World Ranking Places Portuguese Passport as Fourth Most Influential
In the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, Singapore maintains its position at the top, with its passport allowing visa-free access to a record-breaking 193 destinations, marking the second consecutive year it has held this title [1]. Close behind are Japan and South Korea, with their passports allowing visa-free visits to 190 destinations each, securing them the second spot [2].
The Top 10 most valuable passports in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025, also includes European countries such as Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, which share third place, allowing visits to 189 destinations without a visa [3]. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden also share this third place [4]. Greece, Switzerland, and New Zealand's passports allow visits to a total of 187 countries without a visa, placing them in the top five.
The United Kingdom ranks sixth, allowing visits to 186 countries [2]. Interestingly, some non-European countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China are also featured in the Top 10, demonstrating the global nature of the index [3].
The US passport, which held the top spot in the Henley Passport Index in 2014, has seen a significant drop, now ranking 10th with visa-free access to 182 destinations. This decline is attributed to more restrictive entry policies in recent years [2]. Belarus, a European country, holds the lowest position among European countries on the Henley Passport Index, ranking 62nd and allowing visa-free access to only 81 destinations [2].
The latest update of the Henley Passport Index also reveals that some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, are rising in the rankings due to the latest visa waiver agreements and easing of entry requirements [1]. For instance, the United Arab Emirates passport is now ranked 8th, allowing visa-free access to 173 destinations [2].
On a positive note, the Portuguese passport allows visa-free access to 188 destinations, making it an attractive option for travel [2].
[1] Henley & Partners. (2025). Henley Passport Index 2025. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/ [2] BBC News. (2025). US passport slips to 10th in Henley Passport Index. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56872633 [3] Forbes. (2025). The World's Most Powerful Passports In 2025. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristindonohue/2025/04/07/the-worlds-most-powerful-passports-in-2025/?sh=4a6b1002335e [4] The Guardian. (2025). Singapore retains title of world's most powerful passport. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/07/singapore-retains-title-of-worlds-most-powerful-passport
- The Top 10 most valuable passports in the world, as per the Henley Passport Index 2025, not only include European countries like Denmark, Finland, France, and Spain, but also non-European nations such as the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the global nature of the index.
- Despite a significant drop in ranking, the US passport, once holding the top spot in 2014, still allows visa-free access to 182 destinations, making it an option for travel and general-news discussions about politics and lifestyle.
