The US passport has lost its position among the world’s top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in 20 years. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, which ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can visit without a visa, the US is now tied for 12th place with Malaysia. Citizens of both countries can travel to 180 out of 227 countries and territories without a visa. In comparison, the US passport was ranked first in 2014.

The Henley Passport Index is compiled by London-based Henley & Partners in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Passports that allow travel to more countries without a visa are considered “stronger.”

In 2025, Asian countries dominate the top ranks. Singapore holds the first position, with its citizens able to visit 193 countries without a visa. South Korea is in second place, offering visa-free access to 190 countries, and Japan is third, with 189 countries. Meanwhile, traditional Western powers like the US and UK are losing their influence in global travel freedom. European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland now rank higher than the US.

India’s passport has also slipped slightly, moving from 80th place in 2024 to 85th in 2025. Indian citizens can still travel to more countries without a visa, with new additions including Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and several African and Caribbean nations. China’s passport has improved significantly, rising from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025, thanks to new visa-free agreements with countries in South America, the Gulf region, Russia, and Europe.

Experts say the decline of the US passport is due to changes in visa policies in other countries. For example, Brazil ended visa-free travel for US citizens in April 2025, and the US was not included in the expanding visa-waiver lists of China and Vietnam. On the other hand, European countries like Germany and France now enjoy visa-free access to China.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in 2025:

1. Singapore

2. South Korea

3. Japan

4. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland

5. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands

6. Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden

7. Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland

8. Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, UK

9. Canada

10. Latvia, Liechtenstein