U.S. passport drops out of top 10 Henley Passport Index
For the first time in two decades, the United States has fallen out of the top 10 in the Henley Passport Index, now ranking 12th alongside Malaysia. This marks a significant decline from its peak position at No. 1 in 2014. The index ranks countries by the number of destinations their passport holders can enter without a visa.
The U.S. passport currently offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 of 227 destinations worldwide. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the loss of visa-free access to Brazil in April 2025 due to a lack of reciprocity, and the absence of the U.S. on the visa-free lists of countries like China and Vietnam. These changes reflect a broader trend where nations prioritizing openness and cooperation are advancing in global mobility rankings, while those with more restrictive policies, such as the U.S., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, see their passport power stagnate or decline.
In contrast, countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have risen to the top of the rankings, with Singapore leading at No. 1, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. This shift highlights the changing dynamics of international travel and the growing diplomatic influence of Asian countries.
Experts suggest that the U.S. passport’s decline in power may also be contributing to a surge in demand for alternative residence and citizenship options among Americans. Henley & Partners data indicates that Americans have become the largest group of applicants for investment migration programs in 2025.
