The Henley Passport Index, which draws on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), assesses 199 different passports against 227 destinations around the globe, taking into account visa-free or visa-on-arrival options. The US passport – once the undisputed leader back in 2014 – now grants access to about 180 places. While that’s still a pretty good number, it does reflect a decline from seventh place earlier this year.
The Fall of the Eagle’s Wings
Singapore currently sits at the top with access to 193 destinations, closely followed by South Korea (190) and then Japan (189). These three Asian countries have created what you might call an impressive triumvirate. Just behind them in fourth place, you’ll find a handful of strong European countries, including Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland – each offering 188 places. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has reached its lowest point at eighth (184 destinations), a drop of two places since July.
What this quarterly shift reveals is that, effectively, some 36 countries are now ahead of the US passport if you take all the ties into account. This is rather humbling, especially for a superpower known for the relative freedom to travel.
Why Is the US Passport Losing Its Edge?
The decline isn’t just theoretical; it’s the result of actual policy changes made by other countries. For example, the disagreement with Brazil this past April led to the revocation of visa-free entry for Americans. This was essentially a response to what was seen as an imbalance in reciprocal access. China, which has been working to improve diplomatic relations, has extended exemptions to many European nations, such as Germany and France, but has notably excluded the US. This, of course, means the US is missing out on the growing number of visa-free options. Similarly, updates from Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia (with the introduction of an eVisa), and Vietnam have contributed to the US’s decline.
According to Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and the creator of the index, this represents a significant turning point. “The weakening of the US passport over the last decade signifies more than just a change in rankings; it hints at a basic change in how global mobility and soft power work. Countries that have embraced openness and cooperation are moving forward, while countries that depend on outdated advantages are being left behind.”
A core issue is the imbalance: US passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 180 countries, but the US only offers the same to 46 nationalities. As a result, the US ranks only 77th on the Henley Openness Index. Only Australia comes close to that level of disparity. Also, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan – who have similar issues – are also seeing stagnating or even declining passport power, suggesting a possible relationship.
Annie Pforzheimer, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, believes that the issue is insularity: “US policy had already begun to turn inward, even before a potential second term of Trump. The decrease in passport power seems to be a reflection of this kind of isolationist way of thinking.” Richard Quest of CNN seems to agree, noting “Can we make a linkage… to immigration policies of the Trump administration? Yes, you probably can, at some level.”
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China’s Mobility Momentum
While the US is struggling, China has been making gains, moving from 94th to 64th place over the past ten years. That’s 37 extra destinations accessible without a visa. These gains are the result of agreements with Russia, countries in the Gulf region, South America, and Europe. China approved 30 more nationalities just in the past year, moving it to 65th place in terms of openness with access offered to 76 different countries. This places it 30 places ahead of the US.
Dr. Tim Klatte, a partner at Grant Thornton China, suggests that there could be wider implications: “Trump’s return to power has introduced new trade disputes that are diminishing America’s mobility, just as China’s policies of strategic openness are strengthening its global influence. These diverging paths will reshape economic landscapes.” The UAE’s rise is also notable, jumping 34 spots to eighth in a decade. However, a significant gap remains at the bottom, where Afghanistan (106th, with access to 24 destinations), Syria (105th, 26 destinations), and Iraq (104th, 29 destinations) lag far behind the top tier—a 169-destination difference showcasing substantial mobility disparities.
Americans Seek Alternatives
This increasing instability appears to be driving a surge in interest for alternative citizenships. Data from Henley & Partners indicates that US applicants are projected to lead investment migration programs in 2025. Inquiries in Q3 already exceeded the entire 2024 total by 67%, which itself represented a 60% increase from 2023 figures.
According to Dominic Volek, group head of private clients at Henley & Partners, this phenomenon can be seen as “geopolitical arbitrage”: “Given the current climate of uncertainty, investors and affluent American families are increasingly adopting a strategy…aimed at securing additional residency and citizenship possibilities. They seek to mitigate jurisdictional risk, taking advantage of the varying benefits offered by different nations to improve their personal, financial, and lifestyle prospects.”
Professor Peter J. Spiro of Temple University Law School suggests that this trend is becoming more commonplace: “While U.S. citizenship retains considerable value, it may not be sufficient as the only option. In the years ahead, it’s likely that more Americans will seek to obtain a second citizenship, utilizing whatever means they can. Holding multiple citizenships is increasingly becoming the norm within American society.”
With travel restrictions tightening and global alliances shifting, the passport index serves as more than just a ranking—it acts as a reflection of global influence. For Americans, perhaps, it highlights an important consideration: in an increasingly multipolar world, relying on a single passport might no longer be enough. The open skies, previously without limit, may now necessitate a contingency plan.