Global Passport Rankings 2025: Where Does Your Country Stand?

Name: Global Passport Rankings 2025: Where Does Your Country Stand? | IaM
Uploaded: 2025-01-12T16:59:00+00:00
Description: For travellers around the world, the power of a passport can significantly influence the destinations they

For travellers around the world, the power of a passport can significantly influence the destinations they visit by eliminating the trouble of applying for visas.

The latest Henley Passport Index rankings are in, showcasing the countries whose passports offer unparalleled access to international destinations. The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals which countries hold the most travel power.

Taking the crown this year is Singapore, with its passport granting visa-free access to an impressive 195 out of 227 global destinations. Close behind is Japan, which offers visa-free entry to 193 destinations, marking a significant milestone with its new visa-free agreement with China.

The World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2025

Here’s a look at the top ten most powerful passports for 2025, according to the Henley Passport Index:

Singapore | 195 destinations
Japan | 193 destinations
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea | 192 destinations
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway | 191 destinations
Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom | 190 destinations
Greece, Australia | 189 destinations
Canada, Poland, Malta | 188 destinations
Hungary, Czechia | 187 destinations
Estonia, United States | 186 destinations
Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 185 destinations

See the full ranking list here.

The dominance of European Union countries, particularly in the Schengen Area, is evident. Five EU member states—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Finland—share the third spot, while seven others, including Austria, Denmark, and Sweden, occupy the fourth position.

The United Arab Emirates has shown remarkable progress, climbing 32 spots since 2015 to land at 10th place in 2025. China has also made significant strides, moving from 94th in 2015 to 60th this year.

A Look at the Other End of the Spectrum

While some countries surged ahead, others have seen declines.

To put this into perspective, out of the world’s 199 passports, only 22 have declined in rankings over the past decade. The US has experienced the second-largest drop, surpassed only by Venezuela (45th). It is closely followed by Vanuatu (54th), the UK, and Canada.

At the bottom of the rankings are:

Afghanistan | 106th place, with visa-free access to 26 destinations.
Syria | 105th place, with visa-free access to 27 destinations.
Iraq | 104th place, with visa-free access to 31 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Created by Henley & Partners, a London-based firm specialising in residence and citizenship by investment, the index evaluates global travel freedom across 227 countries and territories. Its data, sourced exclusively from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ensures accuracy and reliability.

Travel in 2025 is moving closer to a fully digital transformation. Enhanced digital border controls are on the horizon, with the UK’s expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and the expected rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) leading the charge.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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