Malaysian passport rises to second in global 2026 ranking

PETALING JAYA, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

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PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian passport has risen to second place in the Passport Index Global Ranking 2026, improving from third place last year.

According to the latest ranking, Malaysian passport holders have access to 175 destinations worldwide, including 129 offering visa-free entry and 46 where visas can be obtained on arrival. READ MORE: New Malaysian passport offers 10-year validity option READ MORE: Immigration suspends passports valid for more than 10 years Malaysian travellers require a visa before travelling to 23 destinations.

The latest ranking reflects the level of international travel access available to Malaysian passport holders and marks an improvement from Malaysia’s position in 2025.

The Passport Index Global Ranking 2026 measures passport strength based on the number of destinations accessible through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival arrangements and other travel access provisions.

The latest ranking places Malaysia among the countries with the highest levels of international passport mobility.

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Also reported by Muslim Network TV: PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (MNTV) — The Malaysian passport has risen to second globally in the Passport Index Global Ranking 2026, up from third last year, reports Malay Mail. The Immigration Department said the ranking reflected the passport’s strength and international acceptance.

Malaysian holders have access to 175 destinations — 129 visa-free and 46 with visa-on-arrival — while 23 require a visa.

On the Passport Index compiled by passportindex.org, the United Arab Emirates holds the top spot, with Singapore and Malaysia tied in second and Spain third; 16 other countries, including Germany, Sweden and Italy, share fourth.

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Also reported by Newswav: THE Malaysian passport has risen to second place globally in The Passport Index Global Ranking 2026, improving one spot from last year as holders gain access to 175 destinations worldwide.The Immigration Department said 129 of the destinations allow Malaysian passport holders to enter without a visa, while another 46 offer visa-on-arrival facilities.“Twenty-three destinations still require Malaysian passport holders to obtain a visa before travelling,” it said in a Facebook post today.The department said the improved ranking reflected the level of international acceptance and mobility enjoyed by Malaysian passport holders, strengthening Malaysia’s position in terms of global travel freedom.The achievement also demonstrated positive developments in Malaysia’s relations and cooperation with other countries, particularly in facilitating international travel, it said.“The ranking places the Malaysian passport among the travel documents offering broad access to international destinations this year,” it said.

Related: Immigration Department · Petaling Jaya