October 16, 2025 | 09:45 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (US) passport is no longer among the top 10 most powerful passports in the world in the latest Henley Passport Index, for the first time in 20 years. The ranking, compiled by London-based investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners, reveals that the US passport is now ranked 12th most powerful, tied with Malaysia.
The Henley & Partners ranking is based on International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, which shows the number of countries each country's passport can access, either visa-free or with a visa on arrival. The US passport's decline in ranking has occurred in recent months.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said in a press release that the decline in the power of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a ranking shakeup. It signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics. "Countries that embrace openness and cooperation are advancing, while those that rely on past privileges are falling behind," he said, as reported by Newsweek, Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
As reported by Forbes, Annie Pforzheimer, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said in a press release that the isolationist mindset is reflected in America's loss of authority when it comes to passports.
In June, Trump announced a near-total ban on entry to the US for foreigners from 12 countries, with partially restricted access for seven others.
United States passport holders can visit 180 countries, either visa-free or with a visa on arrival, according to the Henley Passport Index. According to the Henley Passport Index, which is updated monthly, the relative power of the US passport has been declining for more than a decade, after reaching its joint highest point in 2014.
The Most Powerful Passport in the World
Singapore is ranked number one in this index. Singapore passport holders can visit 193 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. South Korea ranks second in the latest ranking, which grants passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries. Japan follows in third place with 189.
Indonesia ranks 70th with 73 visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries.
Here is a list of the 10 countries with the most powerful passports in the world:
1. Singapore (193)
2. South Korea (190)
3. Japan (189)
4. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland (188)
5. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands (187)
6. Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (186)
7. Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland (185)
8. Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, United Kingdom (184)
9. Canada (183)
10. Latvia, Liechtenstein (182)
Editor’s Choice: These 29 Countries Will Remove Passport Stamps Starting October 2025
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
South Korea Readies to Facilitate US-China Dialogue at APEC Summit 2025
18 jam lalu
One of South Korea's main agendas at the APEC 2025 Summit in Gyeongju is to facilitate a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Is MTV Shutting Down After 40 Years? Here's Everything You Should Know
21 jam lalu
After 40 years in operation, MTV is reportedly set to close five of its music channels in the UK by the end of 2025.
Major US News Outlets Reject Pentagon's New Press Rules
21 jam lalu
Dozens of news organizations have refused to accept Pentagon's new press policy, saying it amounts to a crackdown on the media.
6 Iconic Culinary Festivals Around the World
1 hari lalu
Countries worldwide host iconic culinary festivals that draw tourists from every corner of the earth.
US, China Impose Reciprocal Port Fees Amid Trade War
1 hari lalu
Port fees have kicked in after US said China's dominance of the global maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors resulted from unfair policies.
China Criticizes US for 'Double Standards' over New Tariffs
3 hari lalu
Beijing has threatened to take corresponding measures after Donald Trump threatened 100% US tariffs over China's limits on rare earth exports.
US: White House Starts Mass Layoffs Amid Shutdown Impasse
4 hari lalu
The White House has begun what it called "substantial" mass layoffs, as Republicans and Democrats continue to spar over the state budget.
Thailand Crowned the World's Best Country for Food by Conde Nast Traveller
4 hari lalu
Thailand's cuisine is rich in powerful and aromatic spices and herbs, as well as a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Will the 2026 World Cup Be a Disaster for Fans?
6 hari lalu
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most expensive, polluting and political yet.
Rupiah Opens Stronger as Market Expects More Fed Rate Cuts in 2025
6 hari lalu
The rupiah strengthened by 17 points or 0.10 percent to Rp16,556 per US dollar at the opening of Thursday's trading in Jakarta.
