The latest Henley Passport Index 2025 confirms that the passport of Singapore remains the most powerful worldwide, granting holders entry to 193 destinations without a prior visa.
The city-state continues to lead global mobility, surpassing traditional powers like Japan, South Korea, and several EU countries.
Compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index ranks passports by the number of destinations they allow visa-free access to.
This year’s update revealed a sharp decline for the American passport, which dropped from seventh to tenth place. The U.S. now shares its ranking with Iceland and Lithuania, each allowing visa-free access to 182 destinations — already surpassed by 33 other passports.
The decline of the United States is symbolic, as it marks the first time in two decades that the country is on the verge of falling out of the global top ten. Analysts link this to stagnant diplomatic efforts compared to countries actively negotiating visa waivers.
In second place, Japan and South Korea grant access to 190 countries. The third position is shared by eight EU members, including Spain, France, and Germany, which allow entry to 189 destinations.
One of the most remarkable rises comes from the United Arab Emirates, climbing 34 positions in the past decade to reach 8th place. China also made progress, moving from 94th in 2015 to 60th today, despite ongoing restrictions with the Schengen Area.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains last with access to only 25 countries, followed by Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, underscoring the impact of conflict and diplomatic isolation on international mobility.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, explained: “Global competition for mobility is intensifying. Access is achieved — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy. Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers rise, while those less engaged in such efforts fall behind.”
