The U.S. passport has dropped to its lowest position ever on the Henley Passport Index, landing in 10th place in the global ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. The index, updated by London-based firm Henley & Partners, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without needing a visa.
According to the latest data, Americans can currently travel visa-free to 182 countries. While this number remains relatively high, it falls short of the 193 destinations accessible to passport holders from Singapore, which has held the top spot since last year. The U.S. now shares its 10th-place ranking with Lithuania and Iceland.
A Decade-Long Decline
The U.S. passport held the top spot in 2014 but has fallen every year since, marking a steady decline in global mobility for American travelers. This is the first time the U.S. is on the brink of falling out of the top 10 since the Henley Index was launched nearly two decades ago.
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, said in a statement.
Countries that invest in strategic diplomacy and pursue reciprocal visa waivers tend to rise in the rankings. Those that tighten entry restrictions or step back from international engagement, like the U.S. and U.K., have seen their passport power drop, according to Henley analysts.
Who’s at the Top?
The top-ranked countries in the 2024 report are largely European and Asian:
- Singapore (193 destinations)
- (tie) Japan and South Korea (190 destinations)
- (tie) France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Ireland, Finland
- (tie) Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Austria, Luxembourg
- (tie) Switzerland, Greece, New Zealand
Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with visa-free access to just 25 destinations.
What It Means for American Travelers
Despite the drop, U.S. citizens still enjoy widespread travel freedom. But travelers should always check visa requirements before a trip , especially as geopolitical shifts and new policies continue to influence global mobility. Before traveling, Americans can check each country’s visa rules using the State Department’s destination search tool, which provides up-to-date entry requirements.
While many countries allow U.S. citizens to visit without a visa, the U.S. ranks relatively low in reciprocity: only 46 nationalities can enter the U.S. visa-free, according to the report.
If you’re curious to see where your passport ranks, the Henley Passport Index allows you to search the list by passport type.