For the first time in history, the United States has dropped out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports, signaling the country’s diminishing global travel freedom amid shifting international policies.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the U.S. now ranks 12th, granting its citizens visa-free access to 180 out of 227 destinations — a sharp decline from its top position in 2014.
Analysts attribute the drop to tightened immigration policies and reciprocal visa restrictions introduced by several nations in response to Washington’s evolving travel stance. Until mid-2024, the U.S. barely maintained a spot within the top 10.
At the top of the index, Singapore remains the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free entry to 193 countries, followed by South Korea and Japan in second and third place respectively.
Earlier this year, Brazil revoked visa-free access for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, while China expanded its visa-free regime to include Germany and France — but notably excluded the United States. Similarly, new entry policies from Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam have further dented America’s global ranking.
In contrast, China has climbed from 94th to 64th place over the past decade, gaining visa-free access to 37 additional countries, while the United Arab Emirates has surged from 42nd to 8th, becoming a regional leader in mobility power.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s passport has also slipped, dropping from 6th to 8th position since July, reflecting the impact of Brexit and changing global mobility dynamics.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the world’s weakest passport, with visa-free access to only 24 destinations.
Experts say the U.S. decline serves as a reminder that soft power and diplomatic reciprocity are now as crucial as military and economic might in determining a nation’s global standing.
