The United States has dropped seven spots from its previous ranking of 2nd place in 2015, falling to the 9th spot on the Henley Passport Index, a measure of global mobility. The country’s passport now gives holders access to 186 destinations visa-free, matching the Estonian passport.
This decline is attributed to the US’s lack of reciprocity, as it allows only 46 nationalities to pass through its borders visa-free, whereas American citizens can access 186 destinations without a prior visa. In contrast, Singaporeans enjoy access to 195 destinations, while Japanese citizens can travel to 193 visa-free destinations.
The US’s ranking has been influenced by its “America First” posture, which has led to increased isolationism and tariffs. Experts believe that this trend will continue to affect the country’s soft power and mobility index.
On the other hand, Chinese citizens have seen a significant rise in their global mobility over the past decade, with the country ascending from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025. China has granted visa-free access to 29 more countries in the past year, putting it in 80th place.
The US remains the single largest cohort of applicants for alternative residence and citizenship, accounting for 21% of all investment migration program applications received by Henley & Partners. However, this is a result of investors adopting a strategy of geopolitical arbitrage to hedge against jurisdictional risk.
Twenty-two passports have dropped in the ranking over the past decade, with only Venezuela having tumbled farther than the US. The British passport has fallen from 1st place to 5th, while Canada has dropped three spots.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/01/08/worlds-most-powerful-passport-2025