The world passport ranking for July 2026 puts Singapore first, with visa-free access to 192 destinations, while the United States sits tied for 10th with 180. The Henley Passport Index is the most cited list, and the Passport Index by Arton Capital gives a different order, because each one counts access in its own way.
A world passport ranking shows how many places a passport holder can enter without applying for a visa first. For Americans, the number matters for trip planning, and it also tells you how other governments treat US travelers. This guide explains the latest list, why the US dropped, how the main indexes differ, and what the score means when you plan a trip. The figures come from Henley & Partners (July 2026 edition), Newsweek’s January 2026 coverage of the index, Afar and Arton Capital’s Passport Index. If you still need a passport, start with our US passport guide.
What Is the World Passport Ranking?
A world passport ranking sorts the passports of 199 countries by how many destinations their holders can enter without a visa obtained in advance. The more places you can reach with only a passport, the higher the rank.
The best known list is the Henley Passport Index. It began in 2005, uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and covers 227 destinations, including territories. Countries with the same score share a rank, which is why you often see a dozen countries on one line. The July 2026 edition marked the index’s 20th anniversary and was released on July 21, 2026.
Rankings change often because they react to visa rules. A new agreement can add a destination, and a new visa requirement can remove one. That makes the order of a world passport ranking a snapshot, not a permanent grade.
Which Passports Rank Highest in 2026?
Singapore holds first place with 192 destinations, followed by Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, each with 188. Sweden is next with 187, and a large group of European countries follows.
The table below shows the top of the July 2026 Henley list.
| Rank | Passports | Visa-free destinations |
| 1 | Singapore | 192 |
| 2 | Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates | 188 |
| 3 | Sweden | 187 |
| 4 | Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain | 186 |
| 5 | Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland | 185 |
| 6 | Hungary, Poland, United Kingdom | 184 |
| 7 | Australia, Canada, Czechia, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia, Slovenia | 183 |
| 8 | Croatia, Estonia | 182 |
| 9 | Liechtenstein, Lithuania | 181 |
| 10 | Iceland, United States | 180 |
Two points stand out. First, the gap between first and tenth place is only 12 destinations, so a few visa changes can move a country several spots. Second, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the UAE all sit in the top three tiers, ahead of most of Europe.
Where Does the US Passport Rank?
The US passport is tied for 10th in the July 2026 Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations. Because of ties, about 37 countries rank above it by count.
That is a drop from the past. Afar reports that the US was 12th in 2025, and in January 2026 Newsweek reported that it was tied for 10th with 179 of 227 destinations. Even so, 180 destinations is a strong score and far above most of the 199 passports ranked.
The United Kingdom ranks 6th with 184, and Canada ties for 7th with 183. Reading across the table, the US sits just one or two places behind close allies, and it does not lose by much in raw access. Our guide to how much a US passport costs covers what you pay for that access, and the passport application guide covers how to get it.
Why Did the US Passport Drop in the World Passport Ranking?
The main reason is reciprocity, meaning other countries tightened access for Americans after changes to US visa and entry policy. Newsweek’s January 2026 report said the US lost visa-free access to seven destinations over the previous 12 months.
The list included Vietnam, China and Brazil. Brazil ended visa-free entry for US citizens because the US did not offer the same terms to Brazilians. A University of Massachusetts Amherst professor quoted in that coverage said such decisions often reflect reciprocity and worries about overstays or asylum claims.
Afar adds that many countries have tightened access in response to US visa policies. A passport score is partly a result of diplomacy. When a country raises barriers for visitors from another, the other side often answers in the same way. For travelers, the practical effect is simple: a destination that was easy five years ago may now ask for an e-visa or a full application.
How Do the Main Passport Indexes Differ?
The Henley Passport Index counts only access without a visa obtained before arrival, while the Passport Index by Arton Capital also counts electronic authorizations and e-visas issued within three working days. That is why the two lists disagree.
Here is how they compare:
- Henley Passport Index: Uses IATA data, 199 passports and 227 destinations. Singapore leads in July 2026 and the US ties for 10th.
- Passport Index by Arton Capital: Covers 199 passports and 199 destinations, which are the 193 UN member states plus six territories. It updates in real time and breaks ties with the UN Human Development Index.
- Arton results in 2026: The UAE leads with 182 destinations, and Afar reports the US in 9th place with 168.
Both are useful, but they answer different questions. Henley asks how much you can do on a bare passport. Arton asks how easily you can get in when a quick online authorization is acceptable. When someone quotes a world passport ranking, check which index they mean and what month it is from. A headline that says the US is “9th” and one that says “10th” can both be right.
What Does Visa-Free Access Actually Mean?
Visa-free access means you can enter without obtaining a visa before you travel, but you may still need to meet entry conditions. The rules differ by destination.
Common conditions include:
- A passport valid for a minimum period beyond your stay, often 6 months.
- A return or onward ticket.
