Politis

The World’s Most Powerful Passports for 2026 – Cyprus’s Notable Position

Published January 15, 2026, 13:23
The World’s Most Powerful Passports for 2026 – Cyprus’s Notable Position

The Henley Passport Index 2026 report ranked countries' passports based on visa-free access to various destinations. Singapore holds the top spot, allowing its citizens to visit 192 countries without a visa, while Japan and South Korea are tied for second place with access to 188 destinations. Five European countries – Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland – share third place, and Greece is in fourth place alongside nine other European countries. Cyprus is ranked 14th. The United Arab Emirates has made the most significant progress in the ranking over the past 20 years, adding 149 visa-free destinations and climbing 57 places. This is attributed to diplomatic activity and the liberalization of its visa regime. Conversely, the United Kingdom has experienced the largest losses in the ranking, losing visa-free access to eight destinations. The United States has returned to 10th place but still lags behind 37 other countries. The report highlights the importance of mobility and diplomatic strength for global access, while the ranking of passports is influenced by geopolitical developments and changes in visa policies.