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For the first time, U.S. passports have fallen out of the world’s top 10 most powerful travel documents. According to the latest Henley Passport Index data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which ranks passports by how many destinations their holders can enter without a visa, the data shows that [specific information needed].
Americans now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 out of 227 global destinations, placing the United States in 12th place, tied with Malaysia. Earlier this year, the U.S. held the No. 9 spot, making this a notable drop in global mobility.
U.S. passport still holds prestige, but has fallen out of global top 10
“The declining strength of the U.S. passport is more than a reshuffle in rankings—it reflects a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power,” emphasized Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, the firm behind the index. This shift is something all international travelers should be aware of.
Analysts point to a few key reasons for the slide: the loss of visa-free access to Brazil, exclusion from China’s expanding visa-free list, and similar restrictions in countries like Vietnam. Meanwhile, only travelers from 46 nations can enter the United States without a visa.
Top Ten Rankings.
At the top of the rankings, Singapore remains the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. South Korea follows with 190, and Japan ranks third with 189.
For Americans planning international trips, the State Department reminds travelers that many countries require passports valid for at least six months beyond their travel dates. It’s important to plan for passport renewals, as routine processing currently takes four to six weeks, while expedited renewals, now averaging two to three weeks, can be completed online.
Passports Remain Essential Travel Documents
Though passports remain an essential travel document (and a souvenir for many travelers), they’re also evolving. The European Union recently started phasing out traditional stamps in favor of a new Entry and Exit System that uses biometric data for smoother border crossings.
This is a significant update that all travelers should be aware of. Full implementation will not take effect until April 10, 2026.
2025 rank Passport issuing country Visa-free destinations
1 Singapore 193
2 Japan 190
South Korea 190
3 Denmark 189
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