- A limit on stay length, such as 30, 90 or 180 days.
- Proof of funds or accommodation if an officer asks.
- An online registration or travel authorization, in some cases.
The Henley count includes some destinations where you receive permission on arrival. So a score of 180 does not mean you can walk into 180 places with no paperwork at all. It means you do not need a visa application before you leave. Always read the destination’s official entry page before you buy tickets. The State Department’s international travel pages list entry requirements for US citizens.
Does a Higher Passport Rank Make Travel Easier?
A higher rank helps, but it does not guarantee entry, and the day-to-day gain is smaller than the headline suggests. A passport with 192 destinations still needs a valid passport, enough validity and a plan.
For a US traveler, rank 10 still covers most popular destinations in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and much of Asia. The destinations that need advance paperwork are fewer, but they can matter if you plan a long trip or a work stay. A student or worker also needs a visa for long stays almost everywhere, whatever the rank, because visa-free access covers short visits.
So use the rank for planning short trips, then check each stop. If a trip includes a country that requires a visa, our visa processing time calculator gives a rough timeline, and the visa documents checklist tool helps you gather the papers.
How Can You Check Your Own Passport’s Strength?
Use the official Henley tool or the Passport Index by Arton Capital to see your passport’s score, and then confirm each destination on a government page. The lists update often, so check the month shown.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Henley Passport Index site and find your passport in the list.
- Note the visa-free count and the month of the edition.
- Open the Passport Index by Arton Capital and compare your passport’s score there.
- For each country on your trip, open the official entry page and confirm the current rules.
- Check your passport’s expiry date against the validity each country asks for.
Do not rely on a third-party site that charges a fee to “check” your access. The indexes are free to read. If your passport expires within the next year, renew early. Our passport renewal guide compares the routes, and the guide on how long it takes to get a passport shows how to budget the time.
How Should Americans Use the Ranking When Planning a Trip?
Use it to compare options, then verify every stop on official pages, because the count can change between the day you book and the day you fly. The score is a starting point.
Start with your route. If you visit several countries in one trip, list each one and check the stay limit, the passport validity rule and any online form. Then check the date of the index you read. A list from January can differ from the July edition, and a country can add a rule at any time. Keep a printed or saved copy of your entry confirmations, since airlines may ask for them at check-in. Families should also remember that children need their own passports, so plan that early. The guide to lost passport replacement explains what to do if your document goes missing during a trip.
Which Passports Rank Lowest?
Afghanistan sits at the bottom of the Henley list, with access to about 23 destinations in the July 2026 edition. Syria and Iraq are close to it, with 26 and 29 destinations.
The gap between the top and the bottom is large. Singapore’s score is more than eight times that of Afghanistan. The difference reflects conflict, sanctions and strained diplomatic ties, since visa rules usually follow a country’s security profile and its relations with other states. It also shows why a passport’s strength can change a person’s options for study, work and travel, even when talent and effort are equal.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Travel Options Open?
Keep your passport valid, apply early for visas and track rule changes for the places you want to visit. The rank may change, but good habits do not.
- Renew your passport at least 3 months before you travel.
- Check validity rules, since many destinations want 6 months of validity beyond your trip.
- Save copies of your passport and travel documents in a secure place.
- Sign up for State Department travel alerts for your destination.
- Allow extra time if your route includes a country that requires an e-visa.
If you are planning a first passport, read our guide on the passport application process before you start, and use the passport photo requirements page to avoid a rejected photo. For official rules, use the State Department’s passport pages.
FAQs
What is the world passport ranking in 2026?
Singapore ranks first in the July 2026 Henley Passport Index with 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the UAE tie for second with 188.
Where does the US rank in the world passport ranking?
The US is tied for 10th in the July 2026 Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations. It was 12th in 2025.
Who publishes the world passport ranking?
Henley & Partners publishes the best known list, the Henley Passport Index, using IATA data. Arton Capital publishes the separate Passport Index.
Why did the US passport drop in the ranking?
Several countries ended or limited visa-free access for Americans, often citing reciprocity. Newsweek reported a loss of seven destinations in 12 months, including Vietnam, China and Brazil.
How often does the world passport ranking change?
Henley updates its index through the year, and the July 2026 edition marked its 20th anniversary. Arton updates in real time. Scores can change whenever a visa rule changes.
Does a high passport rank mean I can enter without paperwork?
No. Many visa-free destinations still ask for a valid passport, a return ticket or an online authorization. Check each country’s official entry page before you travel.
Which passport is the weakest?
Afghanistan is last in the Henley list, with access to about 23 destinations. Syria and Iraq are also near the bottom.
Conclusion
The world passport ranking is a useful snapshot, not a final score. Singapore leads with 192 destinations, and the US ties for 10th with 180, still a strong position. Treat the number as a planning aid, confirm the rules for each destination, and keep your passport valid so you can travel when the rules allow.
