US passport drops out of top 10 for first time
For the first time in 20 years, the US passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index. Tied with Malaysia for 12th place, the US now offers visa-free access to 180 out of 227 countries, down from its top position in 2014.
Singapore remains in the lead with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. The US decline has been attributed to changes in visa policies, such as Brazil and China removing visa-free entry, and new restrictions by Myanmar and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, China has made significant progress, rising from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025 with 37 more visa-free destinations. The country’s growing focus on mobility is evident in recent agreements with Russia, Gulf states, and other global partners.
