The US passport has fallen to 10th place in the latest Henley Passport Index, marking the lowest position for the country since the index’s inception two decades ago. This decline reflects the limited number of destinations US passport holders can enter without a visa, which has implications for student mobility, international exchange programmes, and global learning initiatives.As of the latest update, US passport holders can access 182 destinations visa-free, placing the country in a three-way tie for 10th place with Iceland and Lithuania. In comparison, the top-ranking passport—Singapore—grants visa-free access to 193 destinations. The US has been slipping in the rankings each year since 2014, when it held the top position.Falling rankings reflect diplomatic challengesAccording to the Henley Passport Index, which is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the decline signals a broader diplomatic trend. Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, said in a press release that “your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” as reported by CBS News.Countries that proactively negotiate visa waivers and build reciprocal agreements are performing better in the rankings. Dr Christian H. Kaelin, the creator of the passport index, stated that the current trend shows “access is earned – and must be maintained – through active and strategic diplomacy,” according to CBS News.Implications for students and academic travelThe drop in passport ranking could directly impact American students seeking international learning opportunities. With reduced visa-free access, students may face more administrative barriers when applying for short-term academic exchanges, research programmes, or internships abroad. For example, while students from countries with higher-ranking passports such as Singapore (193 destinations) and Japan or South Korea (190 destinations each) may travel more freely, US students may need to secure visas for an increasing number of countries.US ranks low on openness to other nationalitiesHenley & Partners also reported that the US ranks poorly in terms of openness. It currently allows visa-free entry to only 46 other nationalities. This limited access could discourage reciprocal arrangements with other nations, potentially affecting academic partnerships and student exchange frameworks.Comparison of passport power rankingsGlobal Passport Ranking (Henley Passport Index 2025): Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Henley Passport Index tracks the travel freedom of 199 passports across 227 destinations. Updated monthly, it is the leading global standard for assessing passport power and international mobility.
Broader consequences for global mobilityThe fall in the US passport’s power coincides with what Henley described as the US and UK “retreating behind more restrictive entry policies,” as reported by CBS News. This could have longer-term implications for cross-border educational cooperation, especially for students needing flexible travel options for academic or professional development.The US Department of State has not issued an official comment, according to CBS News. However, American travellers, including students, can use the State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” tool to check visa requirements for specific countries.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
