Passport Index Shows More Countries Gained Visa-Free Access in 10 Years as US Drops 5 Places
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 23
Passport Index Shows More Countries Gained Visa-Free Access in 10 Years as US Drops 5 Places
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 23
Summary
Passport Index’s 2026 update shows most passports gained mobility over the past decade as more governments signed visa-free and simplified-entry agreements.
China climbed by expanding bilateral access, while Georgia, Ukraine and Kosovo jumped after Schengen-related deals; small island states also rose as low-risk travelers and climate-vulnerable nations won exemptions.
The US fell five places to ninth after other countries applied reciprocity to Washington’s tighter visa rules, and Vanuatu dropped 14 spots after the EU and UK revoked visa-free access.
Afghanistan remains among the weakest passports, with visa-free access to just three countries and advance-visa requirements for 113, underscoring how mobility gaps still shape work, family travel and opportunity.
A new 'welcoming score' shows strong-passport countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand keep relatively closed borders even as digital ETAs and e-visas spread; the EU plans Etias by year-end.
Why do some of the world's most 'welcoming' countries for visitors have the world's weakest passports?
With the EU targeting 'golden passport' programs, is the era of buying powerful global citizenship coming to an end?
As digital authorizations replace visa waivers, will 'visa-free' travel become a thing of the past for everyone?
Passport Power in 2026: Expanding Access, Widening Gaps, and the Shifting Global Mobility Hierarchy
Overview
The global mobility landscape is rapidly transforming, with overall passport power expanding and more countries joining the top ranks. However, this broader access comes with intensified competition and widening disparities, making it harder for individual nations to maintain their advantage. Passport rankings now highlight global inequality, as a person’s country of birth strongly shapes their access to opportunities. The decline in U.S. passport strength over the past decade shows how traditional leaders can lose ground, while the growing number of powerful passports reflects both increased mobility options and the persistent gap between nations.