According to the Henley Passport Index's third-quarter report released on 22/7, Vietnam now ranks 84th globally. This is a seven-place jump from its 91st position in the first quarter report and three places higher than its 2024 ranking. This marks one of Vietnam's most significant climbs in the 20 years since Henley began compiling the index.
Vietnamese citizens can now enter 51 destinations visa-free or with an e-visa, visa on arrival, or ETA (electronic travel authorization) out of a total of 227 countries and territories. This access is similar to countries ranked 91st.
Destinations accessible to Vietnamese citizens without a traditional visa include ASEAN nations, Barbados, Bolivia, Brunei, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Iran, Malawi, Maldives, Panama, Suriname, Tajikistan, and Tanzania.
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New Vietnamese passport. Photo: Nhu Ngoc |
Singapore maintained its top spot in the latter half of 2025, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations, more than any other country. However, obtaining Singaporean citizenship is challenging. Applicants typically require at least two years of permanent residency, meet economic contribution requirements, and fulfill other long-term settlement criteria. Male applicants must also complete mandatory military service.
South Korea moved up one spot to share second place with Japan, with visa-free entry to 190 destinations. Third place is held by several European countries: Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Finland (189 destinations).
The UAE is a notable success story, climbing 34 places over the past decade, from 42nd to 8th. China has also seen considerable improvement, rising from 94th in 2015 to 60th, although it still lacks visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
The US now sits in 10th place, tied with Iceland and Lithuania, its lowest ranking in the index's 20-year history. Experts attribute this decline to a lack of strategic diplomatic efforts to expand visa access reciprocity.
In 2014, the US held the top spot, but now offers visa-free access to only 182 countries and territories. Because Henley groups countries with the same score, 33 countries actually surpass the US in global access.
A new US policy requiring a minimum $250 "visa surety fee" for all international visitors needing non-immigrant visas has drawn criticism. The US Travel Association argues that this fee could discourage international tourism.
Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, emphasizes that global access isn't automatic but the result of proactive and strategic diplomacy. Countries that actively negotiate visa waivers and maintain reciprocal agreements will continue to rise, while those with less engagement will fall behind.
The Henley Passport Index is a leading authority on global passport freedom, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index is typically published twice a year, in the first and third quarters, with regular updates.
Anh Minh (CNN, Henley Passport Index)
