{
  "id": 10623161,
  "title": "Malaysia’s passport is now No. 2 globally, rising above the UK, US and Germany",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/malaysias-passport-is-now-no-2-globally-rising-above-the-uk-us-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T06:12:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/asean/2026/09/29/malaysias-passport-is-now-no-2-globally-rising-above-the-uk-us-and-germany/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's passport has climbed to the second spot globally, surpassing the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany according to the Passport Index Global Passport Power Rank 2026. The country shares this rank with Singapore, while the United Arab Emirates maintains the top position. The Malaysia Immigration Department attributes this rise to the passport's enhanced international acceptance and the strength of the Malaysian passport.\n\nMalaysian passport holders enjoy access to 175 destinations, with 129 of them offering visa-free entry and 46 providing visas upon arrival. There are 23 destinations that require a visa. Ahead of major Western economies, Spain holds the third place in the 2026 ranking. Sixteen countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Norway, Ireland, and Japan, share the fourth place. The United Kingdom is ranked seventh, while Canada and New Zealand occupy the eighth position. The United States is ranked tenth globally.\n\nThailand shares the 53rd position globally, alongside Vanuatu. The latest ranking places Malaysia's passport ahead of several advanced economies, highlighting the country's increased international mobility.",
  "summary": "Malaysia’s passport has risen to second place globally in the Passport Index Global Passport Power Rank 2026, moving up from third place last year. Malaysia shares the second spot with Singapore, while the United Arab Emirates retains first place. Malaysia’s Immigration Department said the ranking reflects the strength and international acceptance of the Malaysian passport. […] The post…",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's passport ranks No. 2 globally, above UK, US, and Germany",
    "Malaysian passport holders can travel to 175 destinations, with 129 visa-free",
    "UAE tops the Passport Index, while Spain is third in 2026 ranking"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's rise in the global passport ranking signifies enhanced international acceptance and mobility for its citizens, surpassing major Western economies like the UK, US, and Germany.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}