Singapore takes first place on the 2025 Henley Passport Index, leaving last year’s ties behind. Citizens can visit 195 of 227 global destinations visa-free, making it the strongest passport in the world. After pandemic restrictions were lifted, Japan, pushed to second with 193 destinations, regained some ground by reclaiming visa-free access to China.
The Shift in Europe’s Rankings
European nations dominate the 2025 Henley Passport Index despite some slipping positions. Key updates include:
- France, Germany, Italy, and Spain dropped to third place with access to 192 countries.
- Finland and South Korea joined third after losing a spot this year.
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden collectively hold fourth place with 191 visa-free options.
- Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK share fifth position with access to 190 destinations.
Eastern Europe Holds Strong
Eastern European passports also perform well, packing a solid punch in rankings:
- Greece stands in sixth place.
- Poland follows in seventh.
- The Czech Republic and Hungary tie at eighth.
- Estonia clinches ninth.
- Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia share tenth place.
While Cyprus (14th), Bulgaria, and Romania (15th) remain below the top 10, Romania is eyeing a boost in the following months (remember, the index is updated monthly). Official confirmation on January 10 stated, “Romanians will soon have visa-free access to the United States,” though implementation details are pending.
Global Outliers: UAE, US, and Australia
Outside Europe, several non-EU nations stand out:
- Australia ranks sixth with 189 destinations.
- Canada follows closely in seventh with 188.
- The United States, slipping slightly, lands in ninth with 186.
The UAE earns a well-deserved place among the top. Ranked tenth, it grants access to 185 nations today—a huge leap from its 2015 position. With 72 destinations added in just a decade, the UAE climbed 32 spots and secured a powerful passport.
The 2025 rankings, based on Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), evaluate 199 passports and 227 destinations. Updated monthly, the index combines IATA data with Henley & Partners’ independent research.
Quick Recap:
- Singapore leads with 195 visa-free destinations.
- Japan follows with 193.
- EU passports dominate 3rd to 5th spots.
- Romania may climb with upcoming U.S. visa-free access.
- UAE showcases rapid passport strength growth.
The Henley Passport Index remains the go-to resource for travellers navigating visa-free journeys worldwide.
