Methodology
How the index works
A transparent look at how 199 passports are scored, ranked and grouped.
What the score means
Each passport's mobility score is the number of destinations its holders can enter visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an electronic travel authorization. The higher the score, the greater the travel freedom.
How ranks are assigned
Passports are ranked from highest to lowest mobility score. Countries with identical scores share the same rank, so the index reflects true ties rather than arbitrary ordering.
Strength tiers
To make the data glanceable, every passport is grouped into a strength tier based on its score. Tiers give you an instant sense of a passport's global standing without reading the raw numbers.
The strength tiers
World-leading travel freedom. Near-borderless global access.
Broad access across most of the world with minimal friction.
Solid regional reach with visas needed for many destinations.
Restricted access. Advance visas required for most travel.
Very limited mobility. Visas needed almost everywhere.
Scores are benchmarked against a maximum of 198 possible destinations and reflect the 2026 global passport landscape. Figures are indicative and provided for informational purposes only.
Methodology FAQs
How is a passport mobility score calculated?
A passport's mobility score is the number of destinations its holders can enter without arranging a visa in advance. It counts visa-free destinations, visa-on-arrival destinations, and destinations that only require an eTA (electronic travel authorization).
What is the difference between visa-free, visa on arrival, eTA and eVisa?
Visa-free means you enter with just your passport. Visa on arrival means you get a visa at the border. An eTA is a quick online approval obtained before you fly. An eVisa is a full visa you apply for online before travelling.
Where does the passport data come from?
Passport Atlas is built on the Passport Index visa-requirement dataset, which maps the entry requirement between every pair of the 199 passports and destinations in the world.
How often is the passport ranking updated?
The ranking reflects the 2026 global passport landscape. Visa policies change through the year, so figures are indicative and provided for informational purposes.
