The concept of a passport Powerful is associated with freedom of movement and visa-free access to more countries. The Henley Passport Index, prepared with data from the International Air Transport Association, measures each year the number of destinations that a citizen can visit without restrictions.
These are the 10 most powerful passports in the world
For the first time in twenty years, three Asian countries top the list of passports further powerful. Singapore ranks first with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. Europe maintains a strong presence with Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland sharing fourth place, while Austria, France and the Netherlands complete the top ten most favored nations.
The descent of passport American is explained by several factors. Among them, the withdrawal of visa exemptions by countries like Brazil, and the exclusion of the United States from bilateral agreements that did favor China and other emerging powers. Added to this are new electronic visa systems and restrictions imposed by Vietnam and Somalia.
The loss of influence of some passports contrasts with the rise of others. China, for example, rose from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025, gaining visa-free access to 37 more destinations. The United Arab Emirates also climbed significantly, rising 34 places in the last decade. At the opposite extreme, Afghanistan continues to occupy the last place in the ranking, with free access to only 24 destinations, followed by Syria and Iraq.
According to the report, the ten passports most powerful in the world in 2025 are:
- Singapore (193 destinations)
- South Korea (190)
- Japan (189)
- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland (188)
- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands (187)
- Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand (186)
- Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland (185)
- Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (184)
- Canada (183)
- Latvia, Liechtenstein (182).
