Malaysia Passport ranked higher than US Passport
Malaysia Passport ranked higher than US Passport
Not sure this is the first time, Malaysia Passport ranked higher than US Passport in Jan 2026.
In a historic shift for global mobility, the Henley Passport Index 2026 has ranked Malaysia at 9th place globally, officially surpassing the United States (which now sits at 10th).
We don’t make up the ranking, it is from Henley & Partners at: https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking
The Numbers: 180 vs. 179
The ranking is based on how many destinations a citizen can enter without a prior visa. As of January 2026:
- Malaysia: 180 visa-free destinations (Rank: 9)
- United States: 179 visa-free destinations (Rank: 10)
While it’s only a one-destination difference, the symbolic weight is massive. Over the last decade, the US and the UK have seen a steady decline from their joint 1st-place position in 2014. Meanwhile, Malaysia has been quietly climbing, re-entering the Top 10 and proving that steady diplomacy pays off.
With Singapore holding the #1 spot globally (192 destinations) and Malaysia at #9, Southeast Asia is becoming a powerhouse for travel. It reflects a “geopolitical recalibration” where Asian nations are gaining the travel freedom once reserved exclusively for Western powers.
So, for all the Malaysians planning their next getaway: your passport is now officially a bigger flex than an American one. Not sure how this going to last but Malaysia Passport ranked higher than US Passport for now.
For advertisements, please contact us at [email protected]
