world 22 July 2026 Nile Post
Uganda Holds 72nd Position in 2026 Passport Index; Kenya Leads East Africa
Uganda has maintained its 72nd global ranking on the 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 65 destinations. While Kenya leads East Africa with its passport ranked 68th, Uganda shows a steady, gradual recovery since its lowest point in 2021. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358277/uganda-retains-72nd-place-as-kenya-leads-east-africa-in-2026-passport-rankings
The 2026 Henley Passport Index confirms Uganda’s position at 72nd globally, providing its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 65 destinations. This ranking mirrors its standing in 2025, indicating stability in its international travel freedom.
Kenya continues to hold the most powerful passport in the East African region, climbing to 68th globally with access to 70 destinations. This is an increase from 68 visa-free destinations in the previous year.
Neighboring countries Rwanda and Tanzania are tied for 69th place, each offering access to 68 destinations. Rwanda has shown significant improvement, moving up from 76th place in 2025. Tanzania, however, saw a decrease in accessible destinations from 73 to 68.
Despite remaining behind Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania regionally, Uganda has demonstrated long-term progress. Having ranked as low as 81st in 2021, the country has steadily climbed to 78th in 2023 and 73rd in 2024, before stabilizing in recent years.
The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. Globally, Singapore holds the most powerful passport, with access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan, South Korea, and the UAE at joint second with 188 destinations.
The 20th anniversary edition of the index highlights a dramatic expansion of global mobility over the past two decades, with the average passport now offering access to 108 destinations, up from 58 in 2006.
Source: Nile Post