Every year, the ranking of the most powerful passports attracts global interest, revealing trends in international mobility. In 2025, a notable change sees the French passport lose its top spot in the ranking, while Asian countries continue to strengthen their dominance. Find out which passports allow visa-free travel to the most countries.
Three key facts you need to know
- The French passport is now in fifth place, allowing visa-free access to 187 countries.
- Singapore holds the top spot with 193 visa-free destinations.
- The US passport has fallen to twelfth place, with only 180 countries accessible.
Passport ranking in 2025
The 2025 passport ranking is dominated by Asia. Singapore ranks first, with visa-free access to 193 countries. South Korea follows closely behind with 190 destinations, while Japan ranks third with 189 countries accessible without a visa.
European countries such as Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland occupy fourth place, offering their citizens the opportunity to visit 188 countries without a visa. This tightening of the rankings shows the fierce competition between nations to facilitate international travel.
The position of the French passport
The French passport, previously at the top of the ranking, now finds itself in fifth place. It allows visa-free travel to 187 countries, sharing this position with several other European nations, including Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This slight drop reflects the constant adjustments in visa policies around the world.
The least powerful passports
At the other end of the spectrum, the Afghan passport remains the least powerful, granting visa-free access to only 24 countries. Syria and Iraq follow closely behind with 26 and 29 visa-free destinations, respectively. The North Korean passport, meanwhile, allows visa-free travel to only 38 countries.
The decline of the US passport
The US passport has fallen significantly, from seventh to twelfth place. This change is mainly due to the restrictions put in place under the Trump administration, which have had a lasting impact on the mobility of US citizens. Today, the US passport allows visa-free travel to only 180 countries.
Henley & Partners, the organization behind this ranking, is recognized for its expertise in global citizenship and residency planning. It has been publishing this ranking for several years, and it has become a benchmark for assessing the freedom of movement of citizens around the world. The British company specializes in the study of visa policies and international mobility trends, providing valuable analysis to governments and individuals seeking to optimize their global access.