Singapore holds the world’s strongest passport in 2026, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. Asian countries dominate the top of the rankings, while European passports, including Greece’s, remain among the most powerful globally.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore leads with access to 192 destinations in 2026, up from 173 in 2016.
- Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place with 188 destinations each.
- Asian passports occupy the top four positions.
- The UAE has recorded one of the largest gains in global mobility, adding 153 visa-free destinations over the past two decades.
- European passports stay strong, with Norway at 186 destinations, Switzerland at 185, and the EU average (and UK) at 184.
- Greece continues to rank among the world’s strongest, typically offering visa-free access to around 185 destinations and placing in the top tier alongside other EU members — ahead of the United States (180), United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in recent rankings.
A passport’s strength is measured by the number of destinations holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance. Data comes from the Henley Passport Power Index / Henley Passport Index, based on IATA information covering nearly 200 passports and over 220 destinations.
Singapore Takes the Top Spot
Singapore climbed from 173 visa-free destinations in 2016 to 192 in 2026. Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are tied for second on 188. This underscores Asia’s rising influence in international mobility.
2026 rankings (selected):
| Country / Group | Visa-Free Destinations (2026) | Continent |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 192 | Asia |
| Japan | 188 | Asia |
| South Korea | 188 | Asia |
| United Arab Emirates | 188 | Asia |
| Norway | 186 | Europe |
| Switzerland | 185 | Europe |
| EU Countries* / UK | 184 | Europe |
| Malaysia / Australia / Canada / New Zealand | 183 | Various |
| Liechtenstein | 181 | Europe |
| Iceland / United States | 180 | Europe / N. America |
| Monaco | 177 | Europe |
| Chile / Hong Kong | 174 | S. America / Asia |
| Andorra | 170 | Europe |
| Argentina | 169 | South America |
*EU average reflects the 27 member states (range roughly 175–187). Greece typically sits near the upper end of this group.
Comparison with 2016
A decade ago the picture looked different. EU countries averaged around 174, the UK 175, the US 174, Japan and Singapore 173, Canada and Norway 172, South Korea and Switzerland 172. Malaysia stood at 164, Hong Kong at 154, and so on. Asian passports have closed the gap and overtaken many traditional leaders, while Europe has held firm overall.
Few countries have improved as dramatically as the UAE. It now reaches 188 destinations after adding 153 over 20 years through expanded diplomatic agreements, stronger partnerships, and economic growth.
Europe Remains Strong as Asia Rises
European passports continue to rank among the world’s strongest even as Asia has taken the lead. Norway and Switzerland sit just behind the Asian frontrunners. The EU average and UK stand at 184. North American passports have gained destinations since 2016 but slipped relatively in the rankings (Canada 183, US 180).
Greece benefits from EU/Schengen advantages and consistently places in the global top tier. Recent Henley updates have put the Greek passport in or near the top five, offering holders broad freedom for travel, business, and mobility — a significant asset for citizens and the diaspora.
The rankings highlight shifting global mobility patterns over the past decade, with Asia’s ascent, the UAE’s rapid gains, and Europe’s enduring strength.