to 174 destinations.
A large group of countries records a score of 173 destinations. These include Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.
The group highlights the continued strength of European passports, while Japan remains a prominent Asian representative in the same tier. Passport Index
Another group scores 172 destinations: Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, and South Korea. These countries provide their citizens with extensive international travel opportunities and remain among the passports with the highest mobility scores in the 2026 index. Passport Index
The Passport Index emphasizes that its ranking is based on Global Mobility Score, rather than simply counting traditional visa-free destinations. Its methodology considers visa-free access, visas on arrival, electronic travel authorizations, and qualifying e-visas.
The database is also updated as visa policies change, using information from official government sources and other research. Passport Index
Overall, the 2026 Passport Index illustrates the significant differences in global travel access between passports. From the UAE's leading score of 182 to the closely grouped European and Asian passports just below it, these rankings provide a snapshot of international mobility and how visa policies shape the freedom to travel.