Passport Rating 2026: Which Country Has Surpassed the US and EU Giants?

Passports have long been more than just documents for crossing borders; they reflect international trust in a country and the opportunities available to its citizens. In 2026, the global passport power ranking produced an unexpected result, displacing the usual global players and major EU powers from their leading positions. Find out which country topped the passport index

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Documents issued by different countries vary significantly in terms of their ‘power’ — that is, the opportunities they provide to their holders outside their home country. We are talking about passports, whose positions are determined by a special international index. In 2026, Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, became the absolute leader among 199 countries, surpassing the United States and the largest countries of the European Union.

This was reported by analysts at Nomad Capitalist, a consulting company specialising in tax law, investment and citizenship issues.

What does a ‘strong passport’ mean?

A high position in the passport ranking reflects more than just freedom of travel. Experts evaluate several factors at once: the number of visa-free destinations, the tax system, the international perception of the country, the attitude towards dual citizenship, and the level of personal freedom of the passport holder. Together, these criteria show how integrated a country is into the global world and how much trust is placed in its documents.

Malta tops the ranking

According to the updated Passport Index, Malta received the maximum score of 109 points in 2026. The country has managed to combine a flexible tax regime with a relatively liberal dual citizenship policy. This has made the Maltese passport particularly attractive to entrepreneurs, investors and families seeking stable access to EU markets and a high level of international mobility.

Top 10 strongest passports in 2026

The top ten in the ranking includes the passports of Malta, Greece, Ireland, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Italy, New Zealand and Hungary. Romania caused a real sensation, rising from 21st place to second place. Experts attribute this leap to compliance with EU and Schengen Area standards, as well as a more open approach to dual citizenship.

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Where does the Ukrainian passport rank?

In 2026, the Ukrainian passport retained its position and remained in 73rd place. Analysts note that in the future, its position may improve due to the course towards European integration and the strengthening of international diplomatic ties. For comparison, the Russian passport ranked 96th, and the Belarusian passport ranked 123rd.

The ‘weakest’ passports in the world

At the bottom of the ranking, as usual, are countries with low international trust and limited travel opportunities. The ‘weakest’ passports of 2026 include those of Yemen, Somalia, Palestine, Iran, Pakistan, North Korea, Iraq, Eritrea, Syria and Afghanistan, which closed the list.

The decline of the United Arab Emirates deserves special attention. Just a few years ago, the UAE topped the index, but in 2026 it fell to 10th place. Despite the absence of personal income tax, a stricter policy on dual citizenship and corporate taxation has allowed other countries to overtake the Emirates in the ranking.

Reminder! From the beginning of 2026, Ukrainians will have to take into account the updated tariffs for processing passport documents and residence permits. The changes affect ID cards and foreign passports, as well as documents for temporary and permanent residence, which directly affects the cost of planning to replace or obtain new documents. Find out how much it now costs to obtain a passport in Ukraine and what prices will apply in 2026.

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