World Passport Rankings 2026

These passport rankings reflect a period where diplomatic credibility and bilateral agreements have become the primary drivers of international travel freedom.

According to the newly released Henley Passport Index, Singapore remains the world’s most powerful passport, providing its holders with visa-free access to 192 destinations.

Japan and South Korea follow closely in second place, both with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations.

European excellence continues to define the 2026 passport rankings. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland hold the third tier, while other Schengen nations dominate the top ten.

Here is the Top 10 for 2026:

Rank	Passport	Visa-free score
1	Singapore	192
2	Japan, South Korea	188
3	Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland	186
4	Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Netherlands	185
5	Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates	184
6	Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, Poland	183
7	Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom	182
8	Canada, Iceland, Lithuania	181
9	Malaysia	180
10	United States	179

Australia’s Global Standing

As of early 2026, the Australian passport remains a premier document for global mobility, though its specific rank varies slightly by index.

On the Henley Passport Index, Australia currently holds equal 7th place, sharing the position with the United Kingdom. Holders of an Australian passport currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 destinations.

While its travel power remains elite, the Australian passport has reinforced its status as the world’s most expensive travel document.

As of January 1, 2026, the fee for a standard 10-year adult passport has increased to $422, up from $412 in 2025. For citizens applying from overseas, an additional surcharge of $189 applies, bringing the total cost to $611.

Despite these costs, the Australian passport remains a gold standard for individuals seeking political stability and high-level international access.

Path to Citizenship

These differences in travel freedom show why choosing the right citizenship is such a vital part of your long-term plan. For many skilled professionals and investors, the goal is not merely residency, but the eventual acquisition of a high-tier passport that facilitates unfettered global access.

Securing Australian citizenship is the final step in a journey that often begins with skilled or business migration.

The transition from a permanent resident to an Australian citizen is a structured legal process involving residency requirements, character assessments, and a citizenship test.

Given the complexities of Australian migration law and the frequent updates to fee structures and eligibility criteria, ensuring that every stage of your visa journey is handled with professional precision is vital to reaching the ultimate goal of naturalisation.

How This is Australia Can Help

Securing a powerful passport begins with a successful migration strategy. At This is Australia, our Gold Coast-based Licensed Migration Agents specialise in creating clear, legal pathways from initial visa grants to Australian citizenship.