LONDON (TRI) — In an era where global travel is rebounding to record levels — with the International Air Transport Association forecasting over 5.2 billion airline passengers this year — passport strength is emerging as a critical factor influencing who can explore the world and how tourism economies benefit. The latest Henley Passport Index, released January 13, 2026, crowns Singapore as the holder of the most powerful passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This dominance not only highlights Asia’s rising mobility but also underscores a widening divide that could reshape tourism patterns, favoring outbound travel from high-ranking nations while limiting opportunities for others.
Japan and South Korea tie for second place, each providing access to 188 destinations, followed by a European cluster: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland in third with 186. An unprecedented 10 European countries — including France, Germany, and Italy — share fourth with 185 destinations. The United Arab Emirates ranks fifth (184), with New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and a resurgent United States rounding out the top 10 (179 destinations). At the bottom, Afghanistan’s passport grants access to just 24 destinations, creating a staggering 168-destination gap from the top — up from 118 in 2006.
This 20th-anniversary edition of the index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association, reveals profound shifts: The UAE has climbed 57 places since 2006 by adding 149 visa-free destinations, boosting its appeal as a tourism hub. Meanwhile, the U.S. has slipped six spots over two decades, now trailing 37 countries and losing visa-free access to seven destinations in the past year alone. The U.K. has dropped four places since its joint-first ranking in 2014.
“Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman at Henley & Partners and index creator.
“Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation.” IATA Director General Willie Walsh added: “A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. But as many governments look to tighten their borders, technological advances such as digital ID and digital passports should not be overlooked by policymakers.”
The Tourism Ripple Effects of Passport Power
The index’s findings have direct implications for global tourism, where ease of access drives visitor flows, spending, and economic growth. Holders of top-ranked passports, like Singaporeans or Europeans, enjoy seamless travel to nearly 80-85% of the world, enabling spontaneous trips, business ventures, and cultural exchanges that fuel outbound tourism. This mobility privilege amplifies tourism revenues in destination countries: For instance, Singapore’s passport strength supports its citizens’ high outbound travel rates, injecting billions into economies from Europe to Oceania.
Conversely, the growing mobility gap — now at a record 168 destinations — restricts travel for citizens of lower-ranked nations, limiting their participation in global tourism. Afghanistan, Syria (25 destinations), and Iraq (27) face barriers that curb outbound tourism and reduce inbound diversity, as fewer nationalities can easily visit or invest. This inequality exacerbates economic disparities: Wealthier nations with “open” policies (high on the Henley Openness Index) attract more tourists, while restrictive visa regimes deter visitors and hinder recovery in emerging markets.
Geopolitical tensions amplify these effects. U.S. proposals for enhanced data collection under the Visa Waiver Program could end hassle-free travel for 42 allied nations, potentially disrupting transatlantic tourism flows. Meanwhile, China’s rise (up 28-38 places in a decade to joint 59th with 81 destinations) and its addition of visa-free entry for over 40 countries signal growing soft power, likely boosting inbound tourism to Asia. Experts warn that as borders tighten amid political volatility, demand for alternative citizenship or residence — up 28% in 2025 — will rise, allowing high-net-worth individuals to bypass restrictions and sustain luxury tourism segments.
In a post-pandemic world, where sustainable and equitable tourism is prioritized, the index serves as a barometer for industry stakeholders. Countries climbing the ranks, like those in the Western Balkans (e.g., Albania up 36 places), could see surges in inbound visitors as visa barriers fall. For tourism operators, adapting to these dynamics means targeting high-mobility markets while advocating for reciprocal openness to foster inclusive growth.
As global tourism rebounds, passport power will increasingly determine who benefits — and who gets left behind.
Travel Tip: Visit the official Henley Passport Index at henleyglobal.com to compare your passport’s strength and plan visa-free adventures accordingly.
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