Overview

• Henley’s October update places the United States in 12th place, tied with Malaysia, with visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations as Canada advances to 9th with 183.
• Recent setbacks for Americans include Brazil ending visa-free entry in April, exclusions from expanded waivers by China and Vietnam, and changes involving Papua New Guinea, Myanmar and Somalia’s new eVisa system.
• The United States grants visa-free entry to citizens of only 46 countries, a low openness level Henley links to weaker reciprocity and a lower ranking.
• Policy moves cited by researchers include suspended visa issuance for several countries, the ESTA fee increase to $40 on Sept. 30 and a proposed $250 visa integrity fee, which the U.S. Travel Association warns could deter visitors.
• Asian passports lead the index, with Singapore first (193 destinations) ahead of South Korea (190) and Japan (189), reflecting a broader shift toward greater travel openness in the region.