US drops to record low in ranking of most powerful passports
According to the latest ranking, it has now dropped down to tenth place. The list has been produced by the Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It analyzes how many countries a passport holder can enter without a prior visa.
In what has been a downward trend, the US is now tied with Iceland and Lithuania with 182 destinations. The three most powerful passports are all from Asian countries, with Singapore's passport – allowing visa-free entry to 193 destinations - holding the top spot.
Next, Japan and South Korea are tied with 190 destinations. In third place, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain - all countries in the European Union - tie with 189 possible destinations.
This makes for a staggering mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top-and bottom-ranked passports. As for biggest risers, the UAE continues to be a standout, shooting up 34 places over the last 10 years from 42nd to eighth place. China is also quickly moving up the rankings, rising 34 places from 94 to 60 since 2015 - an especially impressive feat, considering China has not yet gained visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area.
Meanwhile, the biggest faller on these rankings is Venezuela, which plunged 15 places from 30 to 45. Christian H. Kaelin, who is credited with creating the index, said in a news release that the latest findings highlight an 'increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility,' with the most successful countries demonstrating proactive efforts to engage with others.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer at Henley & Partners, says this trend is reshaping the investment migration landscape. 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally.
'As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document - it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships.
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