For decades, the American passport was considered one of the most powerful in the world. But the Henley Passport Index 2025 shows a big change. For the first time since 2005, the US passport is out of the top 10. It now ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia. US citizens can enter 180 countries without a visa.
Singapore leads the list again. Its citizens can travel to 193 countries visa-free. South Korea ranks second (190 countries), and Japan is third (189 countries).
Nepal remains at 101st place. Nepali citizens can enter only 36 countries without a prior visa. India has improved to 77th, with access to 59 countries. Countries like Somalia, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan are at the bottom.
The decline in the US passport’s power is mainly due to stricter visa rules worldwide. Brazil ended visa-free access for Americans in April. China and countries like Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, India, Somalia, and Vietnam also tightened rules.
Christian H. Kalin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said the drop reflects a shift in global influence. Countries embracing openness are moving forward, while those sticking to old policies are falling behind. Former US ambassador Annie Foerhimer also noted that the strict US policies contributed to the decline.
The UK passport, once ranked first in 2015, has fallen from sixth to eighth. China has improved significantly, rising from 94th in 2015 to 64th now, allowing access to 76 countries—30 more than the US. China recently signed visa-free agreements with Russia, Gulf countries, South America, and many European nations.
Top passports 2025
- Singapore: 1st, 193 visa-free countries
- South Korea: 2nd, 190
- Japan: 3rd, 189
- USA: 12th, 180
- India: 77th, 59
- Nepal: 101st, 36
