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CNN
23 minutes ago
- CNN
US slips again in passport power rankings
The United States is on the brink of dropping out of the top 10 ranking of the world's most powerful passports. In the latest quarterly update of the Henley Passport Index, created by the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, the US — which held the No. 1 position back in 2014 — has slipped down to the 10th place in the rankings. It's the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index, which tracks the global freedom of movement for holders of 199 passports to 227 countries and territories around the world, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). And because Henley counts multiple countries with the same score as a single spot in its standings, there are actually 33 countries that outrank the US on the list. As we enter the second half of the year, Singapore has held onto its No.1 position as the world's most powerful passport for 2025. Holders of this most desirable of travel documents enjoy visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide, more than citizens of any other place on the planet. Naturally, Singapore isn't handing out passports to foreign nationals like candy. Applying for Singaporean citizenship requires at least two years of permanent residency, a review of 'economic contributions' and other qualifications, and compulsory national service for male applicants. South Korea has climbed to join Japan at No.2 in the ranking, with an open door to 190 destinations, ensuring that Asian nations have a solid lead in the global mobility race. The EU member states of Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are all at No.3 behind them, in the third tier, along with Finland, with access to 189 destinations with no prior visa needed. Europe holds sway over the fourth position in the rankings, too, which belongs to seven countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. All enjoy visa-free access to 188 destinations. Squeaking into fifth place are Greece, Switzerland and New Zealand, all of which have visa-free access to 187 destinations. At the opposite end of the list, at No. 99, Afghanistan remains locked in bottom place, with visa-free access to just 25 destinations, one fewer than at the start of this year. Syria is at No. 98 (with 27 destinations) and Iraq is at No. 97 (with 30 destinations). That's a yawning mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top- and bottom-ranked passports. The UK has dropped one spot to No. 6 in the rankings, with visa-free access to 186 destinations. Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta and Poland are tied at No. 7, while Canada, Estonia and the United Arab Emirates are at No. 8. The UAE is one of the biggest success stories on the index, having risen 34 places in the past decade, from No. 42 to eighth place. China has also jumped from No. 94 to No. 60 since 2015, a rise that's been achieved even without visa-free access to the 29 countries in Europe's Schengen Area. Ninth place is shared by Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia, while No.10 is held by Iceland, Lithuania and the United States. The US now has visa-free access to 182 destinations worldwide. In a provision in the Trump administration's recently enacted domestic policy bill, the United States will soon require international visitors to pay a new 'visa integrity fee' of at least $250, added to existing visa application costs. The fee will apply to all visitors who are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States. Critics including the U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit organization aimed at increasing travel to the United States, have panned the new visa fee as discouraging to visitors. Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley and Partners, said in a release that the latest Henley Passport Index reveals an increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy,' he said. '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.' Henley & Partners' list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens. Arton Capital's Passport Index takes into consideration the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories — Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Kosovo, the Palestinian territories and the Vatican. Territories annexed to other countries are excluded. It's also updated in real-time throughout the year and its data is gathered by close monitoring of individual governments' portals. Arton's Global Passport Power Rank 2025 puts the United Arab Emirates in the top spot, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 179. Second place is held by Spain, with a score of 176. Singapore (193 destinations) Japan, South Korea (190) Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain (189) Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (188) Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland (187) United Kingdom (186) Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland (185) Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates (184) Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (183) Iceland, Lithuania, United States (182)
CNN
24 minutes ago
- CNN
US slips again in passport power rankings
The United States is on the brink of dropping out of the top 10 ranking of the world's most powerful passports. In the latest quarterly update of the Henley Passport Index, created by the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, the US — which held the No. 1 position back in 2014 — has slipped down to the 10th place in the rankings. It's the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index, which tracks the global freedom of movement for holders of 199 passports to 227 countries and territories around the world, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). And because Henley counts multiple countries with the same score as a single spot in its standings, there are actually 33 countries that outrank the US on the list. As we enter the second half of the year, Singapore has held onto its No.1 position as the world's most powerful passport for 2025. Holders of this most desirable of travel documents enjoy visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide, more than citizens of any other place on the planet. Naturally, Singapore isn't handing out passports to foreign nationals