Singapore has retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport for 2025, whilst the United Kingdom has slipped down the global rankings, continuing a downward trend that began following Brexit.
The latest Henley Passport Index, released on Tuesday, shows British passport holders can now access 186 destinations visa-free, down from 190 at the start of the year. The UK has dropped to sixth place, falling from fifth position in January and continuing its decline from the glory days when it topped the rankings for three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015.
Singapore’s passport continues to dominate the global mobility race, offering its citizens visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide. This represents the highest level of travel freedom available to any nationality globally.
Asian Dominance at the Top
The 2025 rankings demonstrate Asia’s continued strength in global mobility, with Japan and South Korea sharing second place, each granting their citizens access to 190 destinations without requiring a prior visa. This marks a slight shift from 2024 when Japan shared the top spot with Singapore.
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” said Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO at Henley & Partners. “In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.”
Seven European Union nations share third place in the rankings: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, all providing visa-free access to 189 destinations. Another seven European countries occupy fourth position with access to 188 destinations: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.
UK’s Continuing Decline
The UK’s fall to sixth place represents its worst ranking since 2020-2021 when it dropped to seventh position. British passport holders have lost access to five destinations since mid-2024 when they could visit 191 countries visa-free. The decline represents a stark contrast to the period between 2013 and 2015 when the UK passport was considered the world’s most powerful.
“Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally,” Dr Steffen noted. “As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we’re witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security.”
The United States has fared even worse, dropping to tenth place from ninth, marking its lowest position in the 20-year history of the index. American passport holders can now access 182 destinations visa-free, putting the country on the brink of exiting the top 10 altogether for the first time.
Rising Stars and Success Stories
Whilst traditional powers decline, several nations have made remarkable gains. India recorded the largest jump over the past six months, climbing eight places from 85th to 77th position, despite only adding two destinations to its visa-free tally, now standing at 59.
The United Arab Emirates continues to be the standout success story of the past decade. The Gulf nation has risen an extraordinary 34 places over the last 10 years, from 42nd to eighth place, making it the only major climber to break into the top 10. UAE passport holders can now access 184 destinations visa-free.
“The UAE’s rise is a masterclass in strategic nation-building, blending economic diversification with an assertive yet pragmatic foreign policy,” according to analysis from the Hampton Global Business Review. “This isn’t just about luxurious travel; it’s about a nation transforming itself into a global hub.”
China has also made significant strides, rising 34 places from 94th to 60th position since 2015. This achievement is particularly impressive considering China has not yet gained visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area, unlike many other improving nations.
Global Mobility Trends
The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reveals a general global shift towards increased openness and mobility. Over the past decade, more than 80 passports have climbed at least 10 places, and the global average number of destinations travellers can access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said overall demand for air travel showed strong 5.8 per cent growth over the first five months of 2025. “Asia-Pacific airlines led the way with 9.5 per cent growth. Importantly, despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, consumer confidence appears to be strong, with robust forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season.”
Saudi Arabia made the biggest gain in visa-free access since January, adding four destinations and climbing four places to 54th position with access to 91 countries. The kingdom’s rise reflects broader improvements across the Middle East, as nations like Qatar also enhance their global mobility standings.
The Bottom of the Rankings
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan’s passport remains in last place, granting visa-free access to just 25 countries worldwide. This is followed by Syria with 29 destinations, Iraq with 31, and Pakistan and Yemen each with 34 destinations.
“These rankings are more than just numbers; they are poignant reflections of geopolitical instability, internal strife, and economic hardship,” noted the Hampton Global Business Review analysis. “The limited mobility for citizens of these nations highlights a profound global disparity.”
Alternative Indices Show Different Pictures
Whilst Henley’s index focuses solely on visa-free travel, other passport rankings paint slightly different pictures. Arton Capital’s Passport Index, which updates in real-time and includes additional territories, places the UAE at the top with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 179 destinations.
The discrepancies between indices highlight the complexity of measuring passport power, with factors such as taxation, dual citizenship rights, and personal freedoms also contributing to a passport’s overall value beyond simple travel access.
Looking Ahead
The shifting passport power dynamics reflect broader geopolitical changes. Traditional Western powers are losing ground whilst Asian and Middle Eastern nations strengthen their positions through strategic diplomacy and economic partnerships.
For British citizens, the continuing decline serves as a tangible reminder of the UK’s changing position in the global order. The blue passport, reintroduced post-Brexit as a symbol of sovereignty, now provides access to fewer destinations than during the burgundy passport era when Britain was an EU member.
As global mobility becomes increasingly important for business, education, and personal opportunities, the power of one’s passport has never been more significant. The 2025 rankings suggest this trend will only intensify, with nations actively competing to enhance their citizens’ travel freedom through diplomatic initiatives and bilateral agreements.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
