The Henley Passport Index has revealed that the US passport has dropped out of the top ten for the first time in its 20-year history, now ranking 12th with visa-free access to 180 destinations.

This decline highlights a broader shift in global mobility, with Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, along with European nations, maintaining strong rankings due to diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, China has significantly expanded its global reach, moving from 94th to 64th in visa-free access over the past decade, thanks to numerous visa-free deals across Russia, Gulf states, South America, and Europe.

The contrasting trajectories of the US and China are shaping future geopolitical and mobility dynamics, with experts emphasizing that open policies and international cooperation will be crucial.

The US's declining global mobility is compounded by political instability, including a government shutdown that began in October 2025 and recent trade tariffs on Brazil, which are seen as factors impacting its soft power.

In response, industry experts suggest alternative strategies such as acquiring secondary passports through investment in countries like Portugal or Greece to mitigate mobility restrictions.

The widening disparity in travel freedoms underscores how politics and international relations influence global mobility, with American passport power diminishing relative to other nations.

The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that the US will see a $12.5 billion decline in international visitor spending in 2025 due to these mobility issues, affecting its economy.

As the US passport's power declines, there is a surge in interest among Americans in obtaining second citizenships, with applications for investment migration rising by 67% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Experts note that dual citizenship is becoming more normalized in American society, viewed as a way to hedge against geopolitical risks and policy uncertainties, transforming the concept of American citizenship.

This decline in US passport strength is also impacting business, investments, and high-net-worth individuals, prompting increased interest in residency and citizenship programs abroad.

Projections suggest the US could fall further in passport rankings without policy changes, while countries like the UAE are climbing through strategic diplomatic partnerships.