New Study Reveals Shocking Shift in U.S. Passport Power Ranking

The U.S. passport has long been one of the most powerful in the world. Now, a new study shows a shift that has the United States dropping out of the top 10 for the first time ever.

The Henley Passport Index revealed their quarterly ranking for worldwide passport potency. The United States landed in the 12th spot, tied with Malaysia, marking the country's first time falling out of the top 10 in the rankings' 20-year history.

According to the Henley & Partners' website, "The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa."

The rankings are based on data from International Air Transport Association (IATA), the company explained.

"The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations...The Henley Passport Index is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum."

While the U.S. ranks No. 12, there are 36 countries ahead on the list. Singapore, South Korea and Japan take the podium of powerful passports.

Five European countries -- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland -- tied for fourth place, while Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland and Netherlands land in fifth.

"The declining strength of the U.S. passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings — it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics," Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners, said in a statement, according to CNN. "Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”