Compare Passports: Side-by-Side Strength Comparisons (2026)
Wondering which passport gives more freedom? Each comparison below puts two passports side by side: visa-free access totals, key destination breakdowns, and where each has an edge. Based on Henley Passport Index 2026 data.
Passport Strength Quick Reference (2026)
| Passport | Visa-Free / VOA Countries | Henley Rank (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ~186 | #5 |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~88 | #65 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | ~78 | #69 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | ~70 | #76 |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | ~65 | #79 |
| 🇮🇳 India | ~62 | #80 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ~47 | #92 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ~42 | #99 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | ~34 | #104 |
Source: Henley Passport Index, early 2026. Approximate figures including both visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. Updated quarterly.
All Passport Comparisons
~62 vs ~34 countries. India wins Southeast Asia; Pakistan wins China access. See the full breakdown.
~62 vs ~70 countries. Philippines wins Latin America; India wins Nepal and Bhutan.
~62 vs ~47 countries. India wins globally; Nigeria wins 15 ECOWAS nations.
~34 vs ~47 countries. Nigeria wins globally; Pakistan wins China and Iran access.
~62 vs ~186 countries. The OCI card, dual citizenship, and the massive gap explained.
~62 vs ~88 countries. China wins UAE and Russia; India wins Nepal and Bhutan.
~70 vs ~47 countries. Philippines wins Latin America; Nigeria wins West Africa.
~34 vs ~42 countries. Bangladesh slightly stronger globally; Pakistan wins China (90-day visa-free).
~47 vs ~65 countries. Ghana wins globally; both share ECOWAS access in West Africa.
~70 vs ~78 countries. Indonesia wins globally; Philippines wins Latin America. Both share ASEAN access.
How Passport Strength Is Measured
The most commonly cited measure of passport strength is the Henley Passport Index, which counts how many countries a passport holder can access without a prior visa (visa-free access) or with a visa issued immediately on arrival (visa-on-arrival). It does not include eVisas, which still require advance online applications.
There are several other passport ranking systems, including the Arton Capital Passport Index and the Global Passport Power Rank, each with slightly different methodologies. The Henley Index is the most widely cited in media and is updated quarterly.
Why Comparisons Are More Useful Than Raw Rankings
A raw passport rank tells you a single number, but it doesn''t tell you which specific countries the gap covers. For a person planning to visit Europe, the Schengen visa requirement is the practical issue -- and whether India ranks #80 or #82 doesn''t change the fact that both require a Schengen visa. What matters is the specific destinations you plan to visit and whether your passport covers them.
That''s what our side-by-side comparisons are for: each comparison highlights the specific destinations where the two passports differ, so you can see what actually matters for your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the strongest passport in the world in 2026?
In 2026, the strongest passports by Henley Index ranking include Singapore, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Finland, each with access to 192+ countries. The US passport ranks approximately #5 with access to around 186 countries. All these top-tier passports grant visa-free entry to virtually all of Europe, the Americas, and most of Asia.
Does a stronger passport mean you can live or work in more countries?
No. Visa-free access counts refer to short-stay tourism and business visits only -- typically 30-90 days depending on the country. The right to live and work in a foreign country requires a completely different visa category (residence permit, work visa, skilled worker visa) regardless of passport strength. A strong passport makes tourism and short business visits easier, not immigration.
Can passport strength be changed?
An individual cannot change their passport strength. Passport strength is determined by bilateral agreements between governments, not by individual attributes. What individuals can do is acquire a second citizenship -- either by naturalization (living in a country for a required period and meeting criteria) or by investment programs. Second citizenship gives access to a second passport, which may be stronger than the first.
Is the Henley Passport Index the same as the Global Passport Power Rank?
No. The Henley Passport Index and the Arton Capital Passport Index (Global Passport Power Rank) use slightly different methodologies and data sources, which can result in different rankings for the same passports. The Henley Index is updated quarterly using IATA travel information database data. The Arton Capital index is also regularly updated. Minor rank differences between the two are common; large differences are rare for well-established passports.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy