Singapore, Japan, South Korea lead 2025 passport rankings; US hits lowest rank in 20 years, visa access now down to 182 nations
A steady decline for the US passport
In 2006 and again in 2014, the United States held the number one position on the Henley Passport Index. But over the past two decades, it has consistently dropped in rankings. Between 2019 and 2024, the US passport hovered between the 6th and 7th spots. In 2025, it has dropped to 10th place — its lowest ever in the history of the index.
According to the index's data methodology, which counts multiple countries with the same score as occupying a single rank, there are now 33 countries that effectively outrank the United States. This slide coincides with domestic policy changes, including the Trump administration's earlier travel bans and current immigration crackdowns.
Global mobility led by Asian and European nations
Singapore holds the top rank for 2025, granting its citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow at number two with access to 190 countries. European countries continue to dominate the top tiers: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Finland are in third place, offering visa-free travel to 189 destinations.
Countries like Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden take the fourth position with access to 188 countries. Greece, Switzerland, and New Zealand are tied at fifth with 187 destinations.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has slipped to sixth place with visa-free access to 186 destinations. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, and Poland rank seventh, and Canada, Estonia, and the UAE occupy the eighth position. The UAE in particular has made significant progress, jumping 34 ranks in the past decade — from 42nd to 8th.
What's behind the US drop?
The US passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This drop is not just symbolic — it reflects a decline in international mobility for US citizens. In addition to policy-related shifts, the US recently introduced a new "visa integrity fee" for incoming international visitors. The fee, which will be at least $250 and is applicable to all visitors requiring non-immigrant visas, has drawn criticism from groups like the US Travel Association. They argue that such policies could discourage inbound travel and further isolate the country.
Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, said the consolidation seen at the top of the rankings highlights the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts. 'Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts,' he said.
Where does your passport rank? The 2025 Henley Passport Index ranks the world's passports according to the number of destinations they can access visa-free. The rankings are based on exclusive data from Timatic.Access the @HenleyPartners rankings 👉 https://t.co/msM7IKe7MJ pic.twitter.com/GFgG1vMOOA
The mobility gap is widening
While some countries move up, others are left far behind. At the bottom of the Henley Index are Afghanistan (25 destinations), Syria (27), and Iraq (30). This creates a gap of 168 destinations between the most and least powerful passports in the world — underlining the growing global inequality in freedom of movement.
Passport power: Full top 10 rankings
1. Singapore – 193 destinations2. Japan, South Korea – 190 destinations3. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain – 189 destinations4. Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 188 destinations5. Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland – 187 destinations6. United Kingdom – 186 destinations7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland – 185 destinations8. Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates – 184 destinations9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 destinations10. Iceland, Lithuania, United States – 182 destinations
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