#None #Singapore #Henley Passport Index #Visa-Free Access

Asian Countries Dominate the Global Passport Power Rankings

Recent findings from the Henley Passport Index unveiled that Singapore holds the prestigious title of the most powerful passport globally. This passport grants its holders visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations out of a total of 227. This indicator not only reflects the significance of visa regulations but also the broader trends in global mobility.

The Race for Mobility

The index, which is informed by exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. Following Singapore, Japan and South Korea share the second spot, providing their citizens with visa-free entry to 190 destinations.

European countries exhibit a strong presence in the top ranks, with several members of the EU securing the third position. Notably, passports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain each allow access to 189 destinations. In a noteworthy turn, New Zealand is among the top contenders, not only leading among non-European nations but also tied with Greece and Switzerland in fifth place with access to 185 destinations.

On the opposite end, Afghanistan continues to rank at the bottom, with its citizens having the ability to travel to only 25 destinations without prior visa arrangements. This striking contrast emphasizes existing disparities in global mobility — with a staggering difference of 168 destinations between the best and worst-ranked passports.

Decline of Traditional Powerhouses

Furthermore, recent trends indicate a decline for the historically dominant passport holders, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries have dropped a position since January, continuing a long-term trend downward. The UK passport, once regarded as the strongest in the world back in 2015, is now positioned at the sixth place, with access to 186 destinations. Meanwhile, the US passport has slipped to the tenth spot, allowing entry to just 182 destinations. This is a significant moment as the US is on the verge of exiting the top 10 for the first time since the index's inception two decades ago.

Christian H. Kaelin, the creator of the passport index concept, noted that the paradigms of global mobility are shifting. He stated, “The traditional champions of mobility are losing ground in an increasingly multipolar world. While emerging economies liberalize their visa frameworks and enhance diplomatic engagement, historical powers like the UK and US appear to retreat behind more restrictive entry policies.”

Notable Advancements and Global Trends

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has made remarkable strides, ascending 34 places over the past 10 years to reach the eighth position. Similarly, China has climbed by 34 places since 2015, now standing at 60th, which is particularly impressive considering that it has not yet gained visa-free access to the Schengen region of Europe.

In the broader context of travel and tourism, the Asia-Pacific region remains a key driver, showing robust growth in air travel demand. Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, remarked on a global air transport growth rate of 5.8% during the first five months of 2025, noting significant regional variations. Airlines in Asia-Pacific led this charge with a phenomenal 9.5% growth, contrasting with the modest gains seen in North America.

Conclusion

As nations globally navigate shifting policies and the impacts of international relations, the trends in mobility and passport power rankings reflect broader socio-economic changes. With Asian countries taking the lead, the landscape of international travel continues to evolve, presenting challenges and opportunities for travelers, governments, and global diplomacy alike. For more detailed insights, visit the IATA website for comprehensive reports on air transport and mobility.