The Henley Passport Index has released its highly anticipated 2025 rankings, offering a global snapshot of passport strength based on the number of destinations holders can visit visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. This year’s list highlights the continued dominance of European and Asian passports, while once-top contenders like the United Kingdom and United States experience further decline.
Singapore Retains the Top Spot
For the second consecutive year, Singapore holds the title of the world’s most powerful passport, with access to 193 destinations without the need for a visa. This marks near-total global mobility for Singaporean citizens.
Closely behind, Japan and South Korea are tied in second place, granting access to 190 countries each—further reinforcing Asia’s strong performance in global mobility.
Europe Strong in the Top Ranks
Europe continues to perform impressively in the 2025 rankings. Seven EU nations share third place, each offering access to 189 visa-free destinations:
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Spain
Following in fourth place with 188 destinations are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Sweden
Greece, Switzerland, and New Zealand complete the top five, each offering visa-free access to 187 destinations. Notably, New Zealand continues to outperform larger nations, despite its geographical isolation.
European Outliers: Belarus and Kosovo
While 28 European countries occupy spots in the global top 10, Belarus and Kosovo remain far behind:
- Belarus ranks 62nd with access to just 81 destinations.
- Kosovo follows closely at 61st, with access to 82 destinations.
Both nations fall well below the global average of 109 visa-free destinations. While Kosovo has made modest diplomatic gains, both remain outside most Western visa-waiver agreements, limiting their global travel freedom.
Declining Powers: UK and US
Once global leaders in passport strength, both the UK and US continue to lose ground:
- The UK, which topped the rankings in 2015 before Brexit, now ranks 6th with 186 destinations.
- The US sits in 10th place with access to 182 countries, marking its lowest-ever position on the index.
Analysts at Henley & Partners cite a decline in diplomatic openness and the implementation of stricter entry policies as key factors. Many nations appear to be reciprocating these policies, further limiting the travel freedom of UK and US passport holders.
Rising Stars: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China
The United Arab Emirates continues its climb, now ranked 8th globally. Saudi Arabia and China also saw gains in the 2025 index, attributed to proactive diplomatic efforts, relaxed visa policies, and broader international engagement.
According to Henley & Partners, countries that invest in building diplomatic partnerships and reciprocal visa agreements tend to see significant improvements in global mobility.
Conclusion
The 2025 Passport Index reveals a widening gap between countries that prioritize international cooperation and those turning inward. While European and Asian nations continue to lead in global mobility, former front-runners like the UK and US are feeling the impact of stricter border policies and declining diplomatic openness. In contrast, countries like the UAE are steadily climbing the ranks, benefiting from proactive foreign policy and visa liberalization. The message is clear: global engagement enhances passport power.
