The Henley Passport Index 2026: A Deepening Divide in Global Mobility

As we mark two decades since the Henley Passport Index was first introduced, the 2026 edition displays a significant widening of the mobility gap among countries around the globe. This vital report uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank passports by the number of destinations their holders can visit without needing a visa beforehand.

Key Findings

The index reveals a dramatic disparity with Singapore taking the lead as the world’s strongest passport, granting its holders access to an impressive 192 destinations. In stark contrast, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index with only 24 destinations available without a visa. This results in a staggering 168-destination gap, further emphasizing the growing issues surrounding global mobility inequality.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the Chairman of Henley & Partners, states, "Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly." This statement encapsulates the crux of the issue; access to different countries affords individuals various opportunities, security, and pathways to economic participation.

Travel Trends and Future Outlook

IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, has projected an upward trend in international travel, expecting airlines to transport over 5.2 billion passengers worldwide this year. Despite this optimistic forecast, many governments tighten border controls, presenting a paradox in the realm of global mobility.

The index shows that Japan and South Korea have both climbed to joint second place, offering visa-free access to 188 locations. Several European nations, including Denmark, Luxembourg, and Spain, are ranked close behind, showcasing Europe’s dominance in terms of passport strength.

However, this isn’t a fairytale ending. The UK and the US have noted significant declines in the number of visa-free destinations, suffering steep losses of eight and seven destinations, respectively, in the past year. The decline from top-ranking passports in 2014 reveals a concerning trend of reduced international freedom for citizens of these nations.

The Rise of Emerging Nations

On a more hopeful note, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have performed exceptionally well on the Henley Passport Index. The UAE has climbed 57 places since 2006, adding 149 visa-free destinations. This improvement can largely be attributed to its robust diplomatic engagements and progressive visa policies.

In contrast, Bolivia is the only nation that has seen a decline in overall accessibility, showcasing how diverse the landscape of passport power can be depending on geopolitical and sociopolitical factors.

The Changing Landscape of Mobility

The Henley Passport Index illustrates a crucial point - while some nations like the US celebrate the benefits of extensive mobility, they simultaneously impose strict regulations on inbound travelers, ranking 78th on the Henley Openness Index. This disparity indicates a significant divide in how countries view travel and the flow of people across their borders.

Moreover, China has taken steps to improve its global standing, now allowing visa-free travel for 77 nationalities and ranking 62nd in the process. This shift demonstrates a larger move towards openness among emerging powers, contrasting the rising nationalism seen in the US.

Future of Global Mobility

The Henley Global Mobility Report 2026 forewarns of potential proposals from US Customs and Border Protection that could severely limit visa-free travel. Such proposals might require extensive biometric and personal data from citizens of allied nations. This reality raises legitimate concerns about privacy and trust in data handling.

Additionally, as the demand for alternative residency and citizenship options continues to surge, there is a growing recognition among Americans of the importance of establishing global mobility rights.

Professor Peter J. Spiro from Temple University Law School notes, "What was once seen as an extreme contingency has become a mainstream form of risk management."

As we move forward, global mobility remains a prominent and pressing issue. The Henley Passport Index serves not only as an informative resource but also as a call to action for policymakers worldwide to ensure equitable access to travel for all, fostering a more interconnected global community.