For the first time in two decades, the Malaysian passport now officially stands on par with the U.S. passport in the ranking of the world’s most powerful travel documents. According to the latest 2025 update of the Henley Passport Index, both countries are now ranked 12th, granting their citizens visa-free access to 180 destinations.
This milestone marks a historic moment not only for Malaysia but also for the Southeast Asian region as a whole. While the power of the U.S. passport has been gradually declining, Asian countries have demonstrated remarkable growth in global mobility and diplomatic influence.
Malaysia’s Strength Beyond Borders
Malaysia’s position in this year’s ranking reflects impressive consistency. Although it slipped one spot from 11th place last year, the Malaysian passport still offers access to 180 destinations worldwide, now equal to the U.S. passport.
For many Malaysians, this is a source of national pride. Social media has been flooded with expressions of gratitude and comments celebrating the fact that a Malaysian passport can “take you almost anywhere in the world without a visa.”
Within Southeast Asia, Malaysia stands as proof that political stability, active diplomacy, and a strong international image can yield tangible benefits for its citizens.
Southeast Asia on the Rise
At the very top of the index, Singapore has once again secured the world’s strongest passport, offering visa-free entry to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).
Asia’s dominance at the top of the list signals a major shift in the global landscape, away from traditional Western powers toward East and Southeast Asia.
Malaysia is the only Southeast Asian country other than Singapore to make it into the top 12, a feat that goes beyond national pride. It serves as concrete evidence that diplomacy, stability, and openness to the world can translate into significant global influence.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, said that the U.S. passport’s decline “signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He noted that countries prioritizing international cooperation are advancing rapidly, while those relying on “past privilege” are beginning to fall behind.
United States: From the Top to 12th Place
Back in 2014, the United States held the top spot in the global passport ranking. U.S. citizens could travel visa-free to more countries than anyone else in the world.
However, that position has steadily declined, from 7th place in 2024 to 12th place in 2025.
One of the main reasons behind this drop is a lack of reciprocal visa policies. While many countries have expanded visa-free access for international partners, the U.S. has chosen to maintain its strict entry requirements. Currently, only 46 nationalities can enter the U.S. without a visa, a significantly lower number than other countries in the top 10.
Another factor accelerating this decline is the decision by several countries to revoke visa-free access for U.S. passport holders. Brazil, for instance, reinstated visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia in April 2025, citing a lack of reciprocity. China and Vietnam have also excluded the U.S. from their latest visa-free lists.
Meanwhile, domestic policy decisions have further hurt the U.S.’s travel reputation. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee was raised from USD 21 to USD 40 in September 2025, adding yet another hurdle for tourists and business travelers.
