Accra, Ghana – August 1, 2025 – The Henley Passport Index 2025 has revealed the world’s powerful passports based on visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. At the pinnacle sits Singapore, granting access to 193 destinations, while Japan and South Korea share second place. The rankings reflect the changing dynamics of diplomatic influence, regional stability, and reciprocal travel agreements.
Most Powerful Passports of 2025
| Rank | Country / Passport | Visa‑Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 |
| 2 | Japan, South Korea | 190 |
| 3 | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Ireland | 189 |
| 4 | Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden | 188 |
| 5 | Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland | 187 |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 186 |
| 7 | Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland | 185 |
| 8 | Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates | 184 |
| 9 | Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia | 183 |
| 10 | Iceland, Lithuania, United States | 182 |
Major diplomatic shifts also highlight UAE’s rise to the 8th position—becoming the only Arab nation in the top ten. Meanwhile, the U.S. dropped to 10th, tied with Iceland and Lithuania—the lowest in its recent history.
Global Mobility Trends & Notable Insights
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Singapore retains the lead with 193 visa-free destinations, held together by its powerful diplomatic networks.
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European passports dominate the top tiers, offering high mobility thanks to Schengen and EU partnerships.
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The United States passport’s decline is attributed to stricter visa policies and a new USD 250 visa integrity fee.
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India climbed from 85th to 77th globally, increasing its visa-free access from 57 to 59 destinations.
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Africa’s leaders, such as Seychelles (25th) and Mauritius (27th), illustrate regional gains in mobility, while Ghana ranks 71st, with access to roughly 67 countries.
Implications of Passport Ranking
A passport’s strength is more than prestige—it directly reflects geopolitical influence and economic openness. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China have significantly improved their rank through bilateral agreements and strategic outreach. Meanwhile, mobility constraints in the U.S. and the decline in UK access demonstrate the real impact of restrictive immigration policy.
Source: My News Ghana
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