Europe has cemented its status as the world’s travel powerhouse, dominating the 2025 Henley Passport Index as the United States drops out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years.
According to the latest rankings released this week, more than 25 European nations hold top spots, reflecting the region’s continued global mobility advantage. The U.S. now ranks 12th—its lowest position in two decades—tying with Malaysia.
Europe leads global travel freedom
The 2025 Henley Passport Index, compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks countries by the number of destinations their citizens can access without a prior visa.
This year’s results show Europe continuing to dominate the upper tiers of the index. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland share fourth place, while Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands follow close behind.
In total, more than two dozen European nations occupy the top 10 positions when ties are included, underscoring the continent’s deep integration and diplomatic influence in global travel policy.
Singapore claimed the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. South Korea (190) and Japan (189) secured second and third place, respectively, while European countries filled nearly all other top slots.
U.S. falls to lowest ranking in two decades
The United States’ fall to 12th place marks a historic decline for what was once the world’s most influential travel document. American passport holders can now visit 180 destinations visa-free—fewer than those of many European and Asian nations.
Ten years ago, the U.S. held the top spot.
“The declining strength of the U.S. passport over the past decade is more than a reshuffle in rankings—it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index.
Experts attributed the U.S. drop to tightening visa and immigration policies, particularly those enacted under former President Donald Trump. These included visa suspensions affecting travelers from multiple countries and increased scrutiny for foreign workers, students, and tourists.
Europe’s diplomatic advantage
Analysts said that Europe’s enduring dominance reflects its strong visa reciprocity agreements, stable governance, and commitment to open borders through the Schengen Zone.
“European nations have maintained a consistent policy of cooperation and mutual access, which enhances travel freedom,” said Dr. Kaelin. “Those embracing openness and collaboration are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”
The European Union’s collective approach to visa policy remains one of its greatest strengths, enabling citizens of member states to enjoy extensive travel privileges not only within Europe but across most of the world.
Countries such as Germany, France, and Spain benefit from longstanding diplomatic relationships that have translated into reciprocal visa waivers, boosting their position in the index year after year.
Asia’s rise in global mobility
While Europe continues to dominate, Asia’s growing influence is reshaping global travel dynamics. Singapore retained its top position for a second consecutive year, while South Korea and Japan followed closely behind.
China recorded one of the largest decade-long improvements, climbing from 94th in 2015 to 64th in 2025 after granting visa-free access to 37 additional destinations.
Beijing’s recent expansion of visa waivers for 30 countries has accelerated this upward trend, reflecting a more outward-looking foreign policy.
“China’s strategic openness boosts its global influence,” said Dr. Tim Klatte, a partner at Grant Thornton China. “These diverging paths will reshape economic and travel patterns worldwide.”
The decline of the Anglo-American passport power
The U.K. also saw its passport strength slip to eighth place—its lowest-ever position on record—down from sixth last year.
Both the U.S. and the U.K. have been outpaced by smaller European and Asian economies that have prioritized diplomatic outreach and tourism accessibility.
Henley & Partners noted that the U.S. and similar nations, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are seeing stagnation due to their restrictive entry policies.
Reciprocity remains a key factor: while Americans can enter 180 countries visa-free, the U.S. itself allows only 46 nationalities to enter without a visa, placing it 77th on the Henley Openness Index.
Restrictive policies erode U.S. soft power
Experts argued that the U.S.’ approach to travel and migration has created a gap between its citizens’ global mobility and its own border policies.
In recent years, several countries—including Brazil, Vietnam, and China—have either reintroduced visa requirements for U.S. travelers or excluded them from new visa-free programs.
According to Henley & Partners, countries that restrict reciprocal travel often experience slower growth in passport strength.
For travelers, these changes mean more paperwork, higher costs, and fewer spontaneous travel opportunities compared with their European counterparts.
Americans turn to dual citizenship
The decline in passport power is changing how Americans view citizenship.
Henley & Partners reports that applications from U.S. nationals for investment migration programs surged 67% year-on-year by the third quarter of 2025, marking the highest level on record.
“Multiple citizenship is being normalized in American society,” said Peter J. Spiro, a professor of law at Temple University. “While it may sound like an exaggeration, as one social media user put it, ‘dual citizenship is the new American dream.’”
This growing demand reflects a broader desire for greater mobility, security, and economic opportunity amid global uncertainty.
Europe’s openness reinforces global standing
Europe’s leadership in passport strength also reflects its role as a global hub for travel, trade, and diplomacy.
Countries within the Schengen Area continue to benefit from decades of coordination, allowing seamless movement for citizens and residents.
Analysts said that this unity—combined with strong bilateral relations beyond the bloc—has helped Europe withstand economic and political turbulence that often weakens global trust.
What will change for travelers
The dominance of European passports comes as the EU modernizes its border management systems, affecting millions of travelers worldwide.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), launched last October 12, records biometric data and entry-exit records for non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The goal is to reduce overstays and streamline border checks through automation.
Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)—expected to become fully operational in 2026—will require visa-exempt travelers, including citizens from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, to obtain digital pre-authorization before entering the bloc.
Short-term visitors will face new pre-screening steps but can expect faster and more secure processing once enrolled.
For long-term migrants, these systems promise greater transparency and consistency, while maintaining Europe’s strong reputation for accessibility.
The combination of Europe’s leading passport strength, the EES, and ETIAS represents a new phase of “smart mobility”—one that prioritizes both freedom and security.
Together, these initiatives aim to protect the EU’s borders while keeping its doors open to tourism, education, and migration opportunities.
Europe holds the key to global mobility
As the latest passport rankings show, Europe’s commitment to cooperation and openness continues to pay off.
While the U.S. grapples with declining mobility and policy-driven limitations, Europe’s unified approach keeps its citizens among the world’s most connected travelers.
The region’s investment in new border systems like ETIAS and EES further strengthens its position as both a secure and accessible destination.
For travelers and migrants alike, Europe’s leadership in mobility is more than symbolic—it’s a roadmap for a connected future.
In 2025, Europe doesn’t just lead the rankings—it defines the standard for global movement.