Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 21
U.S. Passport Drops to No. 10 With 180 Visa-Free Destinations as Openness Rank Sinks to 73rd
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 21

U.S. Passport Drops to No. 10 With 180 Visa-Free Destinations as Openness Rank Sinks to 73rd

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 21

Summary

  • Americans can now enter 180 countries visa-free or on arrival, leaving the U.S. tied for 10th in the Henley Passport Index after sharing No. 1 in 2006.
  • Henley says the slide is partly driven by weak reciprocity: the U.S. allows only 46 nationalities visa-free entry, placing it 73rd on the Openness Index.
  • Singapore leads the passport ranking with access to 192 destinations, while the U.S. now trails 36 countries and even still requires visas for China.
  • Henley reported a 183% year-over-year jump in first-quarter 2025 inquiries from U.S. citizens seeking alternative residency or citizenship, reflecting growing demand for a foreign 'Plan B.'

Insights

Why do some of the world's least peaceful nations still hold the most powerful passports?
Can you truly buy safety by purchasing a passport from a peaceful country?
In a world with post-WWII record conflicts, why is global travel becoming easier?