As of early 2026, the Singaporean passport is the best in the world for visa-free travel, holding the top spot on the prestigious Henley Passport Index for several consecutive years.
According to the Henley Passport Index (updated Jan/Feb 2026), Singapore leads, but Asian and European nations dominate the top tiers.
The UAE’s Meteoric Rise: The United Arab Emirates is the "standout success story" of the last decade. It has climbed from 42nd place in 2015 to the Top 5 in 2026, thanks to aggressive diplomatic expansion.
US & UK Stability: After a period of decline, the United States has stabilized at 10th place (179 destinations), while the United Kingdom sits at 7th place (182 destinations).
China's New Openness: A major trend in 2026 is China's reciprocal visa-free policies. For example, as of February 2026, Canadian passport holders can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, a significant boost for Canadian mobility.
There are two primary ways "passport power" is measured:
Henley Passport Index: Ranks according to the number of destinations a holder can enter without a prior visa (includes Visa-on-Arrival). Singapore is the consistent winner here.
Arton Capital Passport Index: Uses a "Global Mobility Score" that updates in real-time. In many 2026 snapshots, the United Arab Emirates is ranked #1 by Arton because they include more immediate electronic authorizations and diplomatic shifts.
Note: "Visa-free" usually includes countries where you can get a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but excludes those requiring a full embassy application.
