The Growing Gap in Passport Strengths Will Redefine Global Mobility by 2026
In the world of international travel, the strength of a passport can make a significant difference. The latest Henley Passport Index for 2026 reveals an alarming trend: the gap in passport strength is widening, creating a stark contrast between the most mobile and least mobile populations globally. This two-decade-old index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without needing a visa, drawing from exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
With Singapore leading the pack as the strongest passport holder, boasting visa-free access to 192 destinations, the figures starkly contrast with Afghanistan, which ranks last with access to only 24 destinations. The resulting gap of 168 destinations signifies a growing inequality in global mobility, especially when compared to 2006, when the difference between the United States, then the top-ranked passport, and Afghanistan was only 118 destinations.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley Partners, emphasized that while global mobility has expanded significantly over the last two decades, its benefits haven't been shared equally. He stated, "The privilege of a passport is pivotal in determining opportunities, security, and economic participation."
This disparity is becoming more pronounced as travel demand surges, with IATA projecting that airlines will transport over 5.2 billion passengers globally in 2026. Willie Walsh, the IATA's Director General, pointed out, "A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. However, as many governments tighten their borders, advancements in technology, like digital identification and passports, must not be overlooked by policymakers. It is possible to secure borders while still facilitating comfortable travel."
The index also highlights significant shifts in ranking, with the UK experiencing the most pronounced annual decline and the US reclaiming a spot in the top 10. Both Japan and South Korea are tied for second place, offering access to 188 destinations, followed closely by Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland at third with 186 destinations.
Historically, Europe continues to dominate the higher tiers of passport strength, with notable exceptions including the United Arab Emirates in fifth place and countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia also making strong appearances.
While the US rebound into the top 10 seems like a positive sign, it masks a more concerning trend. Both the United States and the UK have seen their visa-free access diminish—losing seven and eight destinations respectively over the past year. The US, which once held first place alongside the UK in 2014, has fallen six places to sit at tenth, while the UK has dropped four places to seventh.
Misha Glenny, an award-winning journalist, noted that the strength of passports is ultimately reflective of a nation’s political stability and diplomatic credibility. The current geopolitical climate, characterized by strained transatlantic relations and increasing domestic volatility, suggests that the erosion of mobility rights for nations like the US and the UK is not simply a technical anomaly. Instead, it may signal a significant geopolitical recalibration.
In terms of growth and declines over the last two decades, the UAE boasts the most impressive record, securing 149 more visa-free destinations thanks to sustained diplomatic efforts and visa regime liberalizations. Meanwhile, countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, such as Albania, Ukraine, and Serbia, have seen substantial improvements in their rankings, reflecting a commitment to enhancing their citizens' global mobility.
Conversely, Bolivia stands as the only country on the index to have experienced an overall decline in visa access over the past 20 years, dropping 32 places to rank 61st by 2026.
Looking at a more recent decade, Kosovo has made the most significant strides, gaining 38 places, while China has seen a rise of 28 places, positioning both at 59th on the index.
Despite the ultimate autonomy enjoyed by US passport holders, who can access 179 destinations without a visa, this is contrasted with the country’s restrictive entry policies, allowing only 46 nationalities entry without prior visa requirements. This discrepancy places the US at 78th globally, indicating one of the widest gaps in the world between outward mobility and access to the country.
China, on the other hand, with its recent addition of more than 40 countries to its visa-free access list, now welcomes 77 nationalities without a visa, signifying a shift in global power dynamics influenced by national policies surrounding mobility. In this context, the renewed openness of countries like China reflects a strategic move that seeks to enhance their global influence.
A report commissioned for the 2026 Henley Global Mobility Report warns of proposals from the US Customs and Border Protection to potentially terminate the visa waiver program, which could compel allied nations to share extensive personal data, posing risks to individual privacy. These developments follow a historical trend of growing travel bans in the US, affecting 39 countries as of January 1, 2026.
As risk management becomes a priority for many individuals, the trend towards securing alternative citizenship and residency pathways is escalating. In 2025, Henley Partners noted a 28% increase in inquiries from individuals across 100 nationalities, with the US emerging as the primary market for such services.
