Maldives retains top passport ranking in South Asia
In the 2026 ranking, the Maldivian passport was placed 52nd globally and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 92 countries.
The Maldivian passport has retained its position as the highest-ranked passport in South Asia, according to the latest Global Passport Rankings released by Henley & Partners.
In the 2026 ranking, the Maldivian passport was placed 52nd globally and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 92 countries.
India ranked second within South Asia. The Indian passport was placed 80th in the global ranking and allows visa-free access to 55 countries.
Bhutan’s passport ranked 85th and provides visa-free access to 50 countries.
Other South Asian countries ranked lower. The Sri Lankan passport was placed 93rd and allows visa-free access to 39 countries. Bangladesh ranked 95th, with its passport providing access to 37 countries without a visa. Nepal was ranked 96th and allows visa-free entry to 35 countries. Pakistan’s passport was ranked 98th and provides visa-free access to 31 countries, making it the lowest-ranked passport in the region.
A total of 199 passports were included in this year’s ranking.
Singapore topped the global list, with its passport allowing visa-free access to 192 countries. Japan and South Korea were ranked second, with access to 188 countries.
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland jointly occupied third place. Passports from these countries allow visa-free entry to 186 countries.
