The Henley Passport Index 2026 Reveals Growing Global Mobility Gap

The Growing Global Mobility Divide as Revealed by the Henley Passport Index 2026

In its latest report, the Henley Passport Index for 2026 highlights an alarming trend: the growing disparity in global mobility between nations. After two decades of tracking passport power, the index, which evaluates passports based on how many destinations holders can access without a prior visa, illustrates a stark contrast between the most and least mobile populations worldwide.

A Significant Shift in Access: What the Numbers Say

According to the index, Singapore retains its crown as the owner of the most powerful passport, providing visa-free access to 192 destinations. In stark contrast, Afghanistan continues to occupy the last position with access to just 24 destinations. This creates a profound gap of 168 passport-free countries, underscoring the increasing inequality in global mobility over the last two decades. In 2006, the United States held the top spot with an access gap to Afghanistan of merely 118 countries.

Dr. Christian H. Kälin, chairman of Henley & Partners, pointed out that while global mobility has seen significant growth, the advantages are hardly equitably distributed. "Today, the privilege of a passport plays a crucial role in shaping opportunities, security, and economic participation."

Rising Demand Amid Increased Barriers

Despite a surge in international travel demand—projected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to exceed 5.2 billion passengers globally this year—the divide between travel accessibility for different nations continues to widen. IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, emphasizes the need for policymakers to leverage technological advances like digital passports and identification to ensure both secure borders and hassle-free travel.

While the UK has noted the most substantial annual decline in visa-free access, the U.S. finds itself clawing back into the top ten, ranked at number ten after a recent dip in 2025. Both the U.S. and the UK have recorded considerable losses in visa-free access, with America down six positions since its peak and the UK dropping four.

Intellectual and chosen attitudes toward global mobility are evident, as noted by journalist Misha Glenny, who commented that, "the power of passports ultimately reflects political stability, diplomatic credibility, and the ability to shape international norms."

Notable Trends: Who's Rising and Who's Falling?

The past two decades have marked the United Arab Emirates as the star performer, adding 149 visa-free destinations since 2006, moving up 57 spots to claim fifth place with access to 184 countries. Other significant advances have occurred in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, with nations like Albania, Ukraine, and Serbia significantly improving their standings.

On the flip side, Bolivia has suffered the most, witnessing a fall of 32 places, now ranking 61st overall in terms of visa-free access.

The Power Dynamics of Travel

As travelers from the United States enjoy unrestricted access to 179 countries, the Americas as a region only offer visa-free entry to 46 nationalities, placing it 78th globally on the Henley Openness Index. This discrepancy highlights a significant imbalance between outbound mobility and entry accessibility.

Conversely, China, which has opened up to 77 nationalities, is witnessing a shift in power dynamics, as it embraces a more open travel policy, contrasting its previous nationalistic tendencies.

The Future of Travel: Data Privacy Concerns

A recent analysis warns that a proposal from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection could obstruct visa-free travel for citizens of 42 allied nations, requiring extensive personal and biometric data submission. This potential shift in policy raises concerns about privacy and the ethical implications of such data collection.

As the new year unfolds, analysis of the Henley Global Mobility Report indicates a record number of applications for residency and citizenship in the U.S. Americans are increasingly seeking alternative citizenship as they navigate a tumultuous political landscape. According to Professor Peter J. Spiro from Temple University, what was once a significant contingency has turned into a common method of risk management for many individuals seeking stability.

With the world becoming more interconnected yet divided by mobility access, it will be vital for governments to consider equitable and progressive travel policies that reflect the realities of an increasingly complex global landscape. The Henley Passport Index serves not just as a ranking tool but as a critical lens through which we can analyze the shifting tides of global relations and mobility.