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Spain has once again proven it holds one of the most powerful passports on the planet. The latest Henley Passport Index, released this October, places the Spanish passport among the global elite – ahead of both the United Kingdom and the United States – confirming Europe’s continued dominance in global mobility. The prestigious ranking, published by Henley & Partners using official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), evaluates how many destinations passport holders can enter without a visa or by obtaining one upon arrival. It’s widely regarded as a reliable indicator of both travel freedom and diplomatic influence. Spain among the world’s most powerful passports According to the October 2025 edition, Spain ranks fourth in the world, tied with Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Spanish citizens can currently travel to 188 destinations without applying for a visa in advance. That’s four more than British passport holders, who can visit 184 destinations, and eight more than Americans, who can access 180. Here’s the full Top 10 list of the world’s most powerful passports in 2025, according to the Henley Passport Index: 1- Singapore – 193 destinations 2- South Korea – 190 3- Japan – 189 4- Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland – 188 5- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands – 187 6- Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 186 7- Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland – 185 8- Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, United Kingdom – 184 9- Canada – 183 10- Latvia, Liechtenstein – 182 Europe continues to dominate the rankings, with six out of the top ten passports belonging to European nations. Spain’s success highlights its strong global ties Spain’s high ranking is more than a travel perk – it reflects the country’s stability, influence and extensive diplomatic network. According to Henley & Partners, the Spanish passport is not only powerful because of EU membership but also due to Madrid’s broad international cooperation and consistent foreign policy. Spanish citizens benefit from visa-free access to much of Latin America, North America, Asia and Africa — a testament to the country’s long-standing global relationships. And while the UK continues to feel the post-Brexit impact on its international mobility, Spain’s position within the EU allows it to maintain strong bilateral and regional agreements that boost its global reach. The UK and US fall behind as global dynamics shift While Spain continues to rise, the UK and US have both slipped down the rankings. The UK now shares eighth place with Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia and the UAE – countries once considered far less influential. Meanwhile, the United States sits in 12th place, tied with Malaysia. Analysts point to political polarisation, stricter visa policies, and weaker international partnerships as factors behind its gradual decline. Experts say this year’s results underline a broader trend: passport power is now fluid, and strongly influenced by diplomatic relations, global trust, and openness to collaboration. Passport power as a sign of trust The Henley Passport Index is more than a list – it’s a snapshot of global diplomacy. The difference between the top-ranked and lowest-ranked passports is stark: while Singaporeans can travel to 193 destinations visa-free, Afghans can access just 27. Spain’s strong position showcases not only the advantages of EU membership but also the country’s consistent efforts to remain open and globally connected. So, while other nations tighten borders or shift alliances, Spaniards can take pride in one simple fact – their passport opens more doors than ever.
