According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the most powerful passports in the world are Singapore, Japan, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and the UAE. The Henley Passport Index ranks all the world’s 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
As we step into 2025, the Henley Passport Index has unveiled its annual rankings of the world’s most powerful passports. This year’s list highlights the nations whose citizens enjoy unparalleled global mobility. Let’s explore the top rankings and the trends shaping passport power this year.
Singapore Tops the List
Singapore has reclaimed its position as the world’s most powerful passport. With visa-free access to 195 destinations, Singaporean passport holders enjoy unmatched global freedom. This small city-state has consistently led the rankings, reflecting its strong international relations and robust travel agreements.
Japan Takes Second Place
Japan stands alone in the second spot with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Notably, Japan regained visa-free entry to China, a privilege lost during the pandemic years. This boost underscores Japan’s recovery in global mobility post-COVID-19.
EU Nations and South Korea Share Third Place
In third place, we find a group of European Union (EU) countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, along with South Korea and Finland. These passports grant access to 192 destinations, showcasing the collective strength of the EU’s Schengen Agreement and South Korea’s strong diplomatic ties.
Austria and Nordic Nations at Fourth
The fourth spot is shared by Austria and several Nordic countries—Sweden, Norway, and Denmark—along with Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Citizens of these nations can travel visa-free to 191 destinations, reflecting their stable geopolitical standing.
Fifth Place: UK and New Zealand Among Others
Fifth place is shared by the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, and New Zealand. Despite some fluctuations in rankings over recent years, these nations continue to provide their citizens access to 190 destinations without requiring a visa.
The United States Drops to the Ninth
The United States has slipped to ninth place, tied with Estonia. U.S. passport holders can now access 186 destinations visa-free. This decline reflects shifts in global relations and the increasing complexity of international travel requirements.
UAE Enters the Top Ten
A standout in 2025 is the United Arab Emirates, which has climbed to tenth place. With visa-free access to 185 destinations, the UAE has seen remarkable progress in global mobility over the past decade, adding 72 destinations to its list since 2015.
Widening Mobility Gap
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport, with visa-free access to only 26 destinations. This stark contrast highlights the growing disparity in global mobility and the privilege tied to one’s nationality.
The most powerful passports for 2025
1. Singapore (195 destinations)
2. Japan (193)
3. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea (192)
4. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway (191)
5. Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190)
6. Greece, Australia (189)
7. Canada, Poland, Malta (188)
8. Hungary, Czechia (187)
9. Estonia, United States (186)
10. Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates (185)
Conclusion
The Henley Passport Index for 2025 underscores the evolving dynamics of global mobility. While countries like Singapore and the UAE continue to climb, others face challenges in maintaining their rankings. This list serves as a reminder of the importance of international relations in shaping the freedom to explore the world.
