MALAYSIA has matched the United States in the latest Henley Passport Index, with both countries now ranked 12th globally, offering visa-free access to 180 destinations.
According to data compiled by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this marks the first time in 20 years that the US passport has dropped out of the Top 10, underscoring a significant shift in global travel dynamics and soft power.
Singapore retains its top spot with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189), cementing the Asia-Pacific region’s dominance in global mobility.
The United States’ fall from 10th to 12th place is attributed to a series of diplomatic and policy setbacks, including the loss of visa-free access to Brazil and exclusion from China’s expanding visa waiver programmes. Further restrictions imposed by Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam contributed to the slide.
“The weakening of the US passport reflects a shift in global mobility and soft power. Countries pursuing greater openness and reciprocity are gaining influence,” said Henley & Partners Chairman, Dr Christian H. Kaelin.
While the US passport still grants visa-free access to 180 destinations, its own openness is limited: only 46 nationalities enjoy visa-free access to the United States, placing it 77th on the Henley Openness Index.
Malaysia’s ranking alongside the US marks a continued upward trend for the country’s passport, which offers extensive travel freedom across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
In contrast, the United Kingdom has also slipped in the 2025 rankings, dropping from sixth to eighth place—its lowest position since the index began, despite once holding the top spot in 2015.
Meanwhile, China has made considerable strides in both mobility and openness. The country now allows visa-free entry to 76 nationalities—up from just a handful a decade ago—moving from 94th to 64th on the Openness Index.
This is the result of a coordinated diplomatic campaign, with China signing new visa-waiver agreements in 2024 alone with 30 countries, including Russia, Gulf states, and South American nations.
The decline of US passport power is also fuelling demand for investment migration programmes.
According to Henley & Partners, Americans now form the largest group seeking alternative citizenships, with applications rising 67 per cent year-on-year as of Q3 2025. - October 14, 2025
