Singapore Tops Henley Passport Index as World’s Most Powerful Passport in 2025
The latest Henley Passport Index 2025 has crowned Singapore as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport, granting its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 193 out of 227 destinations. This global ranking, released by Henley & Partners, evaluates the strength of 199 passports based on their visa-free access to different countries, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Singapore Ranks #1, India Shares 80th Spot
While Singapore takes the lead, other Asian nations also secured top positions. Japan and South Korea tied for second place, each providing access to 190 countries. Seven countries, including Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Spain, and Ireland, shared the third position with access to 189 destinations.
In contrast, India’s passport ranked 80th, alongside Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Tajikistan, granting access to 58 destinations.
Countries at the Bottom of the Index
The weakest passports were from conflict-affected regions:
- Afghanistan: 99th, with access to only 25 countries.
- Syria: 98th, access to 27 countries.
- Iraq: 97th, access to 30 countries.
These rankings reflect growing disparities in global mobility, with Afghanistan creating the largest mobility gap in the index’s 19-year history.
Rising Stars: UAE and China
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its upward climb in the rankings, now securing the 10th spot with visa-free access to 185 destinations. This marks a 32-place jump since 2015, positioning the UAE as the first Arab country to reach the top 10.
Meanwhile, China has also risen significantly, moving from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025. Over the past year alone, China has added visa-free access to 29 countries.
Declines in the Rankings: Venezuela and the US
The United States, once a top contender, has fallen behind due to isolationist policies and declining global mobility. From 2015 to 2025, the US saw its passport ranking drop, with experts linking this trend to political decisions affecting immigration and trade.
“Policies like tariffs and deportations under the Trump administration could further erode the US’s standing on the mobility index,” noted Annie Pforzheimer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Call for Rethinking Citizenship
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, emphasized the need for a global rethink of citizenship amid climate change and political instability. “Natural disasters, rising temperatures, and armed conflicts are displacing millions. We must address the inequities of the birthright lottery and redefine mobility rights for a better future,” he stated.
Conclusion
The 2025 Henley Passport Index highlights the growing divide in global mobility, with nations like Singapore excelling while others face challenges due to political and economic instability. The rankings serve as a reminder of how geopolitical trends shape the ease of travel and opportunities worldwide.