U.S. Passport Falls to 12th Place in Global Ranking, Marking a Historic Decline
POLITICSIMMIGRATION
In a striking shift, the United States has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in two decades, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The U.S. passport now ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 destinations.
Back in 2014, the American passport held the number one spot, symbolizing unmatched global mobility. But recent changes in international visa policies have reshaped the landscape. Singapore now leads the ranking with access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).
“This isn’t just about travel convenience,” said Annie Pforzheimer, senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It reflects a broader decline in U.S. soft power and diplomatic reciprocity.”
Experts point to a growing imbalance: while Americans can travel freely to many countries, the U.S. offers visa-free entry to only 46 nationalities, placing it 77th in the Henley Openness Index.
“Reciprocity matters,” said global mobility analyst Dr. Marcus Lee. “When countries like Brazil, China, and Vietnam tighten their visa policies for U.S. citizens, it’s often in response to America’s own restrictive stance.”
The drop began earlier this year when Brazil reinstated visa requirements for U.S. travelers, citing lack of reciprocity. China followed suit, excluding the U.S. from its expanded visa-free list. Similar restrictions were introduced by Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Somalia.
Despite the decline, the U.S. passport remains relatively strong, granting access to 180 destinations. But the shift underscores the rise of Asian nations in global diplomacy and mobility.
“Countries like Singapore and South Korea are reaping the benefits of strategic international cooperation,” Dr. Lee added. “Their passports reflect not just economic strength, but diplomatic agility.”
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks 199 passports based on travel freedom. The latest results highlight how geopolitical dynamics and visa reciprocity are reshaping global mobility.