In exciting news for travel enthusiasts, Singapore has reclaimed its crown as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport in 2025, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. With this highly coveted travel document, Singaporean passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to an impressive 195 destinations across the globe. This marks an extraordinary achievement by the city-state, underscoring its diplomatic relations and global standing.

In the second position, Japan enhances its appeal with access to 193 destinations, boosted by the recent reinstitution of visa-free travel to China, a major milestone since the disruptions caused by COVID-19. This advancement is significant for Japanese travelers eager to explore their neighboring region.

Tying for third place are six countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and Finland—each providing their citizens with seamless entry to 192 destinations. Following closely, seven countries, including Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, share the fourth position with access to 191 destinations, exemplifying the advantages conferred by the European Union’s Schengen agreement.

In fifth place are five nations—Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—who can travel to 190 destinations without the need for a pre-arranged visa.

The Henley Passport Index, now in its 20th year, tracks the mobility and travel freedom of passport holders in 227 countries and territories. It uses exclusive data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). At the bottom of this scale, Afghanistan remains in last place, allowing its citizens visa-free travel to only 26 destinations, underscoring a significant mobility gap when compared to the top-ranking passports.

Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, commented on the growing disparities in travel freedoms, emphasizing the need for a critical reevaluation of citizenship amidst increasing global challenges such as climate change and political instability.

On a more optimistic note, the top 10 list predominantly features European nations, alongside notable mentions such as Australia and Greece, which share the sixth position with access to 189 destinations. Canada, Malta, and Poland hold the seventh spot with 188 destinations, while Czechia and Hungary are tied for eighth, and the United States, along with Estonia, sits at ninth. Remarkably, the United Arab Emirates rounds out the top ten with access to 185 destinations, having made significant advancements in passport strength, gaining access to 72 new destinations since 2015.

Interestingly, China has risen dramatically from 94th place in 2015 to 60th place today—an impressive leap that signifies its growing international relations and influence.

While some countries maintain strengths in their passport capabilities, the rankings show that many nations, such as the United States, have experienced declines. The U.S. dropped from second to ninth place, reflecting shifts in global travel policies and perceptions.

For those interested in a broader perspective on passport privileges, it’s important to note that other rankings, such as the Arton Capital Passport Index, also exist, highlighting different dimensions of global mobility.

The Current Rankings for Most Powerful Passports in 2025:

1. Singapore: 195 destinations 2. Japan: 193 destinations 3. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea: 192 destinations 4. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway: 191 destinations 5. Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom: 190 destinations 6. Greece, Australia: 189 destinations 7. Canada, Poland, Malta: 188 destinations 8. Czechia, Hungary: 187 destinations 9. Estonia, United States: 186 destinations 10. Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates: 185 destinations Travelers will undoubtedly keep an eye on these evolving rankings, especially as international relations continue to shape mobility around the world.