The United States passport has long been a symbol of freedom and global mobility, granting its holders extensive access to countries worldwide. As of 2025, the U.S. passport is ranked 8th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations. In this article, we explore what makes the U.S. passport strong, how passport strength is measured, and the specific visa requirements for U.S. citizens around the world.
Understanding passport strength: how is it measured?
Passport strength is typically assessed based on the level of access it grants to different countries without requiring a visa. Various organisations evaluate passport power by analysing how many destinations a passport holder can visit visa-free or with simplified entry processes like visa-on-arrival or electronic visas.
Key factors contributing to passport strength include:
- Visa-free access: The ability to enter a country without needing a visa in advance.
- Visa-on-arrival: Permission to obtain a visa upon arrival at the destination.
- Electronic travel authorisation (e-visa): Digital pre-clearance that is quicker and easier to obtain than a traditional visa.
- Global mobility score: The total number of destinations that can be accessed without a visa or through simplified processes.
As of 2025, the U.S. passport is ranked 8th globally and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 countries, reflecting its high mobility score and international standing.
The U.S. Passport
Historically, the strength of the U.S. passport has been bolstered by the country's diplomatic relations and economic influence. American citizens enjoy extensive travel freedom, with access to numerous countries across different continents without the need for a prior visa.
Upcoming Changes: ETIAS and Travel to Europe
Starting in 2025, U.S. citizens will need to navigate a new system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) when traveling to the Schengen Area. This electronic authorisation will be required for visa-exempt visitors, including Americans, for short-term stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
While ETIAS is not a traditional visa, it acts as a pre-screening measure to enhance border security. Travellers will need to complete an online application before their trip, providing basic personal information and travel details, along with a small fee. Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple entries into participating countries. More about the ETIAS and the new EES system in this article.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
The U.S. passport offers its holders significant global mobility, granting access to numerous countries with varying visa requirements. Below is a categorised list of countries based on their entry stipulations for U.S. citizens:
Visa-free access (90 days or more)
U.S. passport holders can enter the following countries without a visa for stays up to 90 days or more: Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St Helena, St Maarten, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, UEA, Uruguay, US Virgin Island, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Wallis and Futuna, Zambia
Visa on arrival
US passport holders can enter the following countries getting a visa on arrival: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) needed
US passport holder need to apply for an eTA before entering the following countries: Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Pakistan, United Kingdom
Visa required
US passport holders need to apply for a visa before entering the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Liberia, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen
Visa online
US passport holders need to apply for an online visa before entering the following countries: Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, India, Libya, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Syria, Togo, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
*Source is from VisaIndex.
The Global Strength of the U.S. Passport
The U.S. passport remains one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, granting American citizens extensive mobility and access to 186 countries. While visa-free travel is available in many destinations, some countries still require a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
With upcoming changes like ETIAS for travel to Europe, U.S. passport holders should stay informed about evolving entry requirements. Despite these adjustments, the U.S. passport continues to offer unparalleled freedom, making global travel, work, and relocation more accessible than ever.