An IMGW News Report
Singapore retains the title of the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 out of 227 global destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The index, powered by exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa. Asian nations continue to lead the global mobility race, with Japan and South Korea sharing second place, each offering visa-free access to 190 destinations.
The top ranks are dominated by Europe. Seven EU passports share third place – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain – all offering access to 189 destinations. Another seven-nation European cohort, with visa-free entry to 188 destinations, shares fourth place – Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. New Zealand ties with Greece and Switzerland for fifth.
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains in last place, with its citizens able to access just 25 destinations without a visa – creating a staggering mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top and bottom-ranked passports.
“India has posted the largest leap, rising eight places from 85th to 77th, despite adding only two destinations to its visa-free tally, now at 59”
Biggest Risers and Fallers
Both the UK and the US have slipped one place in the rankings since January, continuing a long-term downward trend. Once the most powerful passports in the world – the UK in 2015 and the US in 2014— – they now rank sixth and tenth, respectively. The UK offers visa-free access to 186 destinations, while the US trails with 182. Notably, the US is on the brink of falling out of the Top 10 for the first time in the index’s 20-year history.
India has posted the largest leap, rising eight places from 85th to 77th, despite adding only two destinations to its visa-free tally, now at 59. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has recorded the greatest gain in visa-free access, adding four destinations since January, raising its total to 91 and lifting it four places to 54th.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the inventor of the passport index concept, remarks, “The latest Henley Passport Index highlights an increasingly competitive global mobility landscape. Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to climb, while those less engaged in such efforts fall behind.”
UAE and China Lead Passport Power Shift
A long-term view of the index reveals a broader shift towards increased global openness, greater mobility, and stronger passports. Over the past decade, more than 80 passports have risen by at least 10 places, and the global average number of visa-free destinations has nearly doubled, from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025.
“Another notable winner is China, which has risen 34 places from 94th to 60th since 2015”
The UAE has been a standout among the top risers, jumping 34 places over the past 10 years from 42nd to 8th, the only major riser to break into the Top 10. Another notable winner is China, which has risen 34 places from 94th to 60th since 2015. This is particularly impressive given that China has not yet gained visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
China’s rise has been supported by a significant shift towards greater openness. According to the Henley Openness Index, which ranks countries by the number of nationalities they permit entry to without a visa, China has granted visa-free access to more than a dozen new countries since January, bringing its total to 75 nations. This shift is notable, as China permitted visa-free entry to fewer than 20 countries just five years ago.
Asia-Pacific Fuels Growth in Air Travel Demand
China’s increased openness forms part of its broader strategy to attract more visitors. Alongside the strong passports of its maritime neighbours, including Singapore, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a leading driver of global travel.
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, reports strong 5.8% growth in air travel demand over the first five months of 2025, with Asia-Pacific airlines leading the way with 9.5% growth. “Despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, consumer confidence remains robust, with solid forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season providing optimism,” he notes.
“Americans now lead global demand for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five”
Legacy Powers Lose Ground in Global Mobility Race
Over the past decade, just 16 passports have fallen in rank. The biggest faller is Venezuela, which dropped 15 places from 30th to 45th. The US (-8 places), Vanuatu (-6 places), the UK (-5 places), and Canada (-4 places) have also experienced declines.
This downward shift reflects a broader trend: traditional mobility powers are losing ground in an increasingly multipolar world. As emerging economies liberalise their visa regimes and invest in diplomatic efforts, legacy powers such as the US and the UK appear to be retreating behind more restrictive entry policies.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer at Henley & Partners, concludes, “Americans now lead global demand for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five. As the US and UK adopt more inward-looking policies, we’re witnessing an increase in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security. Your passport is no longer just a travel document; it reflects your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning have become more critical than ever.”
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