Which Passports Got Stronger in 2025 — And Which Got Weaker

The Henley Passport Index, which tracks visa-free access for 199 passports, released its 2025 rankings — and there are some notable shifts worth paying attention to.

The Perennial Leaders

Japan held its top spot for the third consecutive year, with Japanese passport holders able to access 193 countries without a visa. Singapore and South Korea continue their ascent, with both now ranked in the top three.

The EU core — France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands — remains clustered in the top five, reflecting the Schengen Area's broad reciprocal visa agreements.

The Biggest Winners

Several countries made notable gains this year:

The UAE continued its remarkable run, now ranked 12th globally. A decade ago, UAE passport holders needed visas for most destinations. Aggressive diplomacy and treaty negotiations have transformed it into one of the most powerful passports in the developing world.

Several Southeast Asian nations also gained ground, reflecting growing economic ties and improving diplomatic relationships with Europe and North America.

The Losers

Countries under intensified sanctions or with deteriorating diplomatic relationships saw the steepest falls. Russian passport holders now have access to just 57 countries visa-free — down from over 100 before 2022. The practical impact on ordinary Russians, not just oligarchs, has been significant.

What Actually Drives Passport Power

Visa-free access is essentially a measure of how much other countries trust your government and your citizens. High-ranked passports come from stable democracies with strong rule of law, low corruption, and good diplomatic relationships.

The implication: if you want a stronger passport, your country generally needs to become more stable, more transparent, and more diplomatically active. There are no shortcuts — though investment migration programs (like the UAE's Golden Visa) can offer a workaround for individuals.