Singapore Tops 2026 Passport Ranking, Bangladesh Remains Near Bottom

Singapore has once again secured the top position in the 2026 global passport strength ranking, while Bangladesh remains near the bottom at 95th place.

According to the latest data from the Henley Passport Index, Singaporean citizens can travel to 192 countries without a visa, the highest in the world. In contrast, Bangladeshi passport holders can access only 36 destinations either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.

The second position is jointly held by Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to 187 countries.

Among European nations, Norway and Switzerland rank among the top, with access to 185 destinations. European countries overall maintain strong positions due to stable economies and robust diplomatic ties. The European Union average stands at around 183 visa-free destinations, comparable to Malaysia and the United Kingdom, while Canada and the United States trail slightly behind.

Bangladesh continues to lag in the rankings, with its citizens enjoying limited visa-free or visa-on-arrival access compared to the global average. Even within South Asia, the country falls behind, posing challenges for international travel and employment opportunities.

Experts say passport strength depends on factors such as diplomatic relations, economic stability, security conditions, and immigration policies. High population density, migration trends, and concerns over visa misuse have contributed to stricter entry policies for Bangladeshi travelers.

Countries near the bottom of the ranking, such as Somalia, Nigeria, and Congo, allow visa-free access to fewer than 50 destinations. Political instability and economic challenges in these nations significantly hinder global mobility.

Analysts note that passport inequality reflects more than just travel convenience—it highlights disparities in global opportunities. A person’s country of birth often determines how easily they can move across the world.