The world's most powerful passports

Asia boasts 4 representatives in the top 10 of the Henley Passport Index's list of the world's most powerful passports: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.

The Henley Passport Index, released on 22/7, ranks the world's most powerful passports, with 36 countries making the top 10.

Singapore holds the top spot, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations (out of a total of 227 countries and territories). Japan and South Korea are tied for second place. In the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index, Singapore has held the number one spot five times since 2006 and has been ranked second three times. South Korea has been runner-up six times. However, Japan has been the most consistent top performer, holding the number one position seven times, with its lowest ranking being 6th in 2010.

The world's most powerful passports in 2025

Rank	Destination	Number of visa-free destinations
1	Singapore	193
2	South Korea, Japan	190
3	Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain	189
4	Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden	188
5	New Zealand, Greece, Switzerland	187
6	United Kingdom	186
7	Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland	185
8	Canada, Estonia	184
9	Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia	183
10	Lithuania, USA, Iceland	182

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are tied for third place with visa-free access to 189 destinations. The remaining countries in the top 10 are primarily developed nations or members of the Schengen Area. Six Asia-Pacific countries are in the top 20: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. North America is represented by the USA and Canada, with Canada ranking two places higher than the USA.

Travel experts note that while the Singaporean passport is powerful, obtaining one is difficult. Becoming a Singaporean citizen requires at least two years of permanent residency, meeting "economic contribution" requirements, fulfilling other long-term residency criteria, and, for men, completing mandatory military service.

The USA is currently tied for 10th place with Iceland and Lithuania, marking its lowest ranking in the 20-year history of the index. Experts attribute this to a lack of strategic diplomatic efforts to expand visa-free access to other countries.

Singapore passport - the world's most powerful passport in 2025. Photo: New Paper

Singapore passport - the world's most powerful passport in 2025. Photo: New Paper

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, ranked 99th, with visa-free access to 25 destinations, one fewer than at the beginning of the year. Syria is ranked 98th (with 27 destinations), and Iraq is 97th (with 30 destinations).

Countries with the lowest-ranked passports in 2025

Rank	Country/Territory	Number of visa-free destinations
99	Afghanistan	25
98	Syria	27
97	Iraq	30
96	Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen	32
95	Libya, Nepal	38
94	Eritrea, Palestine, Bangladesh	39
93	North Korea	40
92	Sudan	41
91	Sri Lanka, Iran	42
90	Republic of the Congo, South Sudan	43

The Henley Passport Index calculates the number of "visa-free" destinations, including places that do not require a visa for entry, or only require a visa on arrival, an e-visa (electronic visa), or an ETA (electronic travel authorization). E-visas, ETAs, and visas on arrival are generally considered formalities, with a high likelihood of approval upon application, except in cases where travelers have adverse records or are on a national or international "blacklist." The passport ranking is based on ordinary passports (not diplomatic or official passports).

Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, states that global access is not inherent but is the result of proactive and strategic diplomacy. Countries that actively negotiate visa waivers and maintain reciprocal agreements will continue to rise in the rankings, while those with less engagement will fall behind.

The Henley Passport Index is one of the few reputable indices globally that tracks passport freedom of movement, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is typically published twice a year, at the beginning of Quarter I and Quarter III, with regular updates.

Anh Minh (CNN)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/nhung-ho-chieu-quyen-luc-nhat-the-gioi-4917830.html