US citizens now enjoy entry to 180 of 227 destinations, tying with Malaysia for 12th place
For the first time in 20 years, the US passport has dropped out of the top 10 in the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on visa-free access worldwide.
US citizens now enjoy entry to 180 of 227 destinations, tying with Malaysia for 12th place.
Asian countries lead the rankings, with Singapore topping the list (193 destinations), followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).
The decline of the US passport is linked to countries tightening entry rules, including Brazil, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, China and the UAE have surged ahead, opening visa-free access to dozens of nations.
Experts say the shift reflects global mobility changes and soft power dynamics, rewarding nations that embrace openness.
Despite the decline, the US passport remains highly desirable, though travelers face more restrictions.