A significant shift has occurred in global passport power, with the United States passport dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years. The Henley Passport Index 2025 places the US at the 12th position, tying with Malaysia. US passport holders can now access 180 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, a reduction in global mobility.
This decline is linked to America’s stringent visa policies and a perceived weakening of its international soft power. Asian countries, particularly Singapore, continue to dominate the rankings. Singapore’s passport leads the pack, offering access to 193 countries visa-free. South Korea and Japan are also prominently featured, alongside European powerhouses.
Several countries have recently tightened their visa policies towards the US. Brazil, for example, revoked visa-free entry for Americans following a dispute over reciprocal treatment. China and Vietnam have also excluded the US from their newly established visa-free travel agreements. The adoption of e-visa systems by nations like Papua New Guinea and Myanmar further complicates international travel for US citizens.
The ‘reciprocal gap’ is a key factor in the US passport’s decline. The US permits visa-free entry for citizens of only 46 countries, ranking it 77th in the Henley Openness Index. This limited openness is met with similar restrictions from other nations, impacting Americans’ travel freedom.
China, however, has seen remarkable growth in its passport’s influence. From 94th in 2015, it has risen to 64th in 2025, offering visa-free access to 76 destinations. This expansion, including recent visa-free agreements with Russia, highlights Beijing’s proactive ‘travel diplomacy’ strategy.
In response to diminishing travel freedom, a growing number of Americans are exploring dual citizenship. Investment migration programs have reported a substantial increase in participation from US citizens, indicating a trend towards securing alternative residencies and passports.
The Indian passport also sees a decline in the Q1 2025 Henley Passport Index, now ranking 85th, down from 80th last year. This position reflects its historical performance, which has ranged from a high of 71st in 2006 to a low of 90th in 2021.
