The Australian passport. Photo courtesy of UNSW
Australian passport, the world’s most expensive, ranked the seventh most powerful globally in the latest Henley Passport Index 2026, down one place from last year and weaker than Malaysia’s.
Australia shared the position with Canada, Czechia, Latvia, New Zealand, Slovakia and Slovenia, with their holders able to enjoy visa-free access to 182 destinations out of 227 countries and territories.
Malaysia’s passport, which ranked 12th last year, jumped to secure the sixth place this year, marking its highest position in the 20-year history of the index.
Malaysian passport holders are allowed to enjoy visa-free access to 183 destinations.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s passport is the second most powerful after Singapore’s, which is also the world’s most powerful passport that allows visa-free entry to 193 destinations.
Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share the second position.
The Australian passport is the most expensive in the world, with its citizens paying AU$422 (US$302) to obtain the international travel document, following a price increase in January 2026, according to British comparison website Compare the Market.
The Henley Passport Index tracks global travel freedom across 227 countries and territories, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
It ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. Updated regularly throughout the year to reflect changes in visa policies, the index is widely regarded as a key measure of global mobility.
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