U.S. Passport Ranking Falls to Historic Low in Henley Passport Index 2025
The U.S. passport ranking has dropped to its weakest position in history, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025.
The report, released on October 14, places the United States in 12th place, tied with Malaysia. Americans now have visa-free access to 180 destinations out of 227.
In 2014, the U.S. passport topped the list of the most powerful passports, offering more global access than any other.
A little over a decade later, that influence seems to have faded. This marks the first time in the index’s 20-year history that the U.S. has fallen out of the top 10.
Global Mobility Is Changing
Singapore now holds the world’s most powerful passport, granting its citizens visa-free travel to 193 destinations. Japan, France, and Germany follow closely behind, while the U.S. continues to lose ground.
The data reflects a larger realignment for global mobility in 2025, where countries focused on cooperation and open travel policies are pulling ahead.
The decline also highlights how travel freedom depends less on wealth and more on diplomacy.
While the U.S. once led through long-standing alliances, recent years have seen fewer new agreements, leaving its ranking to stagnate as others move forward.
Why The U.S. Passport Is Slipping
The U.S. passport decline signals a broader shift in influence. Analysts say countries that promote openness and collaboration are increasing their mobility scores, while those slower to adapt are being left behind.
Over the past decade, the U.S. has only added a few new reciprocal travel agreements, and visa restrictions in several regions remain unchanged.
Henley & Partners also found that more Americans are seeking second citizenship through investment migration programs.
These programs allow people to gain residency or citizenship by investing in a country’s economy, a growing option for travelers looking for flexibility beyond a single passport.
The Rise Of “Golden Visas”
Investment migration, often referred to as “golden visas,” has surged in popularity in countries such as Portugal, Malta, and Greece.
By investing in real estate or local businesses, applicants can qualify for residency and, in some cases, a second passport.
In 2025, Americans became one of the largest groups applying for these programs. For many, this trend reflects a desire for more travel freedom and stability abroad.
It also suggests that the prestige of the American passport, once seen as unmatched, may no longer provide the same reach it once did.
What It Means For Travelers
The drop in ranking is unlikely to change most Americans’ day-to-day travel plans, since the U.S. passport still offers broad access to many popular destinations.
But it does point to a changing global landscape. Global mobility in 2025 increasingly depends on policy and partnership rather than historical influence.
Still, the lower ranking serves as a reminder that global access must be maintained through diplomacy and cooperation. And, in an era of shifting alliances, the strength of a passport has become a reflection of a nation’s relationships, not just its power.