January 23, 2026 | 11:06 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The strength of the Malaysian passport has continued to increase in recent months. For the past two months, its power has surpassed that of the United States and several European countries. The increasing strength of the Malaysian passport is driven by the country's political stability, low immigration risks, and relatively transparent institutions, as cited by sources such as Vn Express.
In the 2026 Henley Passport Index, released on January 13, the Malaysian passport ranks ninth globally. This ranking places it above the US, which sits in 10th place, and several European nations, including Monaco and Bulgaria.
Malaysian citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to 180 countries and territories. Malaysia also stands as one of only five Asian economies represented in the global top 10 for 2026, alongside Singapore (1st), South Korea and Japan (tied for 2nd), and the United Arab Emirates (5th).
Second Strongest Southeast Asia After Singapore
Within Southeast Asia, the Malaysian passport remains the second strongest after Singapore, which holds the top position. The January ranking marks a significant climb from Malaysia's 12th-place position in 2025. Over the 20-year history of the index, Malaysia's highest ranking was 8th in 2014. The passport previously ranked ninth in 2006 and 2013, while in other years it fluctuated between 10th and 14th place. This ranking serves as a key indicator of the country's long-term stability and consistent global perception.
Malaysia is recognized for its political stability, low immigration risks, and relatively transparent institutions. Malaysian citizens are generally considered low-risk and law-abiding by international immigration authorities, a factor that supports the continued extension of visa-free access.
Malaysia's economic status serves as another primary contributor to this growth. As a regional hub for manufacturing and trade, Malaysia boasts skilled labor, stable purchasing power, and a responsible tourism image, all of which strengthen international confidence in Malaysian passport holders.
Diplomacy further reinforces this strategic advantage. Malaysia actively pursues multilateral involvement and strengthens relations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa while maintaining close ties with Western nations.
In terms of border openness, Malaysia ranks 13th globally for granting visa-free access, visa on arrival, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) to citizens of 167 countries and territories.
Malaysia is also set to launch a passport featuring a new design and enhanced security features within the next six months, according to NST Online. A new design will also be introduced for MyKad, the Malaysian national identity card. Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that this step is necessary to bolster security features, as both documents are vital instruments of national security.
Read: Singapore Holds World's Strongest Passport, US Drops to 10th
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