These Asian nations have the most powerful passports. Here's where the US falls
According to the latest Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday, July 22, Singaporeans continue to hold the most powerful passport for visa-free access to 193 out of 227 global destinations – the most of any citizenship.
For more than 20 years, investment firm Henley & Partners has ranked passport strength based on how many destinations its holders can enter without a visa, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
This year, filling out the top three most powerful passports are those issued by Japan and South Korea, followed by those in the European Union. However, both the U.K. and U.S. fell several spots, continuing downward trend. This year, the U.S. landed in 10th place. It was first in 2014.
Some passports made significant leaps in the index, such as India jumping from 85th to 77th in just six months for visa-free travel to 59 destinations. Over the past decade, more than 80 passports have risen at least 10 spots – showcasing a global shift in mobility and openness, according to Henley & Partners, which specializes in obtaining residency and citizenship through investment.
"The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned – and must be maintained – through active and strategic diplomacy," said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, inventor of the passport-index concept, in a statement. "Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts."
How powerful is the US passport?
Tied with Lithuania and Iceland for 10th place, the U.S. passport offers visa-free access to 182 out of 227 destinations. Over the past decade, its strength has declined, making it the second-biggest faller on the index after Venezuela.
A quickly changing political landscape, including policies like more restrictive entry, has contributed to the U.S. passport's loss of power, especially as more Americans seek citizenship elsewhere.
"Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally," said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO at Henley & Partners, in a statement. "As the U.S. and U.K. adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security."
Most powerful passport ranking
Here are the most powerful passports in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index:
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