Slovaks edge ahead as Czech passport slips behind in global ranking

Czech citizens still hold one of the world’s strongest passports, but a new global ranking shows Slovakia has overtaken the Czech Republic for the first time in years.

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Czech passport holders can now travel to 183 destinations worldwide without needing a visa in advance. That places the Czech Republic joint sixth globally, alongside Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, and Poland.

Slovakia, by contrast, moved up to joint fifth place, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations.

For Czech travellers, the change is modest but noticeable. While the country improved its overall position by one place compared to the previous ranking released last autumn, it lost access to two destinations. Slovakia’s rise came without gaining any new destinations, but rather through shifts elsewhere in the ranking.

The difference is unlikely to affect most everyday travel plans, but passport rankings are closely watched by frequent travellers and businesses operating internationally. A stronger passport generally means fewer administrative hurdles, lower costs, and greater flexibility when travelling abroad.

Globally, Singapore once again tops the index, with its citizens able to enter 192 destinations visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 188 destinations. Several European countries dominate the upper tiers, including Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Switzerland.

Despite slipping behind Slovakia, Czech passport holders still enjoy broader travel access than citizens of several major English-speaking countries. The United Kingdom and Australia are joint seventh with 182 destinations, while Canada ranks eighth with 181. The United States sits in tenth place, allowing visa-free travel to 179 destinations.

At the other end of the table, Afghanistan remains last, with access to just 24 destinations. Passports from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan and Somalia also rank among the weakest worldwide.

The Henley Passport Index is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association and ranks countries by the number of destinations to which they can travel without a pre-arranged visa. It counts both fully visa-free access and visas obtained on arrival, but excludes destinations requiring advance approval.

For Czech citizens planning travel in 2026, the ranking confirms that international mobility remains high by global standards. While Slovakia may currently hold a slight edge, the Czech passport continues to rank among the world’s most powerful travel documents.