For the first time in two decades, the United States passport has fallen out of the list of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the US now ranks 12th, sharing the spot with Malaysia.
This marks a notable change in global travel freedom for American citizens, who once enjoyed near-unrestricted access to most parts of the world.
At the top of the rankings, Singapore continues to hold the number one position, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries. South Korea and Japan follow closely behind, maintaining their strong global mobility.
These countries’ continued openness and strong diplomatic ties have helped them secure leading positions in the index.
The decline in the US ranking is largely due to shifts in immigration and visa policies. Experts say the US has not expanded visa-free access for foreign nationals at the same pace that other countries have, creating a gap in visa reciprocity.
While many nations allow American travelers easy entry, the US provides fewer similar privileges in return.
This change highlights the evolving nature of global mobility and the importance of international cooperation in travel policies. It also reflects a growing trend among Americans exploring dual citizenship and second passports to maintain travel flexibility.
Countries that encourage openness and global exchange are rising in the rankings, while those adopting restrictive travel policies are slipping behind.
The new ranking serves as a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, diplomatic relationships and mutual openness play a key role in shaping global mobility and opportunity.
