The world's most powerful passports in 2025 have been revealed, and it doesn't look too great for the US. Or the UK for that matter. The results have been decided by the Henley Passport Index, the global official ranking of all the world's passports. It's based on the number of international destinations holders can access without a visa (Picture: Getty Images)

Where does the US rank?

The US currently ranks in 10th place, having been bumped down from ninth last year. Currently, it sits alongside Iceland and Lithuania. These nationals have a lower 182 visa-free destinations accessible to them. Back in 2014, US passports came in first place, so in recent years, there's been a significant drop in their power (Picture: Getty Images)

Where does the UK rank?

The UK passport currently sits in sixth place, after falling to number five at the beginning of this year. In 2024, it was at a much stronger fourth position: passport owners had visa-free access to 191 destinations. Now, it's been reduced to 186. From 2013 to 2015, the British passport took the number one spot (Picture: Getty Images)

Which country has the most powerful passport?

Singapore has the most powerful passport for the second year in a row. The Asian nation has access to 193 destinations and offers seamless travel for its holders. Japanese and South Korean passports rank in joint second place, with 190 visa-free destinations, while Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are all in joint third. They can easily visit 189 countries (Picture: Getty Images)

What is the Henley Passport Index?

It's all well and good sharing the world's most powerful passports, but where does the authority come from? The Henley Passport Index was launched in 2005 by the investment firm Henley Global. Originally, it was known as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index. In 2018, it was shortened to what we know today. It ranks 199 of the world's passports, and publishes quarterly findings (Picture: Getty Images)

The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which assesses travel restriction information. The research is only based on 'normal' passports, and excludes diplomatic or emergency documents. Temporary airspace restrictions are also ignored (Picture: Getty Images)

Following the most recent ratings, Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO at Henley & Partners, explained that passports are no longer just a travel document — they're a 'reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.' He stated in the index findings that '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.' He also said that, in an era of 'growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever' (Picture: Getty Images)

What are the 10 most powerful passports in 2025?

On the next slide, you'll find the top 10 most powerful passports, along with their number of visa-free destinations, from the most recent index. It actually includes 36 countries, due to many being tied in their power (Picture: Getty Images)

The most powerful passports in 2025

1. Singapore – 193 visa-free destinations
2. Japan, South Korea – 190 visa-free destinations
3. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain – 189 visa-free destinations
4. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 188 visa-free destinations
5. Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland – 187 visa-free destinations
6. United Kingdom – 186 visa-free destinations
7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland – 185 visa-free destinations
8. Canada, Estonia, UAE – 184 visa-free destinations
9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 visa-free destinations
10. Iceland, Lithuania, United States – 182 visa-free destinations (Picture: Getty Images)