WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time in two decades, the U.S. passport has dropped out of the top 10 most powerful passports, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. Now ranked 12th, tied with Malaysia, the U.S. has fallen from 7th place last year and from the top spot a decade ago. The index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, noted to the Washington Post that this decline signals a “fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He emphasized that nations embracing openness and cooperation are advancing, while those relying on past privileges are being left behind.
The U.S. passport’s decline is attributed to stricter immigration policies, including increased visa vetting and reciprocity issues. Countries like Brazil, China, and Vietnam have recently revoked or limited visa-free access for U.S. nationals, impacting the passport’s strength. In contrast, countries such as Singapore, South Korea, and Japan have maintained or improved their rankings through proactive diplomatic engagement.
Source:
The Washington Post: U.S. falls out of top 10 on list of the world’s most powerful passports
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