UK Passport Drops in Global Rankings – But Still Packs a Punch!

You might not give it much thought when you pull it out at the airport, but your UK passport is still one of the most powerful travel documents on the planet, even if it’s taken a slight dip in the latest global rankings.

According to the newest Henley Passport Index, which measures how many destinations a passport allows you to visit without a visa, the UK has dropped two spots this year to sixth place. That puts it behind the likes of Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland, whose citizens now have visa-free access to more countries than Britons.

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Currently, UK passport holders can enter 186 countries without needing a visa — that’s down from 191 in mid-2024. It’s a notable shift, especially considering that the UK topped the index from 2013 to 2015, during which time it was the most travel-friendly passport in the world. Since then, it's been on a bit of a downward slide, reaching its lowest point (seventh) in 2020 and 2021.

But here’s the thing: sixth place is still incredibly high. Out of 199 countries ranked, the UK remains in the top tier — a sign that British passport holders still enjoy extensive global mobility.

And the UK isn’t alone in its descent. The US passport has also slipped, now tied for its lowest-ever position at 10th place, with visa-free access to 184 destinations. According to Henley & Partners CEO Dr Juerg Steffen, there’s growing interest among British and American citizens in securing alternative citizenship or residency abroad — driven in part by more inward-looking national policies and a desire for greater freedom and security.

At the very top of the list, Singapore holds on to the crown for a second year running, offering its citizens access to an impressive 193 destinations visa-free. Japan and South Korea aren’t far behind, tied for second with 190 countries. Meanwhile, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with its citizens able to enter just 26 countries without a visa.

The takeaway?

Sure, Britain may no longer boast the very top passport, but with access to 186 countries and a strong global reputation, the UK passport remains one of the most powerful and widely accepted in the world. That little blue (or burgundy) booklet is still a golden ticket, even if it’s no longer quite platinum.