Singapore tops 2025 Henley Passport Index as US slips to 10th. Here’s who rules the global travel game

Asia continues to lead the passport race, with Japan and South Korea sharing the second spot. Both countries offer their citizens visa-free access to 190 destinations, making Asian passports some of the most travel-friendly in the world.

Europe closes in

European nations aren’t far behind. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain jointly hold the third position, allowing visa-free travel to 189 countries. This marks a notable rise for several European nations this year.

Who else made the top 10?

The rest of the top ranks include Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, Australia, and more. These countries give their citizens access to anywhere between 185 and 188 destinations without a visa.

US and UK lose their shine

Once leaders of the passport power game, the US and UK have continued to slip. The UK now sits at sixth place with access to 186 countries, while the US has dropped to tenth, its lowest position in two decades.

A steady decline for the US

Back in 2006 and 2014, the US held the top spot. But since 2019, it has hovered between sixth and seventh place. Now, for the first time, it’s at the bottom of the Top 10, and experts warn it could slide further amid ongoing immigration and travel policy changes.

Why this shift matters

The Henley Passport Index reflects more than just travel convenience, it mirrors global diplomacy, economic influence, and international relations. The drop in rankings for the US and UK highlights how policy decisions impact global mobility.

With Asian nations dominating and European countries rising, the passport power landscape is shifting. As restrictions ease in some regions and tighten in others, the index will continue to reveal who holds the keys to truly borderless travel.