Henley Passport Index 2025 Rankings
The Henley Passport Index, known for ranking the world's most powerful passports based on visa-free travel, has seen significant changes in its 2025 rankings.
Top Ranked Passports
- Singapore: Visa-free access to 193 destinations.
- South Korea: Access to 190 destinations.
- Japan: Access to 189 destinations.
Decline of the US Passport
The United States has slipped out of the top 10 for the first time in nearly two decades. Several reasons contribute to this decline:
- In 2014, the US passport topped the index, but policy changes have affected its ranking.
- Brazil ended visa-free travel for US citizens due to a lack of reciprocity.
- China expanded visa exemptions for European nations but excluded the US.
- Changes in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar influenced the rankings, pushing the US down.
- New eVisa systems and visa policies in countries like Somalia and Vietnam negatively impacted the US passport.
This decline indicates a shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics, highlighting the importance of openness and cooperation.
United Kingdom and China
- The UK passport, once at the top in 2015, has fallen to its lowest position, moving from 6th to 8th place.
- China has climbed from 94th in 2015 to 64th in 2025, gaining visa-free access to 37 more destinations.
India's Passport Ranking
India's ranking has dropped from 80th to 85th, with visa-free access to 57 countries. Earlier in the year, India had reached the 77th position.
Additional Rankings
- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland: 188 destinations.
- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands: 187 destinations.
- Countries like Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, and others range between 186 to 184 destinations.
- The USA and Malaysia rank equally with access to 180 destinations.