Cypriot citizenship continues to remain one of the most attractive tools for international travel. According to the updated Henley Passport Index ranking for 2026, Cypriot citizens can visit 174 countries and destinations visa-free, which allowed the country to hold 14th place globally for the second year in a row. This result places Cyprus among states with a high level of global mobility and ahead of a number of major economies, demonstrating a strong link between freedom of movement, political stability, and effective diplomacy.
Long-term stability of results
Over the past two decades, Cyprus’s position in the index has remained remarkably stable. The country achieved its best results in 2012 and 2024, rising to 12th place, while the least successful period was 2010–2011, when the passport fell to 18th. This dynamic highlights the consistency of foreign policy and the trust of the international community.
What the Henley Passport Index reflects
The Henley Passport Index analyzes 199 national passports and 227 tourist and business destinations, assessing visa-free entry opportunities. Based on a twenty-year history of data, it is considered the most authoritative global benchmark, used by governments and analysts to evaluate geopolitical processes and international cooperation strategies.
Freedom of movement as a global value
At the European level, Cyprus remains competitive, although it trails countries in the top five of the ranking. Nevertheless, 14th place provides Cypriot citizens with significant advantages for work, study, doing business, and improving quality of life in a world where the ability to cross borders freely is becoming an increasingly valuable resource.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, freedom of movement is increasingly becoming a privilege. It is directly linked to political stability, diplomatic reliability, and a country’s international standing. Against this backdrop, Cyprus’s position looks especially significant, given its EU membership and strong international ties.
Global leaders and changes in the ranking
In 2026, the global leader in visa-free access remains Singapore with 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow, sharing second place. Among European countries, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland hold high positions, while Greece belongs to the next group of leaders. The United Arab Emirates have shown significant growth in recent years, while the United Kingdom and the United States have faced a decline in their rankings.