Miscellaneous Current Affairs · 15 January 2026

Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore ranks 1st and India ranks 80th

Exam-focused facts from the 15 January 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Singapore remains the strongest passport in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations.
  • Japan and South Korea follow closely in the second position with access to 188 destinations.
  • India’s passport improved to 80th position, tied with Algeria, climbing five spots from last year’s ranking of 85th.
  • Indian citizens can now travel to 55 countries without a prior visa through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) arrangements.
  • The United Arab Emirates emerges as a new standout at fifth place with 184 destinations.
  • The United States is ranked 10th on the list with access to 179 destinations.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.

Strongest Passports List for 2025 Released

Arton Capital, a global citizenship financial advisory service, released the list of the strongest passports in 2025. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured the first position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.

Countries with the strongest passports in 2025

Singapore leads the world with its passport granting access to 193 destinations. South Korea’s passport holds the number two spot on the list by allowing access to 190 destinations.