The latest Henley Passport Index 2026 has revealed the most powerful passports in the world, and once again, Asian countries dominate the top of the rankings.

According to data from Henley & Partners, Singapore currently holds the number one spot, giving its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 international destinations. Japan and South Korea share second place, continuing their strong performance in recent years. Both countries have remained near the top of the rankings for over a decade.

The passports of Japan and South Korea allow access to 188 countries and territories without needing to apply for a visa in advance. This allows passport holders to easily travel to most major destinations around the world, including Europe, North America, and large parts of Asia. For business travelers, tourists, and students, this level of access significantly reduces paperwork, costs, and waiting times.

European countries also performed well in the 2026 rankings. A large number of European nations share third place, including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, all with access to 186 destinations.

Countries like Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, follow closely in fourth place with access to 185 destinations. These results show that Europe still holds a strong position in the top tier.

The rankings are based on how many destinations a passport holder can enter without arranging a visa before traveling.

While top-ranked passports offer wide access, many countries remain far behind. Citizens of lower-ranked nations such as Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen — among the lowest-ranked on the index — still face strict visa rules, limited travel options, and longer application processes.