Passport Ranking 2026: UAE Takes the Top Spot; See Where India and Its Neighbors Rank
The 2026 passport rankings have been released, with the UAE’s passport emerging as the most powerful in the world. India has secured the 70th position. Take a look at which other countries made the list.
Everyone dreams of traveling the world, but not everyone gets to fulfill that dream. Often, issues related to visas or incomplete paperwork can turn a planned trip abroad into a major hassle. However, a recently released list of the world’s most powerful passports might just make your travel dreams a little easier to realize.
A "powerful" passport simplifies international travel, as it often allows for visa-free entry to various countries or grants the option to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Who topped the list?
The 2026 passport rankings are out, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has claimed the top spot. Here is a look at the rankings of other countries on the list:
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
2. Singapore and Malaysia
3. Spain
4. 17 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Norway, Ireland, and Japan.
5. 8 countries: Malta, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, and South Korea.
6. 4 countries: Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. 7. Cyprus and the United Kingdom
8. Canada, Liechtenstein, and New Zealand
9. Iceland and Australia
10. The United States
Where do India and Pakistan stand?
In this ranking, India is placed at the 70th position, while Pakistan is at the 42nd. However, holders of a Pakistani passport can travel to only 13 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance. In this regard, India ranks behind Pakistan.
How is this ranking determined?
Passport rankings are determined based on the number of countries or destinations to which a nation's citizens can travel without needing a visa in advance, or by obtaining a visa upon arrival. The greater the number of destinations accessible in this manner, the more powerful that country's passport is considered to be.
