The 20‑year anniversary of the Henley Passport Index shows that the average passport now grants visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to 108 destinations, up from 58 in 2006, highlighting a substantial rise in global mobility despite a deteriorating peace environment.
Global Peace Index snapshot (2026)
- The Global Peace Index (GPI) records the highest number of state‑based conflicts since World War II and marks the 12th consecutive year of declining peacefulness.
- 119 of 163 countries measured are less peaceful than in 2008.
- 103 countries have been involved in an external conflict in the past five years – almost double the figure when the GPI began.
Top passport rankings (July 2026)
| Rank | Country | Visa‑free / visa‑on‑arrival destinations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 192 |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates | 188 |
| 2 (tie) | Japan | 188 |
| 2 (tie) | South Korea | 188 |
| 6 | United Kingdom | (moved up one place) |
| 7 | Canada | (moved up) |
| 10 | United States | (still requires a visa for China) |
- The UAE achieved the largest improvement ever recorded, adding 153 visa‑free destinations over two decades and climbing three places since January 2026.
- The United Kingdom gained visa‑free access to China and Malawi, lifting it one spot.
- Canada also rose one place after similar gains.
Shifts in traditional mobility powers
- In 2006 the United States held 1st place; by 2026 it sits at 10th.
- The United Kingdom fell from 3rd (2006) to 6th (2026).
- Asian passports have become dominant: Singapore moved from 8th (2006) to 1st, while Japan and South Korea now share 2nd place.
Mobility gap and outliers
- Afghanistan remains the lowest‑ranked passport, with access to 22 destinations (up from 12 in 2006), creating a 170‑destination gap with Singapore.
- Bolivia is the only passport that recorded a net loss of six visa‑free destinations over the past 20 years.
- A strong positive correlation exists between peacefulness and passport power (Spearman ρ = 0.65, p < 0.001).
Notable exceptions (passport strength exceeds peace ranking)
- United States – GPI rank 134, HPI rank 10
- Israel – GPI rank 159, HPI rank 18
- France – GPI rank 99, HPI rank 4
- UAE – GPI rank 73, HPI rank 2
- South Korea – GPI rank 57, HPI rank 2
- Brazil – GPI rank 124, HPI rank 16
- Mexico – GPI rank 139, HPI rank 22
- Russia – GPI rank 163, HPI rank 47
- Ukraine – GPI rank 160, HPI rank 31 (despite ongoing conflict)
These outliers illustrate that diplomacy, economic influence, and regional integration can boost passport strength beyond what peace levels alone would predict.
Structural challenges
- For many Global South nations, limited diplomatic leverage and fewer reciprocal visa‑waiver agreements keep passport power low, even when peace improves conditions.
- Research cited by Henley & Partners indicates that current visa policies can reinforce structural bias against African travelers, raising equity concerns in the global mobility system.
Practical implications for travelers
- Passport choice matters: Holding a passport from a high‑ranking country can dramatically reduce travel friction, especially for visa‑on‑arrival destinations.
- Geopolitical shifts: Changes in diplomatic relations (e.g., the UK gaining visa‑free access to China) can quickly alter travel requirements.
- Risk assessment: Passports from countries with low peace scores may face more travel restrictions, but strong diplomatic ties can mitigate some limitations.
- Long‑term planning: Families and individuals may consider residence or citizenship programs that enhance mobility, especially in regions where geopolitical instability is rising.
Source article: www.henleyglobal.com
