For the first time in 20 years, the US passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports in the world. Now, it sits in 12th place, alongside Malaysia. This is a big shift for a country that has long enjoyed a dominant position globally.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations people can visit without needing a visa, this change reflects a more significant trend in global mobility. Just last year, the US was in seventh place, and ten years ago, it held the top spot.
Christian H Kaelin, the creator of the index, noted, “This decline is not just a ranking shuffle; it represents a shift in global mobility and soft power.” Countries that embrace openness are moving up the ranks, while those that rely on past advantages may be left behind.
At the top of the list is Singapore, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan.
The US’s drop is tied to stricter immigration policies that began under the Trump administration, which affected not just unauthorized migration but also tourism and foreign workers. This has impacted the US’s standing internationally. Currently, US passport holders can visit 180 places without a visa, but the US allows only 46 countries access without a visa.
In recent months, countries like Brazil have also limited entry for Americans, citing lack of reciprocity. Meanwhile, countries that have relaxed visa requirements have often excluded the US from these benefits.
Interestingly, the fall in the US passport’s ranking is leading many Americans to consider dual citizenship as an option. Peter J. Spiro, a law professor, points out that this trend is becoming common. He said, “More Americans will seek additional citizenships as a means of travel freedom.”
While some view this shift humorously, with remarks like “dual citizenship is the new American dream,” it hints at a growing desire among Americans for more mobility in an increasingly interconnected world.
For an in-depth look at travel trends and tourism, you can read more at The Guardian.
