For the first time in two decades, the United States has dropped out of the world’s top ten most powerful passports, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released this week.

The US now ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia, offering visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations. This marks a steady decline from 2014, when the American passport held the number one spot.

Singapore remains the global leader, with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland complete the top tier with access to 188 destinations.

The report links the US decline to several policy reversals. Brazil reinstated visa requirements for American travellers earlier this year, citing a lack of reciprocity. China expanded visa-free entry to multiple European nations but excluded the US, while new systems in Somalia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Myanmar further limited American mobility.

“The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings; it signals a shift in global mobility and soft power,” said Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners. “Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

The United Kingdom also recorded its lowest-ever placement, falling to eighth. China rose from 94th in 2015 to 64th this year, while the United Arab Emirates climbed 34 places to join eighth position. South Africa ranks 53rd.

At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains last with access to only 24 destinations, underscoring what the index calls a widening “mobility gap” between nations.