Emmanuel OchayiAs global travel evolves, passport strength becomes a key indicator of a country’s influence and mobility. The Henley Passport Index, a widely recognised ranking, highlights the most powerful passports in the world for 2025, revealing some interesting shifts.
Singapore Tops the List Again
Singapore reclaims its position as the holder of the most powerful passport. Citizens can travel visa-free to 195 destinations, making it a standout in global mobility.
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Japan ranks second with access to 193 destinations, regaining its position after reopening visa-free travel to China. European nations dominate the third spot, with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea offering visa-free access to 192 destinations.
The Influence of the European Union
The European Union’s Schengen Area significantly influences the rankings, with Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden tied at fourth place, each with access to 191 destinations.
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The United Kingdom and Others in Fifth Place
Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom share the fifth position, with their citizens enjoying visa-free travel to 190 destinations.
Notable Climbers and Fallers
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has climbed significantly, now ranked tenth with access to 185 destinations, reflecting its growing global mobility. Conversely, Venezuela and the United States are among the top fallers, with the U.S. dropping to the ninth spot.
Listing of the Most Powerful Passports in No Particular Order
- Singapore: 195 destinations
- Japan: 193 destinations
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea: 192 destinations
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway: 191 destinations
- Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom: 190 destinations
- Greece, Australia: 189 destinations
- Canada, Poland, Malta: 188 destinations
- Hungary, Czechia: 187 destinations
- Estonia, United States: 186 destinations
- Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates: 185 destinations
The Wider Implications
The Henley Passport Index’s 20th anniversary highlights the widening gap between the most and least powerful passports. At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains last with access to only 26 destinations. Christian H. Kaelin of Henley & Partners noted the need for a rethink of citizenship as global challenges reshape mobility patterns.
The UAE’s rise is particularly notable, having climbed 32 places since 2015, reflecting strategic international partnerships. China’s improvement also stands out, moving from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, showing its increasing global engagement.
Henley & Partners’ ranking is complemented by Arton Capital’s Passport Index, which also places the UAE at the top for 2025, followed by Spain. This dynamic illustrates the ongoing changes in global mobility and the strategic importance of passport strength.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