As the political turmoil continues, many Americans are seeking out alternative residency and citizenship solutions—transforming what was once viewed as a last resort into a common form of risk management. Such trends indicate a critical juncture in global mobility, where the power of a passport is increasingly shaping life opportunities, economic engagement, and international relations.
With Singapore leading the pack as the strongest passport holder, boasting visa-free access to 192 destinations, the figures starkly contrast with Afghanistan, which ranks last with access to only 24 destinations. The resulting gap of 168 destinations signifies a growing inequality in global mobility, especially when compared to 2006, when the difference between the United States, then the top-ranked passport, and Afghanistan was only 118 destinations.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley Partners, emphasized that while global mobility has expanded significantly over the last two decades, its benefits haven't been shared equally. He stated, "The privilege of a passport is pivotal in determining opportunities, security, and economic participation."
This disparity is becoming more pronounced as travel demand surges, with IATA projecting that airlines will transport over 5.2 billion passengers globally in 2026. Willie Walsh, the IATA's Director General, pointed out, "A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. However, as many governments tighten their borders, advancements in technology, like digital identification and passports, must not be overlooked by policymakers. It is possible to secure borders while still facilitating comfortable travel."
The index also highlights significant shifts in ranking, with the UK experiencing the most pronounced annual decline and the US reclaiming a spot in the top 10. Both Japan and South Korea are tied for second place, offering access to 188 destinations, followed closely by Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland at third with 186 destinations.
Historically, Europe continues to dominate the higher tiers of passport strength, with notable exceptions including the United Arab Emirates in fifth place and countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia also making strong appearances.
While the US rebound into the top 10 seems like a positive sign, it masks a more concerning trend. Both the United States and the UK have seen their visa-free access diminish—losing seven and eight destinations respectively over the past year. The US, which once held first place alongside the UK in 2014, has fallen six places to sit at tenth, while the UK has dropped four places to seventh.
Misha Glenny, an award-winning journalist, noted that the strength of passports is ultimately reflective of a nation’s political stability and diplomatic credibility. The current geopolitical climate, characterized by strained transatlantic relations and increasing domestic volatility, suggests that the erosion of mobility rights for nations like the US and the UK is not simply a technical anomaly. Instead, it may signal a significant geopolitical recalibration.
In terms of growth and declines over the last two decades, the UAE boasts the most impressive record, securing 149 more visa-free destinations thanks to sustained diplomatic efforts and visa regime liberalizations. Meanwhile, countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, such as Albania, Ukraine, and Serbia, have seen substantial improvements in their rankings, reflecting a commitment to enhancing their citizens' global mobility.
Conversely, Bolivia stands as the only country on the index to have experienced an overall decline in visa access over the past 20 years, dropping 32 places to rank 61st by 2026.
Looking at a more recent decade, Kosovo has made the most significant strides, gaining 38 places, while China has seen a rise of 28 places, positioning both at 59th on the index.
Despite the ultimate autonomy enjoyed by US passport holders, who can access 179 destinations without a visa, this is contrasted with the country’s restrictive entry policies, allowing only 46 nationalities entry without prior visa requirements. This discrepancy places the US at 78th globally, indicating one of the widest gaps in the world between outward mobility and access to the country.
China, on the other hand, with its recent addition of more than 40 countries to its visa-free access list, now welcomes 77 nationalities without a visa, signifying a shift in global power dynamics influenced by national policies surrounding mobility. In this context, the renewed openness of countries like China reflects a strategic move that seeks to enhance their global influence.
A report commissioned for the 2026 Henley Global Mobility Report warns of proposals from the US Customs and Border Protection to potentially terminate the visa waiver program, which could compel allied nations to share extensive personal data, posing risks to individual privacy. These developments follow a historical trend of growing travel bans in the US, affecting 39 countries as of January 1, 2026.
As risk management becomes a priority for many individuals, the trend towards securing alternative citizenship and residency pathways is escalating. In 2025, Henley Partners noted a 28% increase in inquiries from individuals across 100 nationalities, with the US emerging as the primary market for such services.
As the political turmoil continues, many Americans are seeking out alternative residency and citizenship solutions—transforming what was once viewed as a last resort into a common form of risk management. Such trends indicate a critical juncture in global mobility, where the power of a passport is increasingly shaping life opportunities, economic engagement, and international relations.
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