America Tightens Visa Access, While China Becomes More Open

Ohana Magazine – In 2026, the Henley Passport Index reveals an increasing gap between the strongest and weakest passports. Singapore continues to hold the top spot, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 24 countries. The gap between these two has grown significantly, from 118 destinations in 2006 to 168 in 2026. This growing divide shows how passport strength now impacts economic access, security, and opportunities around the globe.

Countries with stronger passports enjoy better mobility, while those with weaker passports face barriers to growth and engagement in the global community. This shift emphasizes the importance of having a passport that grants easy access to international markets, education, and political relations.

How the U.S. and China Are Changing Their Visa Policies

The visa policies of both the U.S. and China are undergoing significant changes. The U.S. grants its citizens access to 179 countries but only offers visa-free entry to 46 nations, placing it 78th in the Henley Openness Index. This shift shows a tightening of access, restricting global movement and highlighting protectionist tendencies.

In contrast, China is loosening its visa restrictions. Over the past two years, China has opened up visa-free access to over 40 additional countries, bringing the total number of countries it accepts without a visa to 77. This openness marks a dramatic contrast to the U.S.’s tightening policies and highlights China’s changing role on the world stage.

Why Mobility Matters: The Impact of Passport Strength

Passport strength has become a critical factor in global mobility. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin of Henley & Partners notes that global mobility has expanded, but its benefits are not evenly distributed. Countries with powerful passports provide their citizens with the freedom to move, access global markets, and take advantage of international opportunities. This mobility plays a key role in economic growth, business development, and diplomatic relations.

For countries with weaker passports, limited access to other nations can hinder their citizens’ potential to engage globally. As the gap between passport power widens, countries with stronger passports are becoming increasingly important players in international affairs.

The Controversial Shift in U.S. Border Policy

In 2026, the U.S. will implement a controversial policy that could impact travelers from 42 allied nations. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency plans to require travelers to submit extensive personal data, including social media history from the past five years, email and phone records from the past decade, and even biometric data and DNA samples. This data would be stored for up to 75 years.

Experts, such as Greg Lindsay from the Atlantic Council, warn that this policy could lead to ideological profiling and potential misuse of personal data. This controversial move signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy, where security concerns are increasingly intertwined with technological surveillance.

The Geopolitical Implications of Changing Visa Policies

The tightening of U.S. visa policies and China’s expanding openness have broader geopolitical implications. Misha Glenny, an international journalist, suggests that the decline in the visa-free access of the U.S. and U.K. reflects deeper geopolitical shifts. As the U.S. and U.K. reduce global access, China is positioning itself as a more welcoming and accessible power.

This change in global mobility is not just about technicalities; it reflects broader political trends. China’s increased openness is a strategic move, using visa access as a tool of soft power to enhance its global influence. Meanwhile, the U.S.’s tightening policy may lead to greater isolation and limit its international engagement.

China’s Approach: Using Openness as Soft Power

China’s visa policy shift is part of a broader strategy to expand its influence globally. As Dr. Tim Klatte from Grant Thornton China explains, “Openness is now an instrument of soft power.” By providing visa-free access to more countries, China positions itself as an attractive partner for business, diplomacy, and tourism. This approach reflects China’s desire to strengthen its global presence and foster better international relations.

In contrast to the U.S.’s restrictive policies, China’s openness is seen as a deliberate effort to shape its image as a cooperative and accessible global player. This strategic move highlights how visa policies can be used to enhance a country’s geopolitical standing.

What This Means for Travelers in 2026

For travelers in 2026, the changing visa policies will significantly impact how they plan their journeys. With the U.S. tightening access and China becoming more open, travelers must stay informed about evolving visa requirements. Understanding the visa policies of different countries will become essential for those looking to travel, work, or do business internationally.

As global mobility continues to evolve, travelers will need to adapt to new regulations. The shifts in U.S. and China’s visa policies are just the beginning of a larger trend that will reshape the way the world moves and interacts in the years to come.