In today’s interconnected world, passport strength plays a critical role in global mobility, economic opportunities, and cultural exchanges. The Henley Passport Index, the authoritative source ranking passports based on their visa-free travel privileges, recently announced its updated rankings. Here is the Most Powerful Passports Of The World, Among the most notable developments is Morocco’s impressive climb, achieving its highest ranking in a decade.
Morocco’s Passport Success Story
Morocco’s passport secured the 67th spot globally, its best performance in the last ten years. This achievement, rising from the previous year’s 71st position, enables Moroccan citizens to access 73 destinations without requiring a visa, highlighting the country’s growing international presence and proactive diplomatic engagement.
Morocco Leads North Africa
Morocco now proudly leads the North African region in passport mobility. Tunisia closely follows at 71st, while Mauritania (79th), Algeria (81st), Egypt (85th), and Libya (95th) lag further behind. Morocco’s regional leadership reflects its robust international relations strategy and successful diplomatic partnerships, fostering greater mobility for its citizens.
Arab World Passport Rankings
In the broader Arab region, the UAE maintains the highest position, ranked 8th worldwide, with visa-free access to 184 countries. Qatar (47th), Kuwait (50th), Saudi Arabia (54th), and Bahrain (55th) complete the top five in the Arab world, demonstrating substantial variance in travel freedom based on diplomatic relationships and international agreements.
Asia Dominates Global Rankings
Globally, Asian countries dominate passport strength. Singapore remains unmatched, holding the top rank with visa-free entry to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea jointly occupy second place, with visa-free access to 190 countries. This Asian prominence underscores effective diplomacy, international cooperation, and strategic positioning within global politics.
Europe Maintains Strong Positions
Europe consistently holds prominent spots on the Henley Passport Index. Seven countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—are collectively ranked third, offering citizens entry to 189 destinations. The continued strength of European passports reflects solid intra-European mobility, economic stability, and diplomatic effectiveness.
Decline of Traditional Passport Powers
Interestingly, traditionally strong passports such as those of the UK and the US are declining in rank. The UK currently sits at 6th place, while the US faces the unprecedented risk of slipping out of the top ten, currently ranking 10th. This shift indicates changing diplomatic dynamics, the impact of shifting immigration policies, and evolving international relations.
Least Powerful Passports
At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks last at 99th, granting visa-free access to merely 25 countries. Other low-ranking passports include Syria (98th), Iraq (97th), and Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan tied at 96th place. The limited travel freedom for these nations reflects complex geopolitical challenges and limited diplomatic outreach.
Decade of Increasing Global Mobility
The last decade has seen a significant trend toward greater international openness and travel freedom. According to Christian H. Kaelin, creator of the Henley Passport Index, active diplomatic efforts and sustained international cooperation are key to improving passport strength. He emphasizes that achieving and maintaining high passport rankings is an ongoing diplomatic challenge requiring continuous strategic engagement.
From an average of 58 visa-free destinations in 2006, the global average has nearly doubled to 109 in 2025, signifying a broader global trend toward increased travel freedom and interconnectedness. Over 80 passports have improved significantly, rising at least ten positions, showcasing remarkable progress for many nations.
50 Most Powerful Passports Of The World
- Singapore – 193 countries
- Japan – 190 countries
- South Korea – 190 countries
- Germany – 189 countries
- Italy – 189 countries
- Spain – 189 countries
- Finland – 189 countries
- France – 189 countries
- Ireland – 189 countries
- Denmark – 189 countries
- Austria – 188 countries
- Netherlands – 188 countries
- Sweden – 188 countries
- Belgium – 188 countries
- Portugal – 188 countries
- Luxembourg – 188 countries
- Switzerland – 187 countries
- Norway – 187 countries
- Czech Republic – 187 countries
- Greece – 186 countries
- New Zealand – 186 countries
- Canada – 186 countries
- Australia – 186 countries
- Malta – 185 countries
- Hungary – 184 countries
- United Arab Emirates – 184 countries
- Poland – 184 countries
- Slovakia – 183 countries
- Slovenia – 183 countries
- Latvia – 182 countries
- Lithuania – 182 countries
- Iceland – 181 countries
- Estonia – 181 countries
- United Kingdom – 180 countries
- United States – 179 countries
- Malaysia – 178 countries
- Cyprus – 177 countries
- Chile – 175 countries
- Monaco – 174 countries
- Romania – 174 countries
- Bulgaria – 173 countries
- Liechtenstein – 172 countries
- Croatia – 171 countries
- Argentina – 170 countries
- Brazil – 170 countries
- Hong Kong (SAR) – 170 countries
- Qatar – 169 countries
- Brunei – 168 countries
- Israel – 167 countries
- Mexico – 165 countries
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