The US passport has fallen to its lowest global standing on the Henley Passport Index, ranking 12th worldwide as of October 2025 and offering visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations. It’s the first time in two decades that American travelers are outside the top 10. The drop follows the loss of visa-free entry to Brazil in April 2025, new limits by several countries in Asia and the Pacific, and a widening gap between how open the United States 🇺🇸 is to inbound travelers and what it expects for outbound access abroad.
What the ranking shows
Henley & Partners’ latest update places the US passport alongside Malaysia, below regional leaders in Asia.
- Singapore tops the list with 193 destinations, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).
- The United Kingdom holds 8th place at roughly 187 destinations.
- The US passport now grants 180 visa-free or visa-on-arrival options, down from 188 in October 2024.
Henley’s data also highlights the inbound side of the equation.
- The United States allows visa-free entry to only 46 nationalities, ranking 77th on the Henley Openness Index.
- That low level of reciprocity matters: many governments weigh how the US treats their citizens when shaping their own visa rules for Americans.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the gap between US outbound strength and inbound openness has widened, and it now shows up directly in Americans’ travel options.
The contrast with a decade ago is stark. In 2014, the US passport held the No. 1 spot. Since then, a steady slide has tracked major shifts in global mobility and bilateral relations. Countries that have leaned into wider access and reciprocity—especially in Asia—now cluster at the top.
Policy shifts and traveler impact
Several recent government decisions pushed the US passport lower in 2025.
- Brazil ended visa-free entry for US citizens in April 2025.
- China expanded its visa-free list for select nations but did not include the United States.
- New hurdles have appeared in Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam.
Each change adds paperwork, fees, and wait times for American travelers who previously enjoyed quick entry.
Key US-side policy changes this year
- Suspension of visa issuance to 12 nations, heavier limits for 7 more, and warnings of possible bans affecting up to 36 countries, many in Africa.
- A new “visa bond” policy ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for travelers from seven African nations.
- An increase to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee for visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, which doubled from $21 to $40 on September 30, 2025. Travelers apply on the official ESTA site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
- Plans for a $250 blanket “visa integrity fee” for most nonimmigrant visa applications.
Experts say these steps reflect a broader turn inward.
“Countries that embrace openness are moving ahead,” says Christian H. Kaelin of Henley & Partners. Annie Pforzheimer at CSIS points to an inward-facing mindset that now shows up clearly in passport performance.
For US citizens, the fallout is practical and immediate. Fewer countries offer easy entry than last year, and some popular destinations now require advance paperwork. Brazil, Vietnam, and China are among the highest-impact changes.
Practical effects for travelers and organizations
If you plan travel in late 2025 or early 2026, take these actions:
- Check requirements early — at least a month before departure.
- Budget for added costs — visa fees, ESTA increases, and possible bond requirements.
- Allow more time for processing — consular backlogs can add weeks.
Common consequences when visa-free access is removed:
- Extra documents (bank statements, flight/hotel proof, invitation letters)
- Higher fees that vary by nationality and entry type
- Longer processing windows — sometimes several weeks
- Stricter rules (biometrics, limited entry points)
Where a consular visa is required, most applicants must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You can find it on the US Department of State’s website: Form DS-160.
Who is most affected
- Families — increased costs multiply per family member.
- Employers — may need to adjust travel timelines for staff.
- Students & researchers — could face delays for last-minute conference or fieldwork travel.
- Retirees & leisure travelers — may pivot to visa-free or simple e-visa destinations.
For US residents with dual citizenship, the ranking gap can influence which passport to use. For example, a traveler holding both American and Singaporean nationality will have 13 more visa-free destinations with the Singapore passport.
Why some passports lead now
The current top tier reflects regional strategy and long-term policy choices.
- Singapore’s lead (193 destinations) reflects efforts to build bilateral trust, simplify border procedures, and adopt data-sharing that speeds screening.
- South Korea and Japan have followed similar paths focused on reciprocity and digital checks.
The United States still offers strong consular services and robust passport security, but the Henley Passport Index suggests that openness and reciprocity now matter more than ever.
Tips to reduce travel headaches
- Check destination rules at least a month before departure.
- Submit e-visa applications early and keep both digital and printed copies.
- If a consular visa is needed, complete
Form DS-160and gather supporting documents before booking nonrefundable travel. - Expect longer processing times and budget for higher fees, including the ESTA increase to $40.
Important: The rise in the ESTA fee to $40 means travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries visiting the United States will pay more, a cost that could invite further reciprocal changes abroad.
Final takeaways
- The US passport still offers broad reach — 180 destinations visa-free or visa-on-arrival — but its global rank has fallen to 12th as of October 2025.
- The change reflects both other countries expanding access strategically and the United States adopting tougher inbound policies that affect reciprocity.
- Travelers should plan earlier, expect added costs and paperwork, and consider dual-nationality options where applicable.
The countries at the top of the Henley Passport Index are those that make wider, mutual entry possible — and sustain it through policies that reward openness on both sides.
This Article in a Nutshell
In October 2025 the US passport dropped to 12th on the Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 of 227 destinations—down from 188 in October 2024. The decline follows Brazil’s removal of visa-free entry in April 2025 and added restrictions from Asia-Pacific countries like Vietnam and Papua New Guinea. The United States ranks 77th on the Henley Openness Index, allowing visa-free entry to just 46 nationalities, which weakens reciprocity and influences other countries’ visa policies toward Americans. US policy changes this year include suspensions of visa issuance to multiple countries, a new visa bond for travelers from seven African nations, a doubled ESTA fee ($40), and a proposed $250 visa integrity fee. Practical impacts for travelers include more paperwork, higher fees, longer processing times, and the need to plan earlier. Families, employers, students, and retirees may face increased costs and scheduling adjustments. Experts say countries embracing openness now lead global mobility rankings, while the US inward policy stance contributes to its relative decline. Travelers should verify requirements well in advance, budget for added costs, and consider dual-nationality options where applicable.
