US Passport Falls Out of Top 10 in Henley Passport Index for First Time | AI News Digest
For the first time in its 20-year history, the Henley Passport Index reveals that the U.S. passport has dropped out of the top 10, now sitting at 12th place alongside Malaysia. This shift is largely due to recent changes in visa policies, including Brazil's decision to revoke visa-free entry for American travelers and new regulations in countries like China and Vietnam that favor other nations. Currently, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan lead the rankings, with Singapore at the forefront by granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. This change in passport strength highlights broader trends in global mobility and soft power, suggesting that countries embracing openness are gaining an edge over those that do not. Analysts warn that this decline in the U.S. passport's standing may indicate a significant transformation in international relations and travel accessibility.
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