In a highly positive development for international travel and mobility, Sri Lanka’s passport has achieved its strongest global standing in recent years, securing the 94th position in the newly released 2026 Henley Passport Index.
According to the latest global rankings, Sri Lankan passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 39 destinations worldwide. This milestone reflects a continuous and steady upward trajectory for the nation’s global mobility, recovering strongly from previous years.
The 2026 ranking is particularly significant, as it represents the country’s best performance since 2014. The Sri Lankan passport has demonstrated consistent year-on-year growth, climbing up from the 96th position held in both 2024 and 2025. Looking further back, the passport was ranked 100th in 2023, 102nd in 2022, and had dropped to its lowest recent point at 107th in 2021. Climbing 13 positions within five years highlights a renewed strength in the country’s diplomatic and travel-related engagements.
The prestigious Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports globally, ranking them based on the number of destinations holders can access without requiring a prior visa. The index is compiled utilizing exclusive and authoritative data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
On a global scale, Singapore successfully retained its title as the world’s most powerful passport for 2026, granting its citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the international mobility index, occupying the 104th position.
This significant improvement in the passport rankings comes amidst expanding tourism links, increasing international engagement, and broader diplomatic relations. For the local travel and tourism sector, this steady rise serves as an encouraging indicator of growing international connectivity and expanding travel horizons.
