bohemianwanderer – Singapore has reclaimed its position as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest Henley Passport Index rankings. This coveted red passport grants Singaporean citizens visa-free access to 195 of 227 destinations globally. Making it the gold standard for international mobility.
Following closely, Japan ranks second, offering visa-free entry to 193 destinations. The country regained this position after re-establishing visa-free travel to China, a significant post-pandemic milestone.
The third spot is shared by several countries. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea, each offering access to 192 destinations without prior visas. This strong showing highlights the enduring influence of the European Union and South Korea’s robust international relationships.
At fourth place, seven EU nations — Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden — boast visa-free access to 191 destinations. Reflecting the benefits of the EU’s Schengen Agreement, which facilitates free movement across member states.
In fifth place, Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom grant citizens visa-free entry to 190 destinations. Further emphasizing the global appeal of passports from stable and prosperous nations.
These rankings illustrate the ongoing value of global mobility. With passport power serving as a benchmark for international accessibility and diplomatic strength.
Highlights Widening Global Mobility Gap
The Henley Passport Index, now in its 20th year. Offers a comprehensive view of global mobility and passport power across 227 countries and territories. Created by London-based Henley & Partners. The index uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank nations based on visa-free access.
At the top of the 2025 rankings, Singapore claims the number one position. Granting its citizens visa-free access to 195 destinations worldwide. Conversely, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list. Ranking 106th with visa-free access to only 26 destinations, marking a decrease from the previous year. Syria and Iraq follow closely, with access to 27 and 31 destinations, respectively.
The disparity between the highest and lowest-ranked passports has never been greater, reflecting deep inequalities in global mobility. Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, emphasized the need to reconsider citizenship frameworks.
“As natural disasters worsen and political instability displaces communities, the concept of citizenship and its inherent disparities require urgent reevaluation,” Kaelin stated.
The index underscores how global issues like climate change and armed conflict are increasingly shaping access to international mobility. While countries at the top enjoy unparalleled travel freedoms, those at the bottom face significant barriers, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic inequalities worldwide.
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Henley Passport Index 2025: Europe Leads While UAE and China Show Remarkable Gains
The 2025 Henley Passport Index rankings reveal European countries dominating the top 10, with notable appearances from Australia, Greece, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Australia and Greece share sixth place, followed by Malta, Poland, and Canada at seventh. Czechia and Hungary tie for eighth, while the United States and Estonia sit at ninth. Rounding out the top 10 are Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and the UAE.
The UAE stands out as a global mobility success story, climbing 32 spots in the last decade to rank 10th, with visa-free access to 185 destinations. This progress highlights the nation’s significant diplomatic efforts and global connectivity growth. Similarly, China has risen dramatically, advancing from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025.
Over the last decade, only 22 of the world’s 199 passports have dropped in rank. Among these, Venezuela has fallen the most, while the U.S. has slipped from second to ninth place. The UK, a former top contender, now ranks fifth among nations with the most significant declines, reflecting shifting global dynamics in passport power.
2025 Passport Rankings: UAE Tops Arton Index, Singapore Leads Henley List
The global passport rankings for 2025 highlight shifts in travel freedom, with different methodologies providing unique perspectives. Henley & Partners’ Passport Index and Arton Capital’s Passport Power Rank are among the leading assessments of global mobility, ranking passports based on the access they provide.
Henley & Partners, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), crowns Singapore as the most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 195 destinations. Following closely are Japan with 193 destinations, and a tie for third among France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea with 192 destinations.
Arton Capital’s real-time Passport Power Rank 2025, which monitors 193 UN countries and six territories like Taiwan and Hong Kong, places the United Arab Emirates at the top with access to 180 destinations. Spain ranks second with 179 destinations, showcasing the UAE’s growing global influence.
In Henley’s rankings, the top five also include Austria, Denmark, and Ireland with 191 destinations, while Belgium, the UK, and Switzerland secure 190. In Arton’s index, powerful passports reflect diplomatic outreach, with the UAE’s rise as a standout achievement over the past decade.
