Hong Kong residents will start 2026 with a little more freedom in their wallets. The new Henley Passport Index, released on 24 January, shows the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport rising two notches to 45th place worldwide, giving holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 171 jurisdictions. (travelandtourworld.com)
Although the SAR’s ranking still lags behind Asian neighbours such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea, mobility experts note that breaking the 170-destination threshold is symbolically important for corporate travellers who need to pivot quickly between markets. The upgrade reflects a handful of bilateral deals sealed in 2025 with Central-Asian and Caribbean states, as well as simplified e-visa-on-arrival procedures in parts of Africa.
![Hong Kong passport climbs to 45th place in 2026 Henley Index, granting visa-free access to 171 destinations]()
For firms headquartered in Hong Kong the broader reach reduces travel-planning friction and lowers compliance costs. Global mobility managers told Travel & Tour World that employees on regional assignments can now bypass time-consuming consulate visits for short trips to emerging markets, accelerating project deployment schedules and lowering per-diem budgets.
Immigration advisers nevertheless caution that the SAR’s unique status means its passport power is sensitive to shifts in geopolitical sentiment. “A ranking gain is welcome, but companies should still build contingency for sudden policy reversals, particularly in the Americas,” said Joël Li, partner at Baker McKenzie. He advises clients to monitor ESTA and eTA rule changes closely.
Practical tip: organisations should update their travel-risk platforms to reflect the new visa-exemption map and remind staff that some destinations, notably the United States, still require online travel authorisation even when a formal visa is waived.
Although the SAR’s ranking still lags behind Asian neighbours such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea, mobility experts note that breaking the 170-destination threshold is symbolically important for corporate travellers who need to pivot quickly between markets. The upgrade reflects a handful of bilateral deals sealed in 2025 with Central-Asian and Caribbean states, as well as simplified e-visa-on-arrival procedures in parts of Africa.
For firms headquartered in Hong Kong the broader reach reduces travel-planning friction and lowers compliance costs. Global mobility managers told Travel & Tour World that employees on regional assignments can now bypass time-consuming consulate visits for short trips to emerging markets, accelerating project deployment schedules and lowering per-diem budgets.
Immigration advisers nevertheless caution that the SAR’s unique status means its passport power is sensitive to shifts in geopolitical sentiment. “A ranking gain is welcome, but companies should still build contingency for sudden policy reversals, particularly in the Americas,” said Joël Li, partner at Baker McKenzie. He advises clients to monitor ESTA and eTA rule changes closely.
Practical tip: organisations should update their travel-risk platforms to reflect the new visa-exemption map and remind staff that some destinations, notably the United States, still require online travel authorisation even when a formal visa is waived.
Source: Travel & Tour World
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