Why the US passport dropping out of top 10 matters for student mobility and international learning
The US passport has fallen to 10th place in the latest Henley Passport Index, marking the lowest position for the country since the index's inception two decades ago. This decline reflects the limited number of destinations US passport holders can enter without a visa, which has implications for student mobility, international exchange programmes, and global learning initiatives.
As of the latest update, US passport holders can access 182 destinations visa-free, placing the country in a three-way tie for 10th place with Iceland and Lithuania. In comparison, the top-ranking passport—Singapore—grants visa-free access to 193 destinations. The US has been slipping in the rankings each year since 2014, when it held the top position.
Falling rankings reflect diplomatic challenges
According to the Henley Passport Index, which is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the decline signals a broader diplomatic trend.
Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, said in a press release that "your passport is no longer just a travel document — it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships," as reported by CBS News.
Countries that proactively negotiate visa waivers and build reciprocal agreements are performing better in the rankings. Dr Christian H. Kaelin, the creator of the passport index, stated that the current trend shows "access is earned – and must be maintained – through active and strategic diplomacy," according to CBS News.
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Implications for students and academic travel
The drop in passport ranking could directly impact American students seeking international learning opportunities. With reduced visa-free access, students may face more administrative barriers when applying for short-term academic exchanges, research programmes, or internships abroad. For example, while students from countries with higher-ranking passports such as Singapore (193 destinations) and Japan or South Korea (190 destinations each) may travel more freely, US students may need to secure visas for an increasing number of countries.
US ranks low on openness to other nationalities
Henley & Partners also reported that the US ranks poorly in terms of openness. It currently allows visa-free entry to only 46 other nationalities. This limited access could discourage reciprocal arrangements with other nations, potentially affecting academic partnerships and student exchange frameworks.
Comparison of passport power rankings
Global Passport Ranking (Henley Passport Index 2025): Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Henley Passport Index tracks the travel freedom of 199 passports across 227 destinations.
Updated monthly, it is the leading global standard for assessing passport power and international mobility.
Passport
Rank in 2025
Visa-Free Access (Number of Countries)
Passport
Rank in 2025
Access
Singapore
1st
193
Japan
2nd
190
South Korea
2nd
190
Denmark
3rd
189
Finland
3rd
189
France
3rd
189
Germany
3rd
189
Ireland
3rd
189
Italy
3rd
189
Spain
3rd
189
Austria
4th
188
Belgium
4th
188
Luxembourg
4th
188
Netherlands
4th
188
Norway
4th
188
Portugal
4th
188
Sweden
4th
188
Greece
5th
187
New Zealand
5th
187
Switzerland
5th
187
United Kingdom
6th
186
Australia
7th
185
Czechia
7th
185
Hungary
7th
185
Malta
7th
185
Poland
7th
185
Canada
8th
184
Estonia
8th
184
United Arab Emirates
8th
184
Croatia
9th
183
Latvia
9th
183
Slovakia
9th
183
Slovenia
9th
183
Iceland
10th
182
Lithuania
10th
182
United States
10th
182
Broader consequences for global mobility
The fall in the US passport's power coincides with what Henley described as the US and UK "retreating behind more restrictive entry policies," as reported by CBS News. This could have longer-term implications for cross-border educational cooperation, especially for students needing flexible travel options for academic or professional development.
The US Department of State has not issued an official comment, according to CBS News. However, American travellers, including students, can use the State Department's "Learn About Your Destination" tool to check visa requirements for specific countries.
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