US Passport Drops Out Of Top 10 For The First Time: Here’s Where Aussies Rank (And Where We Can Go)

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the US passport has fallen out of the world’s top 10 most powerful, according to the latest Henley Passport Index (a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom allowed by those countries' ordinary passports for their citizens). It now ranks 12th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. Yikes. Anyway, we know we're all here to see how the Aussie stamp fares, so without further ado.

You Might Also Like:

• The Best Beaches In Sri Lanka For Sun, Sand And Surf
• The Best Family Resorts In Bali For Kid-Friendly Stays In 2025
• From Onsen Dips To Ramen Hits—Here’s The Best Things To Do In Tokyo In 2025

Who’s Leading

Top-ranking countries include France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain, with visa-free access to 194 destinations. Australia ranks 7th, giving citizens access to 189 countries, just ahead of Canada and New Zealand.

Why The Shift?

Experts attribute the drop to changes in visa reciprocity agreements and post-pandemic travel adjustments. Even influential countries can see reduced mobility when global policies evolve and tensions between the US and... well... everyone, certainly haven't helped.

What It Means

Combined with Australia’s recent visa refusals, these rankings suggest that global travel access is increasingly tied to trust, diplomacy, and international relationships rather than traditional influence or pop culture. For Australians, it’s a reminder that our passport still carries significant weight. And that it’s time to book that cheeky vacay. 

Not sure where to head? Jetstar has just launched flights from Australia to Japan and South Korea at seriously tempting prices. Go on, you deserve it.

Main Image Credit: iStock