Brunei, one of Southeast Asia's most prosperous nations, has found that wealth alone does not open every door — its passport slipped one place to 19th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, now granting visa-free access to 163 destinations, three fewer than the year before. The quiet decline invites reflection on the gap between economic fortune and diplomatic reach, reminding us that a nation's freedom of movement is shaped as much by its relationships with the world as by its resources within it.
VnExpress International
· Jul 24, 2026
· governance
· 1 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Brunei's Passport Slips to 19th in Global Ranking Despite Regional Wealth
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Economy & Finance
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Bias & Framing
⚖
Article presents factual passport ranking data with mild framing that emphasizes Brunei's decline despite regional wealth, using comparative language that could suggest underperformance.
Bias Direction
center-left
Confidence
MED
Contrast framing: juxtaposes Brunei's regional wealth status against its global passport ranking decline, implying a gap between economic standing and travel freedom. The headline emphasizes the 'slip' and 'despite' wealth, creating a narrative of underperformance.
Slips to 19th
slight decline
drop of one place
Despite the drop
continues to hold one of the strongest passports
Analysis of why Brunei's visa-free destinations decreased (policy changes, geopolitical factors)
Expert commentary on the significance of dropping 3 destinations
Brunei government response or official statement
Comparison of economic wealth vs. passport strength correlation across other nations
Historical context of Brunei's passport ranking trajectory
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
Brunei's passport ranking decline reflects potential diplomatic isolation despite regional wealth, with implications for ASEAN soft power and bilateral visa relationships.
Escalation Risk
low
Confidence
MED
Brunei
Southeast Asia
ASEAN
Global travel/diplomatic networks
Singapore's dominance in regional soft power is reinforced (1st globally vs Brunei's 19th). Brunei's decline suggests weakening diplomatic reciprocity or visa agreements, potentially linked to its conservative governance policies limiting international engagement. Malaysia's stronger position (7th) indicates better diplomatic relationships and international integration.
Similar to how Iran's passport ranking reflects international isolation due to geopolitical tensions—Brunei's decline may correlate with its limited diplomatic outreach and conservative foreign policy stance relative to more internationally-engaged neighbors.
Economic Lens
📈
Brunei's passport ranking declined to 19th globally despite high GDP per capita, losing visa-free access to 3 destinations, signaling potential diplomatic or trade friction affecting citizen mobility and business competitiveness.
Market Signal
bearish
Confidence
MED
Tourism and hospitality
International business and trade
Aviation and travel services
Expatriate employment and relocation
Foreign direct investment
Brunei citizens face reduced travel convenience and increased visa processing costs/delays, potentially dampening tourism spending abroad and making business travel more cumbersome. This may reduce discretionary spending on international travel and affect quality of life for mobile populations.
Brunei may need to pursue bilateral visa agreements to restore lost access, review foreign policy positions affecting diplomatic relations, or enhance passport appeal through economic incentives. Regional competitors (Singapore, Malaysia) maintain stronger positions, creating pressure for policy adjustments to maintain competitive advantage.