The ranking, released Tuesday, shows the small nation-state retaining the top spot in the index, after it broke a six-way tie for the accolade earlier this year.
In 2024, Singapore shared the top ranking with Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
The annual ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without requiring a prior visa.
Asian countries continue to lead the global mobility race, with Japan and South Korea tied for second place, each providing visa-free access to 190 destinations.
Europe rounds out the Top 5, with seven EU countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — sharing third place with access to 189 destinations.
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden follow closely behind in fourth with 188.
New Zealand, the only non-European country in the Top 5 outside of Asia, ties for fifth with Greece and Switzerland.
At the bottom of the ranking is Afghanistan, whose citizens can access just 25 countries without a visa — a gap of 168 destinations compared to Singapore.
India recorded the most significant jump in the latest rankings, climbing eight spots to 77th place — despite adding just two new destinations to its visa-free list, now at 59.
Saudi Arabia saw the largest gain in terms of visa-free access, adding four destinations to reach a total of 91 and moving up to 54th place.
The U.S. passport slipped to 10th place with access to 182 from 9th.The United Kingdom’s passport also moved down the list, landing in sixth place with 186 visa-free destinations from fifth, it showed.
This represents a continuation of a “long-term downward trend” for the two countries — both of which were once considered the most powerful passports in the world, according to Henley & Partners.
“Notably, the U.S. is now on the brink of exiting the Top 10 altogether for the first time in the index’s 20-year history,” the company said in a statement.
“The consolidation we’re seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy,” he said.
“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.”
The top 10 list shows a ranking mostly dominated by European countries, but led by three key Asian economies:
1 Singapore
2. Japan
2. South Korea
3. Denmark
3. Finland
3. France
3. Germany
3. Ireland
3. Italy
3. Spain
4. Austria
4. Belgium
4. Luxembourg
4. Netherlands
4. Norway
4. Portugal
4. Sweden
5. Greece
5. New Zealand
5. Switzerland
6. United Kingdom
7. Australia
7. Czechia
7. Hungary
7. Malta
7. Poland
8. Canada
8. Estonia
8. United Arab Emirates
9. Croatia
9. Latvia
9. Slovakia
9. Slovenia
10. Iceland
10. Lithuania
10. United States
UAE and China Redefining Passport Power
According to the report, more than 80 passports have improved by at least 10 positions over the past decade, with the average number of visa-free destinations nearly doubling — from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025.
The United Arab Emirates stands out as the biggest success story, rising 34 places in 10 years to land at 8th, with visa-free access to 186 destinations.
China also gained 34 spots since 2015, now ranking 60th. While China has not yet secured visa-free access to the Schengen Area, it has significantly increased its openness to visitors — expanding visa-free entry from fewer than 20 countries five years ago to 75 today.
Recent additions to China’s visa-free list include all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. These efforts have supported China’s tourism ambitions and contributed to the overall strength of Asian passports.
Travel Demand Growing, Especially in Asia-Pacific
According to IATA, global demand for air travel rose 5.8% in the first five months of 2025.
Asia-Pacific airlines led the way with 9.5% growth, fueled in part by strong regional mobility and easing visa policies.
"Importantly, despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, consumer confidence appears to be strong," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
"Robust forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season give good reason for optimism.”
Traditional Powers Lose Their Edge
While many countries are seeing gains, 16 passports have fallen in rank over the past decade.
The most significant drop came from Venezuela, which fell 15 places to 45th.
The U.S., UK, Vanuatu, and Canada also saw notable declines, with Canada dropping four places.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says this trend is reshaping the investment migration landscape.
“Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally,” he said.
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.”
“In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,” he added.
Complete 2025 Henley Passport Index here.
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