As the world moves further into 2026, global travel freedom is being quietly reshaped. The latest Henley Passport Index, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shows a world that is opening up for some countries while becoming more restrictive for others.
At the top, familiar leaders remain strong. At the bottom, the gap continues to widen. And in between, many countries are slowly climbing—or standing still.
One moment stands out: the United States has dropped to its lowest position ever since the index began 20 years ago.
The World’s Most Powerful Passports
Top 10 countries with the greatest visa-free access in 2026
The Least Powerful Passports
Countries facing the most travel restrictions in 2026
Middle-Tier Passports
Most countries offer moderate travel access between 41–178 destinations
Ranks 11–30
Bulgaria, Romania (178); Monaco (177); Chile (175); Cyprus (174); Andorra, Hong Kong (171); Argentina, Brazil (169); Israel (165); Barbados, Brunei (162); Mexico (157); Uruguay (156); Costa Rica, Panama (148)
Ranks 31–60
Peru, Taiwan, Serbia, Colombia, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Qatar, South Africa, Kuwait, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, China, Thailand, and others in this range
Ranks 61–91
Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, India, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Lebanon, Sudan, and many countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East (41–78 destinations)
Why the U.S. Ranking Is Falling
Americans can travel to 179 countries with little paperwork—but the U.S. allows visa-free entry to only 46. As more nations expect equal treatment, some are removing visa-free access for U.S. passport holders.
Countries like the United Arab Emirates, which actively expand visa openness, continue to rise. Countries that remain more closed are slowly losing ground.
