The United States has dropped out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports for the first time, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The U.S. now ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia, offering visa-free access to 180 destinations. Singapore leads the list with 193, followed by South Korea and Japan.
The decline stems from multiple countries tightening entry for Americans. Brazil reinstated visa requirements in April, while China, Vietnam, and others excluded the U.S. from new visa-free policies. Analysts say the slide reflects waning global mobility and soft power.
US passport slips from top 10 powerful passports list for first time
— IANS (@ians_india) October 14, 2025
· The US passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports in the world for the first time since the Henley Passport Index was introduced twenty years ago. With visa-free travel to 180 of 227… pic.twitter.com/Uoa4OOPywV
Christian Kaelin of Henley & Partners said nations embracing “openness and cooperation” are advancing as others “rest on past privilege.”
Meanwhile, China and the UAE have made major gains, expanding travel access through new diplomatic agreements.
Commentators linked the U.S. passport’s weakening to tighter immigration measures under the Trump administration.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
