Vietnam’s Passport Climbs Global Rankings, Opening Visa-Free Access to 48 Destinations

Vietnam’s passport has moved six places up in the global passport rankings, giving its citizens easier travel access to 48 destinations worldwide, according to the latest global mobility index.

In the 2026 ranking by Henley & Partners, Vietnam’s passport now sits 84th in the world, an improvement from its position in December 2025.

The ranking means Vietnamese passport holders can now enter dozens of countries without applying for a visa in advance, either through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorization.

Where Vietnamese Travelers Can Go Without a Visa

According to the Henley Passport Index, 23 countries and territories offer visa-free entry to Vietnamese citizens.

These include several destinations across Southeast Asia and beyond:

• Singapore

• Thailand

• Malaysia

• Indonesia

• Philippines

• Cambodia

• Brunei

• Myanmar

• Laos

• Iran

• Kazakhstan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Mongolia

• Chile

• Barbados

Other visa-free destinations include Belarus, Dominica, Micronesia, Rwanda, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, and the Cook Islands.

Visa on Arrival and Electronic Entry Options

In addition to visa-free access, 22 destinations offer visas on arrival, including:

• Maldives

• Nepal

• Jordan

• Mauritius

• Madagascar

• Namibia

• Tanzania

• Timor-Leste

Meanwhile, three countries require electronic travel authorization (ETA) before arrival:

• Kenya

• Seychelles

• Sri Lanka

Vietnam Still Trails Regional Leaders

Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s passport remains behind several neighbors in travel freedom.

The world’s most powerful passport in 2026 belongs to Singapore, whose citizens can access more than 190 destinations visa-free or with simplified entry.

Other strong passports in the region include Malaysia and Brunei, while Japan, South Korea, and many European countries also rank among the world’s most powerful.

Visa Policies Slowly Improving

Vietnam’s rising ranking reflects gradual expansion of bilateral visa-waiver agreements and improvements in global mobility for its citizens.

At the same time, Vietnam itself has been expanding electronic visa (e-visa) programs and visa exemptions for foreign visitors, part of broader efforts to boost tourism and international business links.

While the Vietnamese passport still ranks in the middle globally, its steady climb signals growing international connectivity for the country’s travelers.