Strongest European Passports for Visa-Free Travel in 2026 Emerge
- A new Passport Reports ranking measured passport strength across Europe based on visa-free access, ETAs, and visa-on-arrival eligibility
- Spain ranked third globally and topped the European list, while Luxembourg came in fifth place worldwide with a mobility score of 173
- Belgium, France, and six other European nations also featured in the top rankings, with several countries sharing equal positions
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Madrid, Spain - A new study by Passport Reports has ranked passport strength across the globe, measuring how many destinations travellers can visit without applying for a visa in advance, through an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or by obtaining a visa on arrival.
The ranking placed the UAE and Singapore in first and second place respectively, with Malaysia taking fourth. Two European countries, however, broke into the global top five.
Source: Getty Images
Spain leads Europe in passport strength
Spain was ranked the strongest European passport for visa-free travel, finishing third overall with a mobility score of 174. Spanish passport holders can visit 121 countries without a visa and an additional 42 destinations via visa on arrival. An ETA is required for travel to 11 countries, while a visa must be obtained in advance for 24 others.
Luxembourg came in fifth place globally, scoring 173 for mobility. Holders of a Luxembourgish passport can access 122 countries visa-free and reach a further 41 via visa on arrival. An ETA is needed for 10 destinations, and a prior visa is required for 25.
Belgium, France, 6 others follow closely
Belgium and France share sixth place, both scoring 173 for mobility. Passport holders from either country can enter 121 destinations without a visa and 41 more with a visa on arrival, while an ETA is required for 11 countries and a visa is needed for 25.
Source: Getty Images
Also on 173 points, six European nations jointly occupy seventh place: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Their passport holders can travel visa-free to 120 destinations, access 42 countries via visa on arrival, use an ETA for 11, and require a prior visa to enter 25.
The study highlights the significant travel flexibility enjoyed by European passport holders, though the rankings also show that even the continent's strongest passports still require advance visa applications for a notable number of destinations worldwide.
According to Euronews, the world’s strongest passports for visa-free travel are highlighted below:
- 1. UAE
- 2. Singapore
- 3. Spain
- 4. Malaysia
- 5. Luxembourg
- =6. Belgium
- =6. France
- =7. Denmark
- =7. Finland
- =7. Germany
- =7: Italy
- =7. Netherlands
- =7. Sweden
- 8. Greece
- =9. Portugal
- =9: Switzerland
- 10. Austria
- 11. Norway
- 12. Ireland
- 13. Japan
- 14. Malta
- =15. Hungary
- =15. Poland
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UK lists conditions for faster border clearance
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the UK government outlined the conditions travellers must meet to qualify for the Registered Traveller service, a scheme that allows eligible individuals to pass through the nation's border more quickly.
To be considered, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and hold an eligible passport.
Source: Legit.ng
