U.S. Passport Slips to 10th Place in Global Mobility Rankings

Salt Lake City, UT, July 28, 2026 —

The United States passport has seen a notable decline in its global standing, now ranking 10th in the latest Henley Passport Index. The once dominant travel document provides visa-free access to 180 destinations, a figure surpassed by Singapore, which offers access to 192 destinations.

This shift marks a broader trend in international travel freedom, with Asian nations increasingly asserting their influence in global mobility. Traditional powerhouses like the U.S. and the United Kingdom are experiencing a diminishing relative advantage in passport rankings.

According to experts cited in the report, a country’s passport power is intrinsically linked to its standing in several key areas, including its peacefulness, economic prosperity, and overall geopolitical influence. The index suggests that enhanced travel freedom is becoming a direct indicator of the value that other nations place on their diplomatic and economic relationships with a particular country.

The Henley Passport Index analyzes the travel permissions granted by countries worldwide, effectively ranking passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The recent findings indicate a rebalancing of global influence, with a growing number of countries achieving higher rankings through strengthened international ties and perceived stability.

The implications of this evolving passport power dynamic are far-reaching, potentially impacting international business, tourism, and diplomatic relations. As global connectivity continues to evolve, the strength of a nation’s passport serves as a reflection of its broader international standing and relationships.

Story summarized from the original created by Emily Walker on www.deseret.com, see more information here.