Every year, the power of passports shifts as countries update their visa policies, reflecting who’s opening their doors to the world and who’s tightening them.
In the 2025 Henley Openness Index, Malaysia has once again proven its strength in global mobility, this time tying with the United States at 12th place, each offering visa-free access to 180 destinations.
Photo via The Seattle Times
This marks a significant moment in travel history, as the US drops out of the global top 10 for the first time in two decades. It is a stark contrast to its former glory in 2014, when it held the title of the world’s most powerful passport.
According to the index, the US’s fall is linked to recent policy changes, most notably Brazil ending visa-free entry for American citizens in April. Other nations, including China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea, also did not extend visa-free access to the US, further pulling its ranking down.
Malaysia, meanwhile, continues to hold its own in the region. Within Southeast Asia, Singapore remains unmatched, topping both the regional and global charts with 193 visa-free destinations. Malaysia follows closely behind, ranking second in ASEAN and 12th worldwide, while Brunei comes in third in the region with 164 destinations.
Here’s how the rest of Southeast Asia fares this year:
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Singapore – 1st (193 destinations)
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Malaysia – 12th (180 destinations)
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Brunei – 21st (164 destinations)
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Timor-Leste – 56th (94 destinations)
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Thailand – 66th (80 destinations)
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Indonesia – 70th (73 destinations)
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Philippines – 79th (64 destinations)
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Vietnam – 92nd (50 destinations)
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Cambodia – 92nd (50 destinations)
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Laos – 95th (46 destinations)
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Myanmar – 96th (44 destinations)
While these numbers might seem like just a matter of travel convenience, passport power tells a much deeper story. It reflects diplomatic relationships, economic stability, and international trust, all key indicators of a nation’s standing in the global community.
A strong passport opens not only physical borders but also opportunities for trade, tourism, education, and collaboration. In a world where mobility equals influence, Malaysia’s consistent position among the top ranks shows that it continues to be recognised as a stable, respected, and globally connected nation.
