Singapore continues to have the most powerful passport in 2026, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. In the September 2026 ranking, Singapore holds first place with a visa-free score of 192, while Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates are tied for second with 188. The latest Henley Passport Index 2026 also shows how closely packed many of the passports near the top have become, with just a few destinations separating several countries in the top 10. India, meanwhile, sits much further down the list at 82nd place with a score of 55.
Which Countries Have The Most Powerful Passports In 2026?
Singapore ranks first for access to 192 destinations without a prior visa. Japan, South Korea, and the UAE share second place with 188 visa-free destinations, while Sweden takes third place with 187. Fourth place is shared by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain, all of which have access to 186 destinations. Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal, and Switzerland follow in fifth place with access to 185 destinations.
Hungary, Poland, and the United Kingdom are sixth with access to 184 destinations. Australia, Canada, Czechia, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia, and Slovenia share seventh place with access to 183 destinations. Croatia and Estonia are eighth, with access to 182 destinations, while Liechtenstein and Lithuania are ninth, with access to 181 destinations. Iceland and the United States complete the top 10 with access to 180 destinations.
Where Does India Rank In The Henley Passport Index 2026?
India is ranked 82nd in the September list, sharing its position with Algeria and Mauritania. All three have access to 55 destinations without a prior visa. This means Indian passport holders can access 55 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, according to Henley’s methodology. Use the September document when referring to India’s latest position because the index can change during the year as entry requirements are revised.
Further up the ranking, China is 61st with access to 83 destinations, Thailand shares 64th place with Bolivia and Kazakhstan, with access to 77 destinations; and Indonesia shares 69th place with Kenya and Malawi, with access to 70 destinations.
How Is The Henley Passport Ranking Calculated?
The Henley Passport Index covers 199 passports and compares their access across 227 travel destinations. Passports are ranked by the number of destinations their holders can enter without arranging a visa in advance.
The score includes destinations that can be entered visa-free, as well as those where travelers can obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority without prior government approval. A destination that requires a traditional visa or an e-visa requiring approval before departure does not count toward the score. The total becomes the passport’s visa-free score. When several passports receive the same score, they share the same position.
Wondering which countries lead the global passport rankings? Here’s what the Henley Passport Index 2026 reveals about the world’s strongest passports and where India stands.
Which Passports Rank At The Bottom In 2026?
Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the Henley Passport Ranking, ranking 105th with a score of 22. Syria is 104th with 25; Iraq is 103rd with 28; Pakistan is 102nd with 29; and Yemen is 101st with 30. Just above them are Somalia in 100th place with access to 32 destinations and Nepal in 99th with access to 34 destinations. Bangladesh and North Korea share 98th place with a score of 35.
Curious about India’s latest position? Here’s what to know as India’s passport rank falls to 78th on the Henley Passport Index.
Summing Up
The September Henley Passport Index puts Singapore firmly in first place with a score of 192. Japan, South Korea, and the UAE share second place at 188, followed by Sweden in third with 187. India is currently 82nd with a score of 55.
The rankings offer a useful snapshot of how easily different passport holders can travel internationally, but entry requirements can change independently of the index. Travelers should still check the latest visa and entry rules for their destination before booking a trip.
