US Passport Drops to 12th Place in Global Rankings

In a significant shift, the United States passport has fallen to 12th place in the Henley Passport Index 2025, marking the first time it has been outside the top ten in two decades. This decline is attributed to various factors, including changes in international visa policies and the impact of former President Donald Trump's administration on diplomatic relations.

Once regarded as the most powerful passport globally, the US passport now shares its 12th position with Malaysia, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 countries. In contrast, Singapore leads the index with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189.

The drop in the US passport's ranking reflects a broader trend in global mobility. Key changes include Brazil's withdrawal of visa-free access for American travelers in April 2025, citing a lack of reciprocity. Additionally, several Asian countries have tightened their visa policies towards US citizens, further diminishing the passport's strength.

During Trump's presidency, policies such as increased visa fees and a comprehensive travel ban affected the US's diplomatic relations. These measures have led to retaliatory actions from other nations, including Vietnam and Myanmar, which have removed the US from their visa-free lists. The tightening of visa regulations has contributed to the passport's decline in global rankings.

Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, stated that this decline “signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He emphasized that countries embracing openness are advancing, while those relying on historical privileges are falling behind.

In contrast, the UK has also seen a drop in its passport ranking, now at 8th place, while China has made significant gains, moving from 94th in 2015 to 64th in 2025. India, meanwhile, has slipped to 85th place, with visa-free access to 57 countries.

The latest rankings highlight the evolving landscape of global travel, where traditional powers like the US and UK face challenges from nations that prioritize diplomatic engagement and openness. As the world adapts to these changes, the strength of a passport increasingly reflects a country's international relations and policies.