US and India Slip in Global Passport Power Rankings

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The 2025 Henley Passport Index unveils remarkable shifts in global passport rankings, with Singapore reclaiming the title of the world’s most powerful passport. This year’s index underscores evolving geopolitical dynamics and the changing landscape of global mobility, as countries like the United States and India experience notable adjustments in their standings.

The Top 10 Most Powerful Passports

Singapore has soared to the top spot, boasting visa-free access to an impressive 195 destinations. This achievement reaffirms its global mobility dominance and sets it apart from competitors. Japan secures second place with access to 193 destinations, bolstered by its renewed visa-free entry to China, a strategic enhancement that strengthens its position.

European Union countries, traditionally strong performers, have seen a shake-up in rankings. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea share the third position with access to 192 destinations, marking a slight decline for Finland and South Korea compared to previous years.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

In fourth place, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden share access to 191 destinations. Fifth place is jointly held by Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, each providing access to 190 destinations.

Top 20 Most Powerful Passports

1. Singapore – 195 destinations
2. Japan – 193 destinations
3. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain – 192 destinations
4. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden – 191 destinations
5. Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom – 190 destinations
6. Australia, Greece – 189 destinations
7. Canada, Malta, Poland – 188 destinations
8. Czechia, Hungary – 187 destinations
9. Estonia, United States – 186 destinations
10. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates – 185 destinations
11. Croatia, Iceland, Slovakia – 184 destinations
12. Malaysia – 183 destinations
13. Liechtenstein – 182 destinations
14. Cyprus – 179 destinations
15. Bulgaria, Monaco, Romania – 178 destinations
16. Chile – 176 destinations
17. Argentina – 172 destinations
18. Andorra, Brazil, Hong Kong (SAR China), San Marino – 171 destinations
19. Israel – 170 destinations
20. Brunei – 166 destinations

The US and India: Shifting Trends in Passport Power

The United States has witnessed a significant decline, now ranking 9th with visa-free access to 186 destinations. This marks a steep fall from its second-place ranking in 2015. Analysts attribute this drop to geopolitical factors, including an inward-focused foreign policy, which has weakened the global reach of the US passport. Rising competition from countries like China and key European nations further compounds this decline.

India, with visa-free access to 58 destinations, remains far from the upper tiers. Though its ranking has not drastically fallen, the mobility gap for Indian citizens highlights challenges faced by developing nations in achieving global connectivity.

The US and India: Contrasting Mobility Trends

United States

• Rank: 9th
• Visa-Free Destinations: 186
• Decline: The US has dropped significantly from its 2nd place ranking in 2015. Analysts attribute this to shifting geopolitical policies and reduced engagement in global mobility initiatives.

India

• Rank: 85th (shared with Mauritania, Senegal, and Tajikistan)
• Visa-Free Destinations: 58
• Challenge: India remains far from the upper tiers of the index, reflecting the persistent mobility gap faced by many developing nations.

The Bottom 10: Mobility Gaps Persist

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan continues to occupy the last position, offering visa-free access to just 26 destinations. This stark mobility disparity illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by countries at the bottom of the index. Citizens of Afghanistan now have access to 169 fewer destinations compared to those holding Singaporean passports, marking the widest gap in the index’s 19-year history.

Several African nations also struggle with high visa rejection rates, particularly in the Schengen zone, reflecting broader systemic inequalities in global mobility. These barriers hinder economic opportunities and international engagement for citizens of these nations.

Climbers and Fallers: Tracking Momentum

China has emerged as one of the most significant climbers over the past decade, leaping from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025. This improvement is attributed to increased visa-free agreements, granting Chinese passport holders access to 40 additional destinations.

In contrast, the United States is the second-largest faller in the rankings, having dropped seven places since 2015. Only Venezuela has experienced a steeper decline. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, once at the pinnacle of the index in 2015, has slipped to 5th place, largely due to the long-term ramifications of Brexit and shifting global policies.

The Bottom 10 Passports

At the other end of the spectrum, mobility remains a challenge for many nations:
97. Sri Lanka, Sudan – 43 destinations
98. Eritrea – 42 destinations
99. North Korea – 41 destinations
100. Bangladesh, Libya, Palestinian Territory – 40 destinations
101. Nepal – 39 destinations
102. Somalia – 35 destinations
103. Pakistan, Yemen – 33 destinations
104. Iraq – 31 destinations
105. Syria – 27 destinations
106. Afghanistan – 26 destinations

Broader Implications of the 2025 Rankings

The 2025 Henley Passport Index serves as a mirror of global trends in diplomacy, economic integration, and geopolitical shifts. While nations like Singapore and Japan lead the charge in global mobility, others such as the US and India face pressing challenges that demand a reassessment of foreign and immigration policies.

In this era of interconnectedness, the ability to foster international partnerships and facilitate global access will define passport power. The 2025 rankings highlight not just the privilege of travel freedom but also the broader dynamics shaping the global order in years to come.