3 min readNew DelhiMar 6, 2026 10:00 PM IST
The Henley & Partners Passport Index 2026 has once again ranked the world’s most powerful passports based on how many destinations their holders can access visa-free, via visa-on-arrival (VOA), or through an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
The index compares passports from countries across the globe and measures international travel freedom. This year, Singapore retained the top spot, offering its citizens access to 192 destinations without needing a traditional visa.
Asian passports dominate the top tier, with Japan and South Korea sharing second place, while several European nations occupy the majority of the top 10 positions.
10 strongest passports in 2026 (Photo: AI)
Countries ranked 5th to 10th
Several other countries closely follow in the rankings with marginal differences in visa-free access.
10 strongest passports in 2026 (Photo: AI)
India’s position in the passport ranking
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, India ranks 75th, with Indian passport holders able to travel to 56 destinations visa-free or through visa-on-arrival or ETA. While India’s passport mobility remains significantly lower than that of top-ranking countries, it still provides access to a range of destinations across Asia, Africa, and island nations without requiring a pre-approved visa.
As for the bottom 10 weakest passports, Eritrea (92nd) tops the group, with access to 38 countries, followed by Bangladesh (93rd) and North Korea (94th). Nepal (95th) remains easily accessible for Indians without a visa. Lower ranks include Somalia (96th), Pakistan (97th), Yemen (98th), Iraq (99th), and Syria (100th). Afghanistan (101st) has the weakest passport with access to just 24 destinations. Many of these countries face conflict, sanctions, or limited diplomatic ties, which significantly restrict global travel mobility.
The latest Henley & Partners Passport Index 2026 also highlights the countries with the weakest passports in terms of global mobility. While the world’s strongest passports provide access to more than 190 destinations, the bottom-ranked passports allow entry to only 24 to 38 countries through visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival (VOA), or e-visas.
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Among the lowest-ranked passports, Eritrea (92nd) sits at the top of the bottom group, offering access to 38 destinations. It is followed by Bangladesh (93rd) with access to 37 countries, and North Korea (94th), whose passport holders can travel to 36 destinations without a traditional visa.
Nepal (95th) ranks next with access to 35 countries. Despite its low global mobility ranking, Nepal remains one of the most accessible international destinations for Indian travellers, as Indian citizens can visit without a visa.
Further down the list are Somalia (96th), with access to 33 destinations; Pakistan (97th), with 32; and Yemen (98th), with 31 countries offering simplified entry. Iraq (99th) follows with access to 29 destinations, while Syria (100th) allows travel to 26 countries without a prior visa.
At the very bottom of the index is Afghanistan (101st), whose passport holders can access only 24 destinations. Ongoing conflicts, political instability, sanctions, and limited diplomatic relations significantly restrict the travel mobility of these passports.
