In the ever-evolving world of global travel, the Henley Passport Index has once again revealed its comprehensive rankings of the world’s most powerful passports. This prestigious ranking, compiled by Henley & Partners, measures the strength of passports based on the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations accessible to their holders. The most recent update for 2025 has uncovered some surprising shifts, including both countries climbing up the ranks and others falling dramatically.

Henley & Partners is renowned for its work in global immigration, and their Henley Passport Index is considered one of the most reliable sources for assessing the power of passports worldwide. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), including 199 passports from countries and territories worldwide. The list not only reveals the strongest passports but also highlights less powerful ones, showcasing the impact of political stability, economic prosperity, and diplomatic relations on a country's global mobility.

Photo: unsplash.com/@fernandoegv

After sharing the top rank with Japan for several years, Singapore has reclaimed its position as the world's most powerful passport for 2025. Singaporean passport holders enjoy access to an impressive 195 destinations without a prior visa, placing the country at the forefront of international travel freedom.

1. Singapore (access to 195 destinations)

2. Japan  (193)

3. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain (192)

4. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands Norway, Sweden (191)

5. Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, UK  (190)

6. Australia, Greece (189)

8 .7. Canada, Malta, Poland  (188)

9. Czechia, Hungary (187)

10. Estonia, USA (186)

11. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, UAE (185)

Photo: unsplash.com/@globalresidenceindex

On the other end of the spectrum, there are countries whose passports offer minimal travel freedom. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the Henley Passport Index, with access to only 26 destinations without a visa. This stark contrast highlights the inequality in global mobility, with Afghanistan passport holders unable to travel freely to most parts of the world.

1. Afghanistan (26)

2. Syria  (27)

3. Iraq  (31)

4. Yemen , Pakistan  (33)

5. Somalia  (35)

6. Nepal (39)

7. Bangladesh , Libya , Palestinian Territory  (40)

8. North Korea (41)

9. Eritrea (42)

10. Sudan  (43)