Japan and the U.S. Lose Out! 2026 Global Passport Power Ranking Revealed – Taiwan Surpasses China

The 'value' of global passports has been revealed in the latest ranking. UK-based advisory firm Henley & Partners has released the July 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, with Singapore once again topping the list as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 countries and regions. Taiwan ranks 34th, with visa-free access to 134 destinations; China ranks 60th, with access to 83 destinations, while the United States has dropped to 10th place, reflecting ongoing changes in global travel freedom. Singapore Maintains Global Leadership – Asian Passports Show Strong Competitiveness According to the latest rankings, Singaporean passport holders can access 192 travel destinations visa-free or via visa-on-arrival, securing the top global position. Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place, each offering visa-free access to 188 destinations. Sweden ranks third, with 187 visa-free destinations. Fourth place is jointly held by 11 European nations: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain, all offering visa-free access to 186 destinations. Taiwan Ranks 34th – Visa-Free Access to 134 Countries and Regions In this ranking, Taiwan holds the 34th position globally. Holders of the Republic of China passport can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to 134 countries and regions, maintaining a competitive position in Asia. China ranks 60th, with visa-free access to 83 destinations, showing a significant gap compared to Taiwan. United States Declines Over 20 Years – 36 Countries Now Rank Higher Notably, the U.S. passport ranking continues to decline. According to Henley & Partners’ 20th-anniversary report, in 2006, the U.S. passport was among the most powerful globally, tied only with Denmark and Finland. By 2026, however, the U.S. has fallen to 10th place, with visa-free access to 180 destinations. Since the index uses tied rankings for identical scores, 36 countries now effectively rank ahead of the U.S., indicating a dramatically different global travel landscape compared to two decades ago. How Is the Passport Ranking Calculated? Covers 199 Passports and 227 Destinations The Henley Passport Index, compiled by London-based Henley & Partners, is one of the world’s most representative passport rankings. The index primarily relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to count the number of destinations passport holders can access without prior visa applications. It currently covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, assessing global citizens’ cross-border mobility freedom. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, stated that 20 years of data show passport strength has become a key indicator of a country’s geopolitical capital. He noted that countries with high-ranking passports are often those actively sought for trade, investment, security, and diplomatic cooperation, and that freedom of movement reflects the international community’s trust and willingness to collaborate. 2026 Global Passport Power Ranking – Top 10 Rank Country/Region Visa-Free Destinations 1st Singapore 192 2nd Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates 188 3rd Sweden 187 4th Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain 186 5th Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland 185 6th Hungary, Poland, United Kingdom 184 7th Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia, Slovenia 183 8th Croatia, Estonia 182 9th Liechtenstein, Lithuania 181 10th United States, Iceland 180 Source: Henley Passport Index Editor: Lin Li