Australian Passport Ranking Drops in 2026 Henley Passport Index

The Australian passport, despite remaining one of the world’s most expensive, has fallen to seventh place in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting its holders visa-free access to 182 destinations. This marks a decline from its sixth-place ranking in the previous year and places it below Malaysia, which has seen a significant rise in its passport power.

Passport Power: Australia and Malaysia Compared

Australia shares its seventh-place ranking with Canada, Czechia, Latvia, New Zealand, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Passport holders from these nations can travel to 182 countries and territories without requiring a visa in advance . Malaysia, yet, has climbed to sixth place, offering visa-free access to 183 destinations – its highest-ever ranking in the 20-year history of the index .

Within Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s passport is now the second most powerful, trailing only Singapore, which jointly holds the top spot globally with Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, providing access to 193 destinations without prior visa requirements .

The Cost of Australian Travel Documents

Despite the slight dip in global ranking, the Australian passport remains the most expensive in the world. As of January 2026, Australian citizens pay AU$422 (approximately US$302) to obtain a new international travel document, following a price increase .

About the Henley Passport Index

The Henley Passport Index is the original and most authoritative ranking of world passports, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database . The index ranks 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free. It is updated regularly to reflect changes in global visa policies and is considered a key indicator of global mobility .

Key Takeaways

• The Australian passport ranks 7th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, down from 6th in the previous year.
• Malaysia’s passport has risen to 6th place, surpassing Australia in passport power.
• Australian passports are the most expensive in the world, costing AU$422.
• The Henley Passport Index is a leading authority on global travel freedom.