U.S. passport falls to record-low 10th place in global ranking
The U.S. passport has hit its lowest ranking ever, dropping to 10th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, and now sits alongside Iceland and Lithuania.
According to the report, U.S. passport holders currently have visa-free access to 182 destinations, far fewer than top-ranking countries like Singapore, which offers visa-free entry to 193 destinations. The U.S. passport has slid seven spots since 2015, when it ranked second globally.
This drop comes despite a record surge in passport applications in 2023. In 2024, applications fell by 5.28%, the largest year-over-year decline since 2020. Today, around 45–50% of Americans hold a valid passport, amounting to nearly 170 million active passports and cards.
Experts point to shifting international relations and more restrictive entry policies as key factors in the decline.
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document—it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners.
The U.S. State Department has not commented on the ranking but continues to update entry requirements through its official tools. Analysts say regaining a top position will likely require renewed diplomatic efforts and more reciprocal travel agreements.
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