The American passport has continued its downward trend in global mobility rankings, slipping to 10th place in the latest 2025 Henley Passport Index. This marks its lowest position in the index’s 20-year history, contrasting sharply with the sustained dominance of Asian powerhouses like Singapore and Japan at the top.

According to the Henley Passport Index, released on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Singapore retains its crown as the world’s most powerful passport, offering its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide. Japan and South Korea share the second spot, with their passport holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations.

The United States passport now provides visa-free access to 182 destinations, a drop from its previous standing and a significant decline from its top position held as recently as 2014. The United Kingdom’s passport also saw a slight drop, now ranking 6th with access to 186 destinations, after being the world’s most powerful passport in 2015.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the inventor of the passport index concept and Chairman of Henley & Partners, highlighted that the current competitive landscape in global mobility underscores a crucial reality: “Access is earned — and must be maintained through active and strategic diplomacy. Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts.”

Analysts suggest that the decline of the US passport reflects a broader trend of more inward-looking policies, as well as a lack of reciprocal visa-free agreements compared to countries actively pursuing such diplomatic efforts. Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, noted that a passport is “no longer just a travel document  it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.” He also observed a growing demand from American and British nationals for alternative residence and citizenship options, seeking greater global access and security.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, including visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations without prior government approval.

While European nations continue to feature prominently in the top tiers, the consistent leadership of Asian countries like Singapore and Japan, alongside the remarkable ascent of others like the United Arab Emirates (which climbed to 8th place with 184 destinations), signals a significant shift in global mobility dynamics. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, providing visa-free access to just 25 destinations.