The 2025 Global Passport Power Rankings: Where Does the US Stand Now?
As international travel rebounds in 2025, the latest statistics reveal shifting dynamics in global mobility. While Asian and European passports continue to dominate, the United States has seen minor improvements, but still lags behind its peak ranking.
This year’s rankings highlight key diplomatic wins for the US, as well as ongoing challenges that prevent it from reclaiming its former #1 status. Here’s an in-depth look at the 2025 passport power rankings, why the US remains stuck in the middle, and what could change in the coming years.
Top 20 Most Powerful Passports in 2025
(Rankings based on visa-free/visa-on-arrival access)
Singapore, 
Japan (194 destinations)
Germany, 
South Korea, 
Spain (193 destinations)
Finland, 
Italy, 
Luxembourg (192 destinations)
Austria, 
Denmark, 
France, 
Sweden (191 destinations)
Ireland, 
Netherlands, 
Portugal (190 destinations)
Belgium, 
Czech Republic, 
UK, 
Norway, 
New Zealand (189 destinations)
Australia, 
Switzerland, 
Hungary, 
Poland (188 destinations)
Canada, 
Greece, 
Malta (187 destinations)
Lithuania, 
Slovakia (186 destinations)
Iceland, 
Latvia, 
Slovenia (185 destinations)
Estonia (184 destinations)
UAE, 
Liechtenstein, 
Malaysia (183 destinations)
Cyprus (182 destinations)
Romania, 
Chile (181 destinations)
Croatia, 
Bulgaria, 
Monaco (180 destinations)
Hong Kong (SAR China), 
Argentina (179 destinations)
Brazil (178 destinations)
United States (177 destinations) (▲ +3 from 2024)
San Marino (176 destinations)
Israel (175 destinations)
The US Passport in 2025: Small Gains, But Still Playing Catch-Up
Why the US Improved Slightly (177 destinations, up from 174)
Brazil’s Visa Waiver – After years of requiring visas, Brazil reinstated visa-free access for Americans in 2024, boosting the US ranking. Argentina’s Easier Entry – Simplified entry policies for US tourists helped add another destination. Southeast Asia Progress – Indonesia and Vietnam are testing extended visa-free stays for Americans, hinting at future waivers.
Why the US Still Isn’t a Top 10 Passport
No Major New Waivers – While Brazil helped, the US hasn’t secured deals with China, India, Turkey, or Russia. Reciprocity Issues Persist – The US still imposes strict visa rules on many nations, discouraging them from offering visa-free access in return. Geopolitical Roadblocks – Tensions with China, Russia, and some African nations limit expansion.
Will the US Passport Keep Rising? The 2026 Outlook
Potential Improvements
India & Vietnam Talks – Rumors suggest the US is negotiating easier travel terms with both countries. More Latin American Waivers? – If Mexico or Colombia eases restrictions, the US could gain another boost. ASEAN Diplomacy – Southeast Asian nations may relax rules to attract American tourism.
Possible Setbacks
New Visa Requirements – If the US tightens entry rules (e.g., for Schengen Zone travelers), retaliation could hurt rankings. Ongoing China Tensions – No progress expected on Chinese visa waivers.
The Counterfeiting and Circulation of US Passports In The Black Market, Like World Passport, can also be another factor causing a decline in the US passport ranking
How the US Can Regain Its Elite Passport Status
To compete with Singapore, Germany, and Japan, the US must:
- Make Visa Waivers a Diplomatic Priority (Like the UAE did to jump from #60 to #12 in a decade)
- Fix Reciprocity Issues – Ease visa rules for key nations to encourage mutual waivers.
- Strengthen Ties with Africa & Asia – Target South Africa, Indonesia, and Nigeria for easier travel deals.
Final Verdict: A Slow Climb Back Up
The US passport is no longer free, but it’s not surging ahead either. 2025’s small gains are a start, but Americans may never see their passport back in the top 5 without a coordinated strategy.
Do you think the US government should prioritise passport power? Which countries should they target next? Let us know in the comments!
(Sources🙂