US Exits Top 10 Most Powerful Passports List for the First Time Ever
The Henley Passport Index has revealed significant changes in global passport rankings, with the US passport dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in its 20-year history. This development underscores a shift in global mobility and indicates changing dynamics in soft power.
Top Passports for Global Travel
Currently, three Asian passports lead the Henley Passport Index rankings:
- Singapore – 193 destinations
- South Korea – 190 destinations
- Japan – 189 destinations
US Passport Ranking
The United States passport has fallen to 12th place, sharing this position with Malaysia. Citizens of both countries enjoy visa-free access to 180 of the 227 tracked countries and territories.
This marks a notable decline from its previous standing; in 2014, the US held the top spot and managed to remain in the top 10 until July 2023.
Factors Behind the Decline
Several factors contributed to this change. Key developments include:
- Brazil revoked visa-free access for US citizens due to reciprocity issues.
- China has introduced more lenient visa policies for various European countries, but the US was excluded.
- Changes in entry requirements in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar have also impacted rankings.
- Somalia’s new eVisa system and Vietnam’s exclusion of the US from visa-free entries further diminished the US passport’s power.
Implications of the Ranking Shift
Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, noted that this decline reflects a larger trend in global mobility, emphasizing that nations promoting openness are advancing while others lag behind.
UK Passport’s Decline
The UK passport, which once topped the index in 2015, is now ranked 8th, falling from 6th place. This reflects broader trends of passport strength diminishing in both the US and UK over the past decade.
China’s Rise
China’s ascent in the rankings is noteworthy. The country climbed from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025, gaining access to 37 more destinations. Recent agreements have improved its access significantly.
Passport Rankings Overview
The current top-ranked passports according to the Henley Passport Index are as follows:
| Country | Visa-Free/Visa-on-Arrival Score |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 193 |
| South Korea | 190 |
| Japan | 189 |
| Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland | 188 |
| Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands | 187 |
| Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden | 186 |
| Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland | 185 |
| United Arab Emirates | 8th |
| USA, Malaysia | 180 |
Conclusion
This notable shift in the Henley Passport Index highlights changing international relations and emphasizes the importance of global mobility. The evolving rankings will likely impact international travel and diplomatic relations moving forward.
