Japan maintains passport dominance while U.S. and U.K. face setbacks

Japan continues to assert its global standing in global passport rankings, securing second place in 2025 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 countries. 

Aside from the visa-free countries, there are also 38 additional destinations which Japan passport holders either need a physical visa or an eVisa to enter.

The passport’s standing reflects Japan’s strong international relations, built on diplomatic stability, minimal geopolitical conflicts, and a well-established economic reputation.

While Japan maintains its top-tier passport status, other powerful nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, have seen fluctuations in their global mobility.  

The UK passport has ranked 7th, while the US passport is ranked 9th tied with Estonia. 

For years, both countries’ passports were among the most powerful in the world, allowing their citizens unrestricted access to numerous destinations. 

However, recent trends show a decline in the US and UK’s ranking, with both passports now providing visa-free access to 114 and 117 countries respectively. 

One key reason for this decline is the increasing number of countries implementing stricter entry requirements for US and UK passport holders. Security concerns, shifting immigration policies, and the changing global landscape have led to additional travel restrictions. 

The UK, in particular, has faced new challenges post-Brexit as it no longer enjoys the travel arrangements it once had as part of the European Union. 

Meanwhile, the US has seen its global standing affected by evolving foreign policy dynamics and diplomatic strains in certain regions.  

Accordingly, imposing tariffs on traditional allies, halting military support to specific nations, and realigning with authoritarian leaders have contributed to a reevaluation of the country’s role in the international order.

On the other hand, Japan has remained largely uninvolved in major international conflicts, allowing it to sustain positive relationships with a wide range of nations. Its economic credibility plays a significant role in securing visa-free agreements, as Japan is viewed as a stable and reliable partner in global trade and finance.