The United States has dropped to its lowest position yet in the ranking of most powerful passport in the world. 

Americans once held the strongest passport for visa-free entry, with the US most recently topping the list in 2014.

According to the latest ranking, it has now dropped down to tenth place. 

The Henley Passport Index, created using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has compiled a new list. It evaluates the number of countries a passport holder can enter without needing a visa beforehand.

In what has been a downward trend, the US is now tied with Iceland and Lithuania with 182 destinations. 

Asian countries dominate the top three positions, with Singapore’s passport leading. It permits visa-free travel to 193 destinations.

Next, Japan and South Korea are tied with 190 destinations.

In third place, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, all members of the European Union, are tied with access to 189 destinations.

The United States passport has dropped to its lowest position yet on the rankings of most powerful travel document

The three most powerful passports are all from Asian countries, with Singapore’s passport – allowing visa–free entry to 193 destinations, holding the top spot (Pictured: Singapore’s urban cityscape)

The UK and US have each dropped a place in the global passport rankings since January, with the British passport – which topped the rankings in 2015, slipping from fifth to sixth place, with 186 destinations.  

At the opposite end of the global mobility spectrum, Afghanistan is still at the bottom, with its citizens able to access just 25 destinations without a prior visa.

This makes for a staggering mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top-and bottom-ranked passports. 

As for biggest risers, the UAE continues to be a standout, shooting up 34 places over the last 10 years from 42nd to eighth place.  

China is also quickly moving up the rankings, rising 34 places from 94 to 60 since 2015 – an especially impressive feat, considering China has not yet gained visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. 

Meanwhile, the biggest faller on these rankings is Venezuela, which plunged 15 places from 30 to 45. 

South Korea comes in second place on the passport rankings with 190 destinations (Pictured: Sunrise scene of Seoul downtown city skyline)

Tied with South Korea is Japan (pictured) with 190 destinations 

Christian H. Kaelin, who is credited with creating the index, said in a news release that the latest findings highlight an ‘increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility,’ with the most successful countries demonstrating proactive efforts to engage with others.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, Chief Executive Officer at Henley & Partners, says this trend is reshaping the investment migration landscape. 

‘Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. 

‘As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we’re witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security.

‘Your passport is no longer just a travel document – it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships. 

‘In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.’