Israeli Passport Reaches Highest Global Ranking Amid Security Challenges
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The Israeli passport has reached its highest global ranking at 18th place in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 166 countries. This achievement stands out amid Israel's low peace ranking and ongoing security challenges, reflecting strong diplomatic and economic ties. Globally, freedom of movement is increasing despite declining peace levels worldwide.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli passport ranks 18th globally, highest ever, with access to 166 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival.
- Israel is a statistical outlier with strong passport power despite low peace index ranking (159/163).
- Singapore leads the index with access to 192 countries; UAE shows largest improvement over 20 years.
- US passport falls to 10th place, UK rises to 6th after new visa exemptions.
- Global average passport access nearly doubled since 2006, now at 108 countries.
- Global Peace Index shows declining stability with 119 countries less peaceful than in 2008.
Despite ongoing security challenges in Israel, the Israeli passport has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the 2026 Henley & Partners Global Passport Index. Israel now ranks 18th worldwide, with holders able to enter 166 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access. This marks a significant improvement in the passport's status over the past two decades since the index's inception.
The report highlights Israel as a statistical outlier alongside the United States, where passport strength exceeds expectations based on their low peace index rankings. Israel ranks 159th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, placing it among the least peaceful nations, yet its passport power remains strong due to diplomatic relations, economic strength, and international trust.
Singapore tops the passport index again in 2026, offering access to 192 destinations without prior visas. Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place with access to 188 countries. The UAE has shown the largest improvement over 20 years, adding 153 visa-free destinations, reflecting the impact of consistent diplomacy and international cooperation.
The United States, once the leader in passport strength, now ranks 10th, reflecting shifts in global power balances. The UK improved to sixth place after gaining visa exemptions for China and Malawi. Overall, global freedom of movement is increasing, with the average passport granting access to 108 countries, nearly double the 58 countries accessible in 2006.
However, the Global Peace Index reveals a decline in worldwide stability, with 119 of 163 countries less peaceful than in 2008 and 103 involved in external conflicts in the past five years. While stronger passports generally correlate with higher peace levels, notable exceptions include Israel, the US, France, Ukraine, UAE, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia, which have stronger passports than their peace rankings would suggest.
Mentioned
