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, but the introduction of greater European mobility access marked a change after years of political restrictions.

The shift shows how political recognition and agreements can affect passport access even when the underlying conditions for mobility have existed for some time.

3. India

India has recorded steady progress in passport access.

It reached 80th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, tied with Algeria, with access to 55 destinations. The country moved from 85th place the previous year.

The change has been linked to continued diplomatic engagement and visa liberalisation. Separate tracking during 2026 placed India around the mid-70s, with access to 56 destinations, indicating that its mobility position has continued to change.

4. Oman

Oman’s passport has also moved up in recent rankings.

In May 2026, Oman reached 55th position in the Henley Passport Index, compared with 57th in January. Omani citizens could travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 84 destinations.

New agreements with China and Russia contributed to the increase. China’s visa exemption for citizens of Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council states expanded access, while Oman’s mutual visa exemption agreement with Russia took effect in July 2025.

5. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s passport gains have come alongside the country’s Vision 2030 programme.

The country has expanded travel access while recording changes in areas including investment, income and gender indicators. A visa exemption agreement with China also increased access for Saudi citizens.

By 2026, regional reporting placed Saudi Arabia’s passport access at about 87 to 88 destinations without a prior visa.

6. Bahrain

Bahrain has also benefited from changes in passport access and wider economic indicators.

The country recorded an increase in gross national income per person, alongside changes in investment and gender indicators. Its mobility score moved less than some other measures.

Bahrain was also included in China’s visa exemption arrangements covering Gulf states, giving its citizens access to China without the usual visa process.

7. Hong Kong

Hong Kong moved 12 places to 31st in the rankings.

Mobility accounted for much of the increase, while changes in gender, investment and freedom indicators also contributed. The movement reflects a combination of visa waiver arrangements and changes across other measures rather than one agreement.

8. Philippines

The Philippines recorded a rise in accessible destinations during the period.

The number of destinations available without a prior visa increased from 64 to about 78. Philippine passport holders now have visa-free access to 36 countries and territories, with visa-on-arrival or eTA options covering a further 40 to 42 destinations.

The country’s foreign ministry has continued to pursue reciprocal visa arrangements, including discussions linked to possible Schengen access.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan remains near the bottom of global passport rankings but has recorded a change in direction.

Its passport ranked 97th in the February 2026 Henley Passport Index, compared with 98th in January and 103rd the previous year.

Pakistani citizens can access 32 destinations through visa-free entry, visa on arrival or eTA arrangements. The change includes the reinstatement of The Gambia, adding to the country’s travel options.