Which country has the most “powerful” passport in the world to travel in 2025? France is no longer in the lead

Crossing the borders of the globe is not given to everyone in the same way: it all depends on the passport that we hold. Consequently, Like each semester. Consequently, the Henley & Partners firm unveils its global power index of these precious travel documents, established from data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This assesses the freedom of movement of each nationality according to the number of destinations accessible without visa. Meanwhile, with visa on arrival or via an electronic authorization. Nevertheless, Here are the results of the last ranking, published this Tuesday, July 22.

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Asia at which country most “powerful” passport the top of the list

For the second consecutive year. In addition, Singapore dominates the ranking, with 193 destinations accessible without visa for its citizens. Japan and South Korea follow closely, with easy access to 190 countries. France. which had briefly found first place in January 2024, remains well positioned: it now shares the 3rd step of the podium with six European countries – Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain – all allowing an access without visa to 189 destinations.

A position all the same positive for France, knowing that it only occupied the 6th rank in 2023. Like last year, Europe dominates the top 10, with 28 countries extras from 1st to 10th place. A notable progression, knowing that France occupied only 6th place in 2023.

Top 10 most powerful passports in the world in 2025

Another striking trend: the decline in the United Kingdom and the United States. Since January, everyone has lost a place in the ranking, pursuing a descent started ten years ago. Formerly in mind, they now occupy the 6th and 10th ranks, with access without visa to 186 and 182 destinations respectively.

The United States even borders on the release of the Top 10, a first since the creation of the index in 2006. “While emerging economies liberalize their visa policies. strengthen their diplomatic influence, the ancient powers of mobility adopt more restrictive approaches»Analysis Henley & Partners in a press release, attributing this decline to a hardening of migration which country most “powerful” passport policies in the two countries. Venezuela, however, records the most marked fall: it goes from 30th to 45th place in just six months.

Conversely, some countries progress clearly. India earns eight places, reaching the 77th, despite only two new destinations (59 in total). China has followed a similar trajectory. from 94th to 60th position since 2015 – a significant leap, especially since it still does not benefit from an exemption from visa for the Schengen area. At the bottom of the table, Iraq, Syria and especially Afghanistan are walking. Afghan nationals can only travel without visa around 25 countries, creating an impressive gap of 168 destinations with the most powerful passports.

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