Nine countries with the most improved passport access

Passport rankings are changing as countries secure visa agreements, strengthen diplomatic ties and expand access to international destinations.

For years, changes in passport rankings were often gradual, with countries moving only a few places over several years. Recent changes show that diplomatic agreements and regional cooperation can alter travel access within a shorter period.

The gap between the world’s strongest and weakest passports has also widened to 168 destinations in the 2026 index, with Singapore at the top and Afghanistan at the bottom. Against this divide, countries that have gained several places stand out for the progress made in expanding travel access.

Read also: Top 10 world’s strongest passports in 2026, according to Henley Passport Index

The following nine countries recorded changes in passport access during 2025 and 2026, based on the Henley Passport Index, the Arton Capital Passport Index and reporting tracking changes in visa access.

1. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has recorded the largest long-term increase in passport access in the Henley Passport Index.

Since 2006, the UAE has added 149 visa-free destinations and moved 57 places to fifth position. Some index data puts the increase at 153 destinations over the same period.

The UAE now provides visa-free access to 188 destinations. Its progress has been linked to diplomatic agreements, international partnerships and economic engagement.

2. Kosovo

Kosovo’s progress has been linked mainly to changes in political relations.

The country has moved 35 places in the rankings since 2016. Its passport remains below the global average,…