like candy. Applying for Singaporean citizenship requires at least two years of permanent residency, a review of 'economic contributions' and other qualifications, and compulsory national service for male applicants. South Korea has climbed to join Japan at No.2 in the ranking, with an open door to 190 destinations, ensuring that Asian nations have a solid lead in the global mobility race. The EU member states of Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are all at No.3 behind them, in the third tier, along with Finland, with access to 189 destinations with no prior visa needed. Europe holds sway over the fourth position in the rankings, too, which belongs to seven countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. All enjoy visa-free access to 188 destinations. Squeaking into fifth place are Greece, Switzerland and New Zealand, all of which have visa-free access to 187 destinations. At the opposite end of the list, at No. 99, Afghanistan remains locked in bottom place, with visa-free access to just 25 destinations, one fewer than at the start of this year. Syria is at No. 98 (with 27 destinations) and Iraq is at No. 97 (with 30 destinations). That's a yawning mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top- and bottom-ranked passports. The UK has dropped one spot to No. 6 in the rankings, with visa-free access to 186 destinations. Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta and Poland are tied at No. 7, while Canada, Estonia and the United Arab Emirates are at No. 8. The UAE is one of the biggest success stories on the index, having risen 34 places in the past decade, from No. 42 to eighth place. China has also jumped from No. 94 to No. 60 since 2015, a rise that's been achieved even without visa-free access to the 29 countries in Europe's Schengen Area. Ninth place is shared by Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia, while No.10 is held by Iceland, Lithuania and the United States. The US now has visa-free access to 182 destinations worldwide. In a provision in the Trump administration's recently enacted domestic policy bill, the United States will soon require international visitors to pay a new 'visa integrity fee' of at least $250, added to existing visa application costs. The fee will apply to all visitors who are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States. Critics including the U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit organization aimed at increasing travel to the United States, have panned the new visa fee as discouraging to visitors. Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley and Partners, said in a release that the latest Henley Passport Index reveals an increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy,' he said. '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.' Henley & Partners' list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens. Arton Capital's Passport Index takes into consideration the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories — Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Kosovo, the Palestinian territories and the Vatican. Territories annexed to other countries are excluded. It's also updated in real-time throughout the year and its data is gathered by close monitoring of individual governments' portals. Arton's Global Passport Power Rank 2025 puts the United Arab Emirates in the top spot, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 179. Second place is held by Spain, with a score of 176. Singapore (193 destinations) Japan, South Korea (190) Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain (189) Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (188) Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland (187) United Kingdom (186) Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland (185) Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates (184) Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (183) Iceland, Lithuania, United States (182)
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
U.S. Passport Drops 2 Places To No. 10 In World's Most Powerful List
Topline The United States blue book continues its decade-long slide to the 10th spot on the Henley Passport Index, a ranking of the world's passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The U.S. blue book is tied for No. 10 in a new ranking of the world's most powerful passports—a ... More continuation of its slide from No. 1 in 2014. getty Key Facts Americans can travel visa-free to 182 countries around the world—four fewer than one year ago, when the U.S. was ranked No. 8. In January 2025, the U.S. dropped one spot to No. 9. Americans can access 11 fewer countries visa-free than holders of the No. 1 passport, Singapore. A decade ago, in 2014, the U.S. jointly held the No. 1 position with the United Kingdom, which has slid to No. 6 in the 2025 ranking. 'Notably, the U.S. is now on the brink of exiting the Top 10 altogether for the first time in the index's 20-year history,' Henley & Partners noted in a statement. What Makes One Passport More Powerful Than Another? Since 2006, Henley & Partners has monitored which of the world's passports deliver the most and least global mobility, based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Global mobility is a key measure of soft power for a nation's citizens when they go abroad. Citizens of Singapore—the No. 1 passport in the ranking—enjoy access to 193 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. The second most powerful passports in the world are Japan and South Korea, which each provides access to 190 destinations without a visa. A U.S. passport gives holders access to 182 destinations visa-free—putting the blue book on equal standing with Iceland and Lithuania. