Henley Passport Index: In a first, the US passport has slipped away from the top 10 most influential passports in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.
The United States, which ranked first in 2014, currently shares rank with Malaysia for 12th place. A visa is not required for travel to 180 of 227 nations and territories for citizens of both countries.
The International Air Transport Association provides statistics for the London-centered Henley Passport Index. A passport that enables entry into numerous nations without a visa is considered “powerful.”
Singapore steals first spot
Asian nations currently hold the top spot on the passport power ranking.
Singapore is ranked first on the index as it offers visa-free travel to 193 locations. With 190 destinations, South Korea stands as the second powerful passport, while Japan ranks third with access to 189 nations. The US is placed below even European countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. However, it is evident that Western passports, such as those from the US and UK, are losing ground.
List of top 10 most powerful passports in 2025
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Japan
- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland
- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands
- Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden
- Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland
- Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
- Canada
- Latvia, Liechtenstein
- Iceland, Lithuania
- USA, Malaysia