How US Passport Power Has Declined Over 20 years
Summary
Over the past 20 years, the power of the U.S. passport has dropped from the most powerful to the 10th position worldwide. This ranking measures how many countries a passport holder can visit without needing a visa before travel.Key Facts
- In 2006, the U.S. passport was ranked number one in travel freedom.
- In 2026, the U.S. passport is ranked 10th, sharing the spot with Iceland.
- Americans can travel to about 179 countries without a visa in advance, which is about 92% of the world.
- Thirty-six countries now rank above the U.S. in passport strength.
- Some countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Turkey, Myanmar, and Ghana have recently required U.S. citizens to get visas.
- Singapore has the strongest passport in 2026, with visa-free access to 192 destinations.
- The United Arab Emirates has improved its passport strength the most, rising from 62nd to 2nd place.
- There is a link between a country's peacefulness and the strength of its passport, meaning more peaceful countries tend to have stronger passports.
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