2025's Top Passports: The Anglosphere Falls Back

A strong passport offers freedom, and a second passport is more than just a travel perk—it’s a powerful tool to protect your wealth, secure your future, and expand your opportunities. Choosing the right citizenship requires careful consideration of economic benefits, tax advantages, political stability, and more.

For years, citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have enjoyed unmatched global mobility, but times have changed. The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals a harsh reality: these countries have lost ground, slipping behind many European and Asian nations. Visa restrictions are tightening, and global mobility is no longer guaranteed. Why is this happening? And where do Latin American countries stand in this new reality?

THE MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS 2025: WHO'S AT THE TOP?

According to the Henley Passport Index, the most powerful passport in 2025 belongs to Singapore. Singaporean citizens have visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea are in second place, with passports that offer access to 190 countries. European countries make it into the rankings in third place. New Zealand, an English-speaking country, is in fifth place. Many of the top ten countries are European, and English-speaking countries are lagging. The 36 countries that ranked in the top 10 are listed below:

WHY ARE THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES’ PASSPORTS DECLINING?

When compared with the Henley Passport Index 2024, we see a noticeable decline in the rankings of English-speaking countries:

• USA (2024: 7th → 2025: 9th)

• UK (2024: 4th → 2025: 5th)

• Canada (2024: 7th → 2025: 7th – Although Canada’s placement is the same, there is a decline in visa-free countries, from 188 to 185).

• Australia (2024: 6th → 2025: 6th – Although Australia’s placement remains the same, there is a decline in visa-free countries, from 189 to 186.

• New Zealand (2024: 4th → 2025: 5th – Although New Zealand moved up one place in the rankings, there is a decline in visa-free countries, from 189 to 187.

English-speaking countries have steadily been slipping in the Henley Passport Index rankings, and there are a few key reasons behind this trend. Stricter immigration rules and geopolitical tensions have complicated travel for their citizens.

The UK was in first place in the early 2010s but has now fallen to fifth place. The UK's drop is largely tied to Brexit, which stripped away the benefits of EU membership. The U.S. was in second place in 2014 but has fallen significantly over the last ten years. U.S. passport power has declined due to geopolitical shifts and a more inward-focused foreign policy. Australia's strict border policies and New Zealand's more cautious approach to global mobility have all played a role. Although Canada maintained its place in the rankings, it keeps losing visa-free access to countries. 

The U.S. passport is in decline. As access narrows and global tensions rise, Americans are seeking second citizenships to protect their freedom and future

THE DECLINE OF THE U.S. PASSPORT

There are several persistent reasons for the U.S. passport’s steady decline compared to other countries that rank higher. Unlike countries that consistently negotiate reciprocal agreements, security concerns over travel liberalization prevent the U.S. from engaging in proactive visa diplomacy. In addition, strict visa policies imposed on specific regions (especially with regard to developing countries) have led to retaliatory measures, restricting U.S. passport holders’ access to certain destinations like Gabon, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Togo, and the Central African Republic. 

Geopolitical tensions and diplomatic disputes have also caused the U.S. passport to lose power. U.S. relations with certain countries have become more complex, affecting travel agreements. U.S. citizens are occasionally subject to additional scrutiny due to concerns about political tensions or U.S. involvement in global conflicts. As a result, unless the U.S. changes its diplomatic strategy or expands visa-free agreements, the U.S. passport may continue to experience a relative decline in global rankings.

The decline of the U.S. passport has led more Americans to seek a second citizenship. As visa-free access for U.S. passport holders shrinks and global travel becomes more fragmented, Americans increasingly seek second citizenships and alternative residencies to maintain their freedom of movement. According to Henley’s The U.S. Wealth Report 2024, U.S. citizens were the largest group applying for dual citizenship and residency-by-investment programs worldwide. This growing trend reflects more than just a desire for ease of travel. It's part of a broader strategy known as "geopolitical arbitrage."

Once a leader in global mobility, the UK passport has lost its power post-Brexit. Freedom of movement is gone, and ETIAS restrictions are coming soon for EU travel

THE UNITED KINGDOM'S POST-BREXIT LOSS

The UK passport was one of the world leaders in the 2010s, but has fallen to 6th place due to losses following Brexit. One consequence of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (EU) has been the loss of visa-free access.

