Passport power continues to shape how people move across the world, and the latest Henley Passport Index highlights which countries offer the most global access. The index, updated every month, compares 199 passports and their access to 227 destinations. The new ranking is once again led by Asian and European nations.
Singapore has secured the top spot, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations. The country’s strong global partnerships, stable governance, and reputation for neutrality make its passport the most powerful in the world. For Singaporean citizens, this means unmatched freedom to travel.
South Korea takes second place with access to 190 countries. The nation’s growing global influence, strong trade ties, and cultural popularity through K-culture all contribute to its rising passport strength.
Japan, which topped the rankings for many years, now stands in third place with access to 189 destinations. Its strong diplomatic ties and peaceful international presence continue to ensure wide mobility for Japanese citizens.
A large group of European countries occupies the fourth rank with access to 187 destinations. These include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. Their strong ties through the European Union give them a major advantage in global travel.
Austria, Greece, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden hold the fifth position with access to 186 destinations. Their passports reflect stability, high global trust, and strong international relationships.
Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, and New Zealand share sixth place. Australia, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, the UAE, and the UK follow in seventh place with visa-free access to 184 destinations.
Canada and Latvia rank eighth, while Liechtenstein and Lithuania take ninth place. Iceland and Malaysia complete the top ten with access to 181 destinations.
India stands at the 82nd spot, sharing its rank with Mauritania, allowing easy access to 57 countries.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