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document—it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships,' Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners said in a statement. Why Has The U.s. Passport Fallen In The Power Rankings? The United States is held back by its lack of reciprocity, according to how Henley & Partners calculates its ranking. While American passport holders can access 182 out of 227 destinations visa-free, the U.S. itself allows only 46 other nationalities to pass through its borders visa-free, putting it way down the Henley Openness Index in 80th place (compared to 10th place on the Henley Passport Index), barely outpacing Iraq. Which Passports Have Made The Biggest Power Gains So Far In 2025? Two Asian countries are the ranking's biggest movers and shakers since January. India jumped eight spots in six months, from No. 85 to No. 77, after adding two destinations and bringing its visa-free tally to 59. Over the same period, Saudi Arabia's citizens gained visa-free access to four countries, bringing its total to 91 countries, which lifts the kingdom four places to No. 54. Which Passports Have Gained The Most Power Over The Past Decade? Taking a longer view, two other Asian countries stand out as winners in the ranking since 2015. The United Arab Emirates shot up 34 places over the last 10 years from No. 42 to No. 8. Another notable climber is China, also rising 34 places from No. 94 to No. 60 since 2015, which Henley & Partners characterizes as 'particularly impressive considering that, unlike other top risers, China has not yet gained visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area.' The report attributes China's rise to its significant move towards greater openness, with the country granting visa-free access to over a dozen new passports since January. In 2025, passport holders from 75 nations have visa-free entry to China, a remarkable shift from fewer than 20 countries just five years ago. Here Are The Top 10 Most Powerful Passports As ranked by the Henley Passport Index (countries accessible visa-free): Singapore (193) Japan, South Korea (190) Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Span (189) Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (188) Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland (187) United Kingdom (186) Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland (185) Canada, Estonia, U.A.E. (184) Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (183) Iceland, Lithuania, U.S. (182) Crucial Quote 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options'… as the U.S. adopts 'increasingly inward-looking policies,' Steffen noted in a statement. Further Reading Millionaires Are On The Move—Here Are The Countries Winning And Losing Wealthy Residents (Forbes)
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How powerful is your passport? New 2025 rankings reveal Europe's winners and losers
Europe dominates the latest global passport rankings, but not all countries are rising with the tide. The Henley Passport Index, which uses exclusive data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank the world's passports by how many destinations they allow visa-free access to, has just released its 2025 update. European countries once again dominate the top tier. Singapore claimed the top spot for the second year in a row, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in joint second with 190 destinations. After that, it's a litany of European countries. Seven EU nations – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain – now share third place globally, with visa-free access to 189 destinations. Close behind are Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden, all ranked fourth with access to 188 destinations. Greece, Switzerland and New Zealand round out the top five. Two European countries lag behind the leaders In total, 28 European countries appear in the global top 10, buoyed by Schengen Area access and strong diplomatic relationships. But Europe's strength is not uniform. Belarus ranks lowest on the continent at 62nd, just behind Kosovo at 61st. Offering visa-free access to 81 and 82 destinations, respectively, both fall well below the global average of 109. Related Slovenia is launching a digital nomad visa. Here's who is eligible and how to apply Romania and Bulgaria will be in the Schengen zone from January. What will change for travellers? While Kosovo has made limited diplomatic progress in recent years, both remain largely excluded from wider visa liberalisation efforts, especially in Western countries. The UK and US keep losing ground Some of the biggest shifts in the rankings involve Western countries that were former leaders. The UK, which topped the index in 2015, has dropped another place to sixth, with visa-free access to 186 destinations. The US, which ranked first in 2014, is now 10th, with access to 182 destinations – its lowest-ever position in the index's 20-year history. Henley & Partners, the Chicago-based citizenship by investment consultancy behind the rankings, attributes the decline to increasingly restrictive entry policies in both countries. In contrast, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (now 8th), Saudi Arabia (54th) and China (60th) are rising fast by expanding visa-waiver agreements and easing entry requirements. 'Access is earned - and must be maintained,' said Christian Kaelin, the Switzerland-born chairman of Henley & Partners. 'Those that invest in diplomatic relationships tend to rise.'
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
SA passport climbs the ranks – Here's what it means for travellers
South Africa's passport has moved up in the ranks on the latest Henley Passport Index for 2025. Image: canva South Africa's passport power has been bumped up, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which revealed the newest rankings of all of the world's passports for 2025. The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world's passports according to the number of destinations their passport-holders can travel to visa-free. 'With historical data spanning 19 years, the Henley Passport Index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.' Henley & Partners says. ADVERTISEMENT SA passport moves up 3 spots According to these rankings, the SA passport has moved up three spots from 51 to 48 on the list of 199 passports. Despite the increased power, the index highlighted that South Africans can still only travel to 103 destinations. The top passports of the world Here is the updated list of the top five most powerful passports: Rank Country Number of visa-free countries 1 Singapore 193 2 Japan 190 2 South Korea 190 3 Denmark 189 3 Finland 189 3 France 189 3 Germany 189 3 Ireland 189 3 Italy 189 3 Spain 189 4 Austria 188 4 Belgium 188 4 Luxembourg 188 4 Netherlands 188 4 Norway 188 4 Portugal 188 4 Sweden 188 5 Greece 187 5 New Zealand 187 5 Switzerland 187 Have you travelled to any of the 103 visa-free destinations for South Africans? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