Previously, UK citizens could move freely within the EU; however, they now face new travel restrictions. These restrictions will expand with the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), an upcoming visa waiver program set to be implemented by the EU in 2026. Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, will need to apply for authorization before entering Schengen Zone countries. ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization, similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Before Brexit, UK passport holders had freedom of movement across the EU, meaning they could travel, live, and work in any European country without restrictions. However, since leaving the EU, the UK has been treated as a third country in terms of EU travel regulations. As a result, UK citizens must apply for ETIAS authorization before short visits to Schengen Zone countries. UK citizens can visit the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

THE RISE OF THE ASIAN COUNTRIES IN THE PASSPORT INDEX 

It is not an accident that Singapore, Japan, and South Korea offer the most visa-free access to their citizens. Their success reflects decades of strategic diplomacy, economic growth, and proactive global engagement.

Asian countries have prioritized international relations and worked to secure mutually beneficial travel agreements to eliminate their citizens’ travel restrictions. These nations are seen as low-risk concerning security and immigration, which extends their citizens' global mobility.

As the balance of passport power shifts, Asia's influence on global mobility is growing, making Singapore, Japan, and South Korea some of the best passports to hold in 2025.

LATIN AMERICA: YOUR BEST BET FOR A SECOND PASSPORT?

While English-speaking countries are falling in the rankings, many countries in Latin America have increased their passport strength in the Henley Passport Index 2025. Latin America was associated with political turmoil in the past, but this perception is changing quickly. Many countries in Latin America are improving their economy and political stability considerably, and their borders are being opened to expats. The power of their passports is one way to show the strength of these Latin American countries:

Panama, in particular, offers excellent opportunities to expats. I have lived in Panama for over five years for many reasons. Panama offers the perfect balance of freedom, security, and opportunity. I want a country with strong food, water, and energy independence, and Panama excels in all three. From a business and financial perspective, Panama's pro-business environment and territorial tax system are also a major advantage for expats since income earned outside Panama remains tax-free.

Safety and stability were also priorities for me, not just in terms of crime but also asset protection laws to ensure long-term security. On top of that, Panama's strategic location makes travel easy for both work and leisure, while its modern infrastructure, great amenities, and family-friendly lifestyle provide everything I need to thrive.  

The table above lists many other great countries for expats. Chile is known for its stable and developed political and economic environment. Chile is dear to my heart because my third child was born there and holds a Chilean passport. If you want your children to have the advantage of a second passport by birth, Chile is an excellent destination for birth tourism.

Brazil is another fantastic country and one of my favourite destinations. It has a fast-growing economy, attractive investment opportunities for expats, stunning nature, and a rich cultural environment. My wife and I chose to have our second child born in Brazil, and he now holds a Brazilian passport. 

Costa Rica offers excellent opportunities for expats with their stable political and economic systems, territorial tax regimes, low cost of living, and multicultural environments.

Argentina is one of the largest nations in Latin America and has garnered significant attention under Javier Milei's leadership. Although I do not recommend it as a Plan-B destination yet, it is worth keeping an eye on the country. Mexico is another top destination for expats seeking affordable living, economic opportunities, a vibrant cultural environment, and advantageous visa programs.

Global passport power is shifting. As the Anglosphere declines, countries like Panama rise, offering freedom, opportunity, and second citizenships for a changing world

CONCLUSION   

The Henley Passport Index 2025 clarifies that the global balance of passport power is shifting. English-speaking countries that once dominated the rankings are slipping, while many countries in Asia and Latin America are rising.

Stricter immigration policies, geopolitical shifts, and a lack of proactive visa diplomacy have disadvantaged the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.  Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have strengthened their diplomatic ties to offer more visa-free access for their citizens. Latin American countries like Panama, Chile, Uruguay, and Costa Rica provide tax advantages and residency programs to attract more expats and boost their global appeal.

Every year, more people seek second passports to regain travel freedom, access new financial opportunities, and secure their future. If you would like to explore your options, subscribe to receive our free special report on Plan-B Residencies and Instant Citizenships. The world is changing, and building a Plan-B is essential.