New York: For the first time in history, the United States has slipped out of the top ten most powerful passports in the world, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The US passport now ranks 12th globally, tied with Malaysia, offering visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations. Just last year, the United States held seventh place, and in July 2025 it ranked tenth. In contrast, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan now dominate the rankings, reflecting a significant shift in global mobility patterns.
Singapore tops the 2025 list with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed closely by South Korea at 190 and Japan at 189. Christian H Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, described the decline of the US passport as “more than just a reshuffle in rankings it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” Kaelin added that countries embracing openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while nations relying on past privileges are being left behind.
Analysts attribute the US drop to a combination of international policy changes and the absence of reciprocity. In April 2025, Brazil revoked visa-free entry for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens due to a lack of reciprocal treatment. Meanwhile, China eased entry rules for numerous European nations such as Germany and France but maintained stricter restrictions on US travelers. Additional policy shifts in countries including Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam further undermined the US ranking.
Tighter US immigration and travel policies have also contributed to the decline. Henley & Partners notes that reciprocity is a crucial factor: while American passport holders can enter 180 countries visa-free, the United States offers visa-free entry to only 46 nationalities. This asymmetry has directly impacted the US’s standing in global mobility rankings, reflecting both diplomatic and policy-driven limitations.
The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals the world’s most powerful passports as a reflection of international cooperation and openness. Singapore leads with 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan, while Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland share fourth place with 188 destinations. The United States, now in 12th place, faces growing competition from emerging global powers and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Meanwhile, India’s position continues to decline, dropping to 85th with visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 80th last year. This underscores a broader trend in which countries that pursue visa reciprocity and diplomatic engagement are ascending, while traditional powers like the US are witnessing relative declines in mobility influence.
The fall of the US passport from the top ten reflects both changing global attitudes toward openness and the strategic influence of countries like China, which have selectively liberalized access to strengthen ties with European and other nations, leaving the US comparatively isolated in visa privileges.