Macau passport falls to 32nd

Macau’s passport has fallen one spot to 32nd in the Henley Passport Index’s (HPI) 2026 global ranking, granting visa-free access to 141 countries and territories. The index, compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using International Air Transport Association data, ranks 199 travel documents by access to 227 destinations.

In 2026, Singapore claimed first place for the third consecutive year, with visa-free entry to 192 destinations, according to Henley.

Japan and South Korea tied for second, while Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland shared third place, each with 190 destinations.

Fourth place went to an all-European bloc – Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway – all scoring 185.

Fifth place, at 184 destinations, includes Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Disputing the index, Macau’s Identification Services Bureau (DSI) notes that as of late 2025, the MSAR passport actually allows visa-free travel to 146 countries and territories, including Jamaica, which lifted requirements last July.

Meanwhile, neighboring Hong Kong ranked 15th, rising three places, with its passport currently permitting visa-free travel to 171 destinations per Henley – though Hong Kong government data shows 174.

Adding convenience, the DSI announced yesterday that eligible Macau SAR passport holders can now use Malaysia’s automated immigration clearance system at airports. Travelers must still complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before entry.