Israel Passport Hits Record 18th in Henley Index Despite 159th Peace Ranking
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 23
Israel Passport Hits Record 18th in Henley Index Despite 159th Peace Ranking
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 23
Summary
Israel reached 18th in the latest Henley Passport Index—its highest position since the ranking began 20 years ago—giving its citizens broad visa-free or simplified access despite the country’s security strains.
Henley said the result underscores that passport strength is driven not only by peace levels but also by diplomacy, economic weight, regional ties and confidence in state institutions.
Israel ranks 159th in the Global Peace Index, making it the world’s fifth least peaceful country, yet Henley identified Israel and the US as the clearest cases where mobility far outpaces peace scores.
The contrast comes as global peace deteriorated for a 12th straight year and conflicts involving states hit their highest level since World War II, highlighting how geopolitical influence can still preserve travel access.
Why do some of the world's most 'welcoming' countries for visitors have the world's weakest passports?
With the EU targeting 'golden passport' programs, is the era of buying powerful global citizenship coming to an end?
As digital authorizations replace visa waivers, will 'visa-free' travel become a thing of the past for everyone?
Passport Power in 2026: Expanding Access, Widening Gaps, and the Shifting Global Mobility Hierarchy
Overview
The global mobility landscape is rapidly transforming, with overall passport power expanding and more countries joining the top ranks. However, this broader access comes with intensified competition and widening disparities, making it harder for individual nations to maintain their advantage. Passport rankings now highlight global inequality, as a person’s country of birth strongly shapes their access to opportunities. The decline in U.S. passport strength over the past decade shows how traditional leaders can lose ground, while the growing number of powerful passports reflects both increased mobility options and the persistent gap between nations.