The Malaysian passport has climbed to second place in the world, up from third last year, in The Passport Index Global Ranking 2026. It now shares the silver tier with Singapore, with only the United Arab Emirates standing above it.
The Immigration Department announced the result in a social media post, describing it as a reflection of the strength and international acceptance of the Malaysian passport on the world stage.
“Based on the ranking, Malaysian passport holders have access to 175 destinations, comprising 129 visa-free destinations and 46 destinations with visa-on-arrival, while 23 destinations require a visa,” the department said.
Data published by passportindex.org puts the United Arab Emirates passport at the top of the Passport Power Rank, with Singapore and Malaysia tied in second. Spain holds third, while 16 countries share fourth place, among them Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Norway, Malay Mail reported.
The index scores each passport by the destinations its holders can reach, counting visa-free entry, visas issued on arrival and other travel access arrangements, The Sun explained. Figures collated by Khaosod English place the United Kingdom seventh, Canada and New Zealand eighth, and the United States tenth, while Thailand ranks 53rd.
Last year Malaysia finished third and shared that position with 17 other countries, according to DayakDaily.
The one-place improvement matters for ordinary travellers. Of the 175 destinations on the list, only 23 ask for a visa to be arranged before departure. The remaining 152 are covered by visa-free entry or visas issued at the border, so holders can plan most trips without queuing at an embassy or sending documents by post.
Visa-free entry means a holder is waved through on presentation of the passport. Visa-on-arrival means the permit is bought at the airport or crossing on the day of travel, usually for a small fee and a short wait. Neither requires an application before leaving home.
The department said the ranking shows how far the document is accepted overseas. The current Malaysian international passport was launched at the Parliament lobby in Kuala Lumpur on 30 June 2026.
Malaysia and Singapore are the only two passports in the silver tier. Both sit one place behind the United Arab Emirates and one place ahead of Spain, making them the two strongest passports in the region and placing them above most of Europe and North America on the same list.
