Why Did the US Passport Fall Out of the Top 10 Powerful Passports?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the US passport has dropped out of the top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in 20 years. With a decline in global mobility influenced by changing visa policies, this shift raises questions about the future of US travel privileges.
Key Takeaways
- US passport is now ranked 12th, falling from the top 10.
- Visa-free access has changed for several nations impacting rankings.
- Singapore leads with 193 visa-free destinations.
- China's progress in passport strength shows a shift in global mobility.
- The US needs to reevaluate its diplomatic strategies to improve its standing.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The US passport has for the first time dropped out of the top 10 most powerful passports globally since the inception of the Henley Passport Index two decades ago. With access to 180 out of 227 countries without a visa, the US, which held the top position in 2014, is now sharing the 12th place with Malaysia.
Retaining the top position is Singapore with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed closely by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189, as per the latest Henley Passport Index derived from International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.
The decline in the US ranking can be traced back to several nations altering their access policies. Factors contributing to this drop include the revocation of visa-free entry to Brazil earlier this year, exclusion from China’s expanding list of visa-free countries, as well as new entry restrictions by Myanmar and Papua New Guinea.
Furthermore, Vietnam has recently worsened the US passport's standing by opting to exclude it from its new visa-free program, alongside Somalia introducing an eVisa system.
The UK has also seen a decline, slipping from 6th to 8th place since July, marking its lowest rank since topping the index in 2015.
Currently, only 46 nationalities can enter Washington without a visa, while US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 180 locations. According to the Henley Openness Index, which assesses how welcoming countries are to foreign tourists, this disparity places the US in 77th place.
In terms of openness, the US has fallen behind Australia and is only slightly ahead of Canada, New Zealand, and Japan.
Conversely, China has made remarkable progress over the past decade, adding 37 more destinations to its visa-free travel list, advancing from 94th in 2015 to 64th in 2025.
With access to 76 nations without a visa—30 more than the US—China now ranks 65th on the Henley Openness Index. This shift reflects Beijing's growing commitment to global mobility and openness, highlighted by recent visa-free agreements with Russia, the Gulf states, several South American countries, and European partners.
Point of View
I believe this decline in the US passport's ranking reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and evolving travel policies. It emphasizes the need for the US to reassess its diplomatic strategies to enhance its global standing and ensure that its citizens retain robust travel privileges.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the US passport to drop in ranking?
The US passport's decline is largely due to recent changes in visa policies by various countries, including the removal of visa-free access to Brazil and exclusions from China's visa-free list.
How does the US passport rank compared to others?
As of now, the US passport ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia, while Singapore remains at the top with visa-free access to 193 countries.
What are the implications of this decline?
This decline may affect American travelers' mobility and could influence diplomatic relations as the US strives to regain its previous standing.
How does the Henley Openness Index affect perceptions of the US?
The Henley Openness Index shows that the US ranks 77th in terms of hospitality toward foreign tourists, highlighting the growing disparity in travel privileges.
What progress has China made in passport rankings?
China has progressed significantly, moving up to 64th place, allowing visa-free travel to 76 nations, reflecting its increasing focus on global mobility.
