The most powerful passport in 2026 is the United Arab Emirates passport, which tops the PassRank index with a score of 169. The PassRank score counts how many destinations a passport can enter with no visa needed in advance — visa-free, visa on arrival, or via a quick electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
The top 10 passports of 2026
| Rank | Passport | PassRank score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Arab Emirates | 169 |
| 2 | Singapore | 163 |
| 2 | South Korea | 163 |
| 4 | Japan | 162 |
| 5 | Spain | 161 |
| 6 | Belgium | 160 |
| 6 | Denmark | 160 |
| 6 | Finland | 160 |
| 6 | France | 160 |
| 6 | Germany | 160 |
Passports with the same score share a rank, which is why several countries sit at #6. See the full ranking of all 199 passports for the complete list.
Why the UAE is on top
A decade ago the UAE passport was mid-table. It climbed by negotiating dozens of visa-waiver deals, especially across Europe, Latin America and Asia. In the current snapshot its access breaks down as 127 visa-free destinations, 34 visa-on-arrival and 8 eTA — the widest no-advance-visa reach of any passport.
The European and East Asian tier
Just behind the UAE sit Singapore, South Korea and Japan, then a tight band of EU passports — Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Nordics — all around 160. These passports change rank by one or two places year to year as individual waivers are added or paused.
The weakest passports
At the other end of the table, holders face visa requirements for most of the world:
| Rank | Passport | PassRank score |
|---|---|---|
| 195 | Somalia | 32 |
| 196 | Iraq | 29 |
| 196 | Pakistan | 29 |
| 198 | Syria | 26 |
| 199 | Afghanistan | 22 |
How we rank passports
PassRank uses a single transparent number — see how passport rankings are calculated and our methodology. The data is an open snapshot and our score may differ from commercial indices. Always confirm current visa rules with each destination’s official source before travelling.