US Falls from Global Top 10 in Passport Power Ranking

US Falls from Global Top 10 in Passport Power Ranking

Why in News?

Recently, the United State’s passport slipped out of the world’s top ten powerful passports for the first time, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025.

Decline of the U.S. Passport’s Global Standing in 2025

• In October 2025, the Henley Passport Index placed the United States passport at 12th position, tied with Malaysia, allowing visa-free travel to 180 countries and territories.
• This marks the first time in roughly twenty years that the U.S. has dropped out of the top ten rankings in the index.
• Historically, the U.S. once held the number one spot in 2014, and over the subsequent decade its ranking gradually slipped.
• In 2024, the U.S. still occupied a top ten slot, but had already lost ground, ranking below many European and Asian nations.
• The drop to 12th in 2025 underscores a long-term decline in passport strength, as other countries improved their visa reciprocity and mobility deals.

Key Reasons Behind the U.S. Passport’s Fall

• Loss of Visa-Free Access: In 2025, the U.S. lost visa-free access to Brazil in April over reciprocity concerns. Also, Papua New Guinea and Myanmar removed or restricted previous privileges. These changes eroded the U.S. passport’s score. 

• Weak Reciprocity in U.S: The U.S. allows only 46 nationalities to enter without a visa, whereas its citizens enjoy access to 180 destinations (of 227). That imbalance penalizes its ranking under Henley’s methodology.

• Other Nations Mobility Deals: Countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan improved or solidified visa-free and visa-on-arrival agreements, pushing ahead in ranking. Their increased openness outpaced U.S. gains.

• Policy Shifts in U.S: Over recent years, U.S. immigration and visa policies became stricter. A more inward foreign policy reduces incentives to negotiate new visa-waiver deals. All recent U.S. policies have leaned more on security and tighter entry rules rather than expanding access.

World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2025

The Henley Passport Index ranks the world’s most powerful passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. This index evaluates 199 national passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a comprehensive measure of global mobility. Check the below table of the World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2025:

World’s Least Powerful Passports 2025

At the lower end of global mobility, Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq are the world’s least powerful passports in 2025. These rankings reflect political instability, limited diplomatic relations, and stricter visa requirements imposed on citizens of these nations.

India and Its Neighbouring Countries Ranking in Henley Passport Index 2025

• • India: In October 2025, India holds the 85th rank in the Henley Passport Index. Indian passport holders can travel to 57 countries without a prior visa. The ranking reflects moderate international mobility compared to global standards.

• China:  China ranks 64th position, offering visa-free access to 76 countries. Its recent travel diplomacy and reciprocal visa agreements (Russia, Gulf nations, Europe) has strengthened its mobility influence.

• Pakistan: Pakistan’s passport ranks 103rd in 2025, allowing access to only 31 destinations without a visa. 
• Nepal: Nepal is placed 101st on the index. Nepali citizens can travel to 36 countries visa-free. 
• Bangladesh: Bangladesh occupies the 100th position, with access to 38 destinations without a visa. Its passport strength is slightly higher than Nepal and Pakistan but remains among the weaker in South Asia.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka ranks 98th, providing visa-free access to 41 countries. The country’s historical diplomatic engagements help maintain this level, though it remains below global average.
• Bhutan: Bhutan holds the 92nd rank, granting its citizens visa-free access to 50 destinations. Diplomatic stability and bilateral agreements in the region support this moderate mobility.
• Maldives: Maldives ranks 56th in 2025, offering visa-free access to 94 destinations. Its growing tourism and international cooperation contribute to a stronger passport.