South Korean Passport Ranks Second Globally, U.S. Slips to 10th

South Korea has maintained its strong global passport standing, securing the second position worldwide with its citizens able to access 188 destinations without a visa or with a visa on arrival.

This achievement marks a significant rise from its 11th place ranking 20 years ago. The Henley Passport Index, in its 20th anniversary edition, placed Singapore at the top, offering access to 192 destinations visa-free. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also seen a remarkable ascent, climbing from 62nd place two decades ago to a joint second position alongside South Korea and Japan.

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The world's most powerful passport is that of a country that other nations want to partner with in areas such as trade, investment, security, and cooperation.

The report highlights the UAE's rapid improvement as an "impressive example" of how diplomatic efforts can enhance global mobility. In contrast, the U.S. passport, which once shared the top spot, now ranks 10th, granting access to 180 countries. Despite an increase in visa-free destinations from 130 to 180 over 20 years, its global ranking has declined.

The Henley Passport Index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures passport strength by the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, noted that the world's most powerful passports belong to countries that other nations wish to partner with in trade, investment, and security, viewing mobility as a measure of the value placed on international relationships.

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Mobility is ultimately a measure of the value that other countries place on their relationship with you.