The World’s Most Powerful Passports 2025
World’s Most Powerful Passports 2025:
US Drops Out of the Top 10
For the first time in history, the United States has fallen out of the global top 10 for passport power. The latest Henley Passport Index — based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — ranks passports by how many destinations citizens can visit without a visa.
🏆 2025 Global Passport Rankings
- 🇸🇬 Singapore: 193 destinations (Rank 1)
- 🇰🇷 South Korea: 190 destinations (Rank 2)
- 🇯🇵 Japan: 189 destinations (Rank 3)
- 🇩🇪🇮🇹🇪🇸 Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland: 188 destinations
- 🇺🇸 United States: 180 destinations (Rank 12, tied with Malaysia)
The US passport once held the No.1 spot in 2014 but has gradually lost its dominance. In 2025, 36 countries now offer greater visa-free mobility.
💡 Why Did the US Fall?
The drop stems from recent diplomatic and visa policy changes:
- Brazil revoked visa-free entry for US, Canada, and Australia in 2024.
- Vietnam and Somalia excluded the US from new eVisa programs.
- China and Gulf nations expanded access to European travelers but not to Americans.
According to Henley’s chair, Christian H. Kaelin: “The declining strength of the US passport is not just about rankings — it reflects a shift in global soft power. Nations embracing openness are advancing, while those relying on old privilege are being left behind.”
🌏 Other Movers on the 2025 Index
While the US and UK declined, several nations made significant gains:
- 🇨🇳 China: Jumped from Rank 94 (2015) → Rank 64 (2025)
- 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates: Rose 34 spots in a decade, now Rank 8
- 🇩🇪 Germany: Maintains Europe’s strongest mobility
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan: Still bottom-ranked (24 destinations)
📉 A Decade of Decline for the US and UK
Both transatlantic powers are witnessing diminishing travel privileges. Analysts point to restrictive immigration policies, new EU travel requirements (ETIAS), and reciprocity issues. CNN’s Richard Quest commented: “It’s fair to say there’s a connection between tightening US policies and its global perception.”
Did you know? The US passport’s fall means Americans now enjoy the same visa-free access as Malaysia — 180 out of 227 destinations.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Henley Passport Index?
A. It’s a global ranking by Henley & Partners using IATA data to measure visa-free access for each nationality.
Q. Which passports are currently the strongest?
A. Singapore, South Korea, and Japan lead with access to 190+ destinations.
Q. Can passport power change quickly?
A. Yes — new visa agreements or diplomatic changes can dramatically shift rankings each quarter.