Cyprus passport climbs to 13th in 2026 Henley Index

Local economyTop Newstravel Cyprus passport climbs to 13th in 2026 Henley Index Cyprus Passport Relevant News Cyprus passport climbs to 13th in 2026 Henley Index 7 August 2026 Heatwaves expose overcrowding crisis in Europe’s ageing prisons 7 August 2026 Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to sign joint defence deal amid regional turmoil 7 August 2026 newsroom 7 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus’s passport ranks 13th in the world for 2026, giving holders visa-free access to 175 destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index. Cyprus improved by one place compared with 2025, when it ranked 14th. Its highest-ever ranking was 12th, achieved in 2006 and 2024. Greece ranks higher, in 5th place, with the Greek passport granting visa-free access to 185 destinations. The Henley Passport Index measures the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without needing to secure a visa before travelling. It is one of the leading international indexes for assessing travel freedom. Singapore first in the world Singapore took first place on the list of the world’s most powerful passports for 2026. Its passport offers visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates tied for second place, with access to 188 destinations. The presence of these three countries at the top reflects the growing influence of Asia and the Middle East in international mobility. Strong presence of European countries European countries maintained a strong presence at the top of the rankings. Passports from countries including Norway and Switzerland, as well as numerous European Union member states, provide access to more than 180 destinations. European integration and the numerous bilateral agreements concluded in recent decades explain their high ranking, having expanded citizens’ freedom of movement. The UAE’s impressive rise The United Arab Emirates recorded one of the biggest rises in the index’s history. Over the past two decades, its citizens gained visa-free access to 153 additional destinations. The UAE passport evolved from a medium-strength travel document into one of the strongest in the world. The country’s active diplomatic strategy, the expansion of international partnerships and the conclusion of reciprocal agreements to facilitate travel drove the rise. Afghanistan last Afghanistan ranks last on the list, with its passport offering visa-free access to just 22 destinations. The gap between the world’s strongest and weakest passports stands at 170 destinations, highlighting the wide inequalities in international travel freedom. Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen also rank near the bottom. Prolonged conflicts, political instability and a limited number of international travel facilitation agreements account for their low rankings. Global travel regulations, however, continue to change even for holders of strong passports. The UK and Canada have in recent years secured exemption from visa requirements for China, while Americans still need a visa to visit the country. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Heatwaves expose overcrowding crisis in Europe’s ageing prisons Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to sign joint defence deal amid regional turmoil Thai teen kills 7 in rampage at home and school before shooting himself Overnight pharmacies on Friday, August 7 Consumer satisfaction survey: what shapes mobile provider choice in Cyprus Guards’ union: inmates sleeping on ‘potato crates’ amid overcrowding Right lane closed on Famagusta-Larnaca motorway for works Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.