Passports and visas are the two most important travel documents required for entry into another country or territory. Visa requirements remain one of the most closely monitored factors for international travelers worldwide, particularly as global mobility policies continue to evolve. Let’s take a closer look with Shore Excursions Asia at Vietnam’s latest position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, which highlights recent changes in the country’s global mobility and visa access.
Vietnam Passport Ranking Update 2025
The latest release of the Henley Passport Index provides an updated snapshot of global passport strength and mobility access. Vietnam’s position in the index reflects recent changes in visa policies and international travel frameworks.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, released by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship advisory firm headquartered in the United Kingdom, Vietnam’s passport is now ranked 90th worldwide, rising two places compared to the ranking published in October.
Vietnamese citizens currently have access to 50 destinations without a visa or with simplified entry procedures, including visa on arrival and electronic travel authorization (ETA), out of a total of 199 countries and territories.
Visa-Free and Simplified Entry Destinations
The destinations accessible to Vietnamese passport holders illustrate the scope of international mobility currently available. These destinations are primarily concentrated in nearby regions, with several additional island nations offering simplified entry options.
Key Accessible Destinations
Most destinations that Vietnamese citizens can enter without a visa or with visa on arrival are located within the ASEAN region, including Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia. In addition, several island nations such as Cape Verde, the Comoros, the Cook Islands, and the Maldives also allow simplified entry for Vietnamese passport holders.
In terms of national openness, Vietnam currently ranks 80th, granting visa exemptions to nearly 40 destinations. In the previous announcement released in the third quarter, Vietnamese passport holders were able to access 51 destinations visa-free or with simplified entry.
Historical Performance of Vietnam’s Passport
Looking at historical data provides useful context for understanding Vietnam’s current position in the global passport ranking. Over the past two decades, Vietnam’s ranking has fluctuated alongside changes in visa agreements and international relations.
The highest ranking Vietnam has achieved during the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index was 78th, recorded in 2006 and 2007. Vietnam previously ranked 79th in 2008 and 2009, 81st in 2013 and 2014, and 84th in 2010.
The ranking applies to ordinary passports only, excluding diplomatic and official passports.
Factors Influencing Passport Rankings
Passport rankings are shaped by a range of international considerations rather than travel demand alone. These factors reflect broader diplomatic and regulatory environments between countries.
According to travel industry experts, decisions by countries to grant visa exemptions or issue visas are typically influenced by bilateral diplomatic relations, economic and political conditions, and immigration management considerations, including efforts to prevent illegal immigration.
Global Passport Rankings Overview
Beyond Vietnam’s position, the Henley Passport Index also highlights broader global trends in passport strength and visa openness. The top-ranked passports continue to be dominated by countries with extensive visa-free access.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports
The global top 10 passport rankings saw little change compared to the previous release earlier in the fourth quarter. Singapore continues to hold the world’s most powerful passport, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 193 countries and territories. In terms of national openness, Singapore ranks 15th globally, granting visa exemptions to 164 destinations.
Malaysia is the latest entrant into the top 10, also climbing two positions like Vietnam, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 181 destinations. Malaysia ranks 14th globally for national openness, granting visa exemptions to 167 countries and territories. With Malaysia’s inclusion, the Asia-Pacific region now accounts for seven representatives in the global top 10.
The United States remains in the top 11, unchanged from the previous ranking. However, the country ranks 77th in terms of national openness, offering visa-free access to citizens from 46 countries and territories.
About the Henley Passport Index
To better understand the significance of the ranking, it is important to note how the Henley Passport Index is compiled and maintained. The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a prior visa. With historical data spanning 19 years, it is the only index based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide. Updated on a monthly basis, it is widely regarded as a standard reference tool for assessing passport strength and global mobility trends.
