- Top Rankings: Several European Union (EU) nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, dropped to joint 3rd place alongside Finland and South Korea (192 destinations). Seven other EU nations, including Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Sweden, rank 4th, with 190 destinations accessible visa-free.
- Significant Climbers: The UAE continues its rise, now ranking 10th with visa-free access to 185 destinations — an increase of 72 destinations since 2015, making it the only Arab nation in the Top 10.
- Biggest Declines: The US fell from 2nd in 2015 to 9th in 2025 (186 destinations), while the UK dropped from the top spot in 2015 to 5th. Canada and Vanuatu also saw declines, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Global Mobility and Inequalities

At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport, offering visa-free access to only 26 destinations, compared to Singapore's 195. This gap of 169 destinations represents the widest mobility divide in the index’s 19-year history.

Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin called for a "rethink of citizenship" amid growing global crises. He proposed initiatives like Free Global Cities to leverage the potential of displaced migrants, transforming them into "architects of their futures."

US and UK: Rising Isolation

The decline of US passport strength aligns with broader isolationist trends. Analysts like Annie Pforzheimer from the Center for Strategic and International Studies attribute this to protectionist policies and diminished global engagement. Meanwhile, China has climbed from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, reflecting greater international openness and visa-free agreements.

Digital Travel Innovations

2025 is set to revolutionize global travel with the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May and the UK’s ETA system, which expands to non-European travelers this year. Nick Careen of IATA highlights these innovations as a "paradigm shift" toward seamless, digital travel experiences, boosting connectivity and economic growth.

Visa Inequalities Persist

Exclusive research by Prof. Mehari Taddele Maru reveals significant disparities in Schengen visa rejection rates, with African applicants facing rejection at twice the global average. For example, Comoros leads with a 61.3% rejection rate, emphasizing systemic global mobility inequities.

Key Trends for 2025

- Wealth Migration: A record 142,000 high-net-worth individuals are projected to relocate this year, driven by political risk and instability. Americans dominate the investment migration market, accounting for 21% of applications.
- Shifting Power Dynamics: Analysts predict Asia’s growing influence, led by China's increasing openness and soft power expansion, against a backdrop of US retrenchment.


The full Henley Global Mobility Report 2025 Q1, with insights on migration trends, regional analyses, and policy recommendations, is available online.