The year 2025 brings a fresh wave of travel freedom as Singapore reclaims its spot at the top of the Henley Passport Index, a renowned ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. With visa-free access to 195 destinations, Singapore has once again proven its might in global mobility, offering unparalleled travel convenience to its citizens.
Singapore’s coveted red passport grants access to more destinations than any other passport, enabling its holders to explore 195 out of 227 countries and territories without needing a visa. This achievement underscores the city-state’s diplomatic influence and strong international relationships.
Not far behind is Japan, which secured second place with visa-free access to 193 destinations. The return of visa-free entry to neighboring China has been a game-changer for Japan, reinforcing its status as a global mobility leader.
European countries, bolstered by the EU’s border-free Schengen Area, continue to dominate the upper echelons of the Henley Passport Index. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea share third place, with visa-free access to 192 destinations.
The fourth spot is crowded with seven EU nations, including Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Sweden, each offering access to 191 destinations. This highlights the strength of the European Union’s global influence and its commitment to seamless travel for its citizens.
The United Kingdom, despite post-Brexit challenges, ties for fifth place with Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, and Switzerland, each granting access to 190 destinations.
While some countries bask in the luxury of nearly unrestricted global travel, others remain constrained. Afghanistan, at the bottom of the index, offers visa-free access to just 26 destinations. Similarly, Syria and Iraq rank 105th and 104th, with access to 27 and 31 destinations, respectively.
The growing disparity between top-tier passports and those at the bottom highlights the unequal distribution of global mobility rights. According to Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, “This mobility gap underscores the need for a rethinking of citizenship and its implications, especially in a world increasingly affected by climate change, political instability, and displacement.”
The United Arab Emirates is one of the index’s biggest success stories. Ranked 10th, its citizens now enjoy visa-free access to 185 destinations, a remarkable leap from its position a decade ago. Similarly, China has risen from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025, showcasing the nation’s growing diplomatic reach.
Beyond the Henley Passport Index, other rankings, such as Arton Capital’s Passport Power Index, provide alternative perspectives. In this index, the UAE holds the top spot with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 180, followed closely by Spain with 179.
- Singapore (195 destinations)
- Japan (193)
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea (192)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway (191)
- Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom (190)
- Greece, Australia (189)
- Canada, Poland, Malta (188)
- Hungary, Czechia (187)
- Estonia, United States (186)
- Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates (185)
A Changing World
The global mobility landscape is ever-changing, reflecting shifts in diplomacy, security, and global cooperation. For frequent travelers and global citizens, these rankings offer a glimpse into the privileges and challenges tied to the passports they hold. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the value of a powerful passport becomes even more evident.
