The U.S. no longer ranks among the world’s 10 most powerful passports — a first in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.
The index, compiled by Henley & Partners, a London-based citizenship and residence advisory firm, evaluates 199 national passports based on how many destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance.
In the latest quarterly ranking, the U.S. passport fell two more spots to 12th place, tying with Malaysia. Just a decade ago, in 2014, the U.S. held the #1 position, giving its citizens the broadest travel freedom in the world.
According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, American passport holders can currently enter 180 out of 227 destinations visa-free — about 79% of the world. While this may sound impressive, it lags behind leaders like Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, whose citizens can visit 194 destinations without a prior visa.
Why the U.S. Is Falling Behind
Reciprocity issues: In April 2025, Brazil reinstated visa requirements for Americans, citing unequal treatment since Brazilians still need visas to visit the U.S.
Limited visa-waiver agreements: The U.S. currently offers visa-free access to only 46 countries, a small fraction compared to the EU’s Schengen Area, which grants broad reciprocity.
Asia’s expanding openness: Countries such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam have recently expanded visa-free entry for selected nations — but not for Americans.
Geopolitical shifts: Stricter immigration and security policies in the U.S. have reduced reciprocal travel flexibility from other nations.
TOP 10 Passports List
The 10 most powerful passports in 2025, according to Henley & Partners, are:
- Singapore – 194 destinations
- France – 194
- Germany – 194
- Italy – 194
- Japan – 194
- Spain – 194
- South Korea – 193
- Finland – 193
- Sweden – 193
- Austria – 193
The UK, once a dominant travel document, now sits just above the U.S. in 11th place.
The U.S. passport’s decline reflects a larger global rebalancing of mobility power. Asian and European nations have steadily expanded diplomatic agreements, promoting cross-border travel and business. Meanwhile, U.S. foreign policy and visa restrictions have remained relatively static, limiting reciprocal benefits.
In a world where passport strength often mirrors diplomatic relationships and soft power,…
Read full article: U.S. Passport No Longer Among World’s TOP 10, Henley Index Shows
The post “U.S. Passport No Longer Among World’s TOP 10, Henley Index Shows” by Luka Trcek was published on 10/16/2025 by www.travelinglifestyle.